#4 Coromandel Coastal Walkway
Walk the Walkway ONEWAY no need to DOUBLE BACK!
Self Guided Hike of up to 10kms.
Full Day Experience.
Knowledgeable and experienced hosts.
Shuttle departs Colville 9 am
Returns Colville 4.30pm
Please book online or phone/email ahead as our office is not always attended.
What to expect………………..
The day starts at 9.00 am in Colville, a small village located 30 minutes north of Coromandel Town on a tarseal road. Don’t worry about whether your rental vehicle can travel to Colville, the insurance exclusions only apply on the gravel roads north of Colville. AND if you have driven yourselves to Coromandel Town, the road to Colville is somewhat of an easier, quieter drive:
We travel a well worn, gravel road right beside the sea to the remote location of Fletcher Bay, in a late model, airconditioned 11 seater van. Our driver, Gavin, is experienced at negotiating the tricky, narrow road and will point out the local sights along the way while you sit back and enjoy the scenery. Taking a tour really takes the stress of the drive out of your day and helps you understand what’s what in the local area. WIN WIN!
Around 10.30 a.m. we arrive at the start of the Coromandel Coastal Walk, the jewel in the crown on the Northern Coromandel Peninsula. The self-guided trail is well marked but we also provide you with a pocket map so you won’t miss anything along the way. With 10 kilometres of hiking available (3-4 hours) the Walkway is proving to be a great day out for hikers with a moderate levels of fitness.
Upon leaving Fletcher Bay, Maloney’s Bay is the first port of call before heading up through wide open coastal farmland. The Coastal Walkway isn’t just about the sea, there’s plenty of other surprises along the way as well. The trail passes by an historic shepherd’s hut. There are stories aplenty and a written recollection to boot of the many shepherds and fencers who have spent a restless night in this windswept location.
From here the track descends to the depths of Poley Bay with its volcanic rocks bearing the scars from years of pounding from high wind and heavy seas. While a lovely place to pause for a snack, we do not recommend swimming here as the currents and undertow can be treacherous.
Not too much further on is the Heritage Seat, a nice spot to sit and enjoy your lunch before reaching the stunning lookout point, almost 5kms in from Fletcher Bay. This is a great place to sit and ponder with its massive seaviews out to Great Barrier and Beyond, far across the surrounding Pacific Ocean.
The track finishes by winding its way through native bush with small groves of Kauri to be admired along the way. The sounds of kaka, korimako and tui can sometimes be heard with the occasional kereru observing proceedings from high up in the trees.
Ample time is allowed for you to complete the hike in a comfortable manner, no need to rush. However rest assured the shuttle will arrive in Stony Bay any time from around 3pm for pickup and return to Colville around 4.30pm.
What is the cost…………….
PRICING:-
Colville Departure 9am ONEWAY Option with dropoff Fletcher Bay 10.30am, pickup Stony Bay 3.00pm (Shuttle will wait if you are delayed)
Adults 2x minimum $250.00pp
Group Rate 5-11 pax $225.00 pp
Children 15yo and under $225pp (must travel with 2x adults)
What shall I bring……….
Sturdy walking shoes, Trainers are OK to wear in summer but must have good grip on the soles.
Walking poles can be handy but not essential.
Lunch, snacks, water (complimentary top-up water supplies are available in the van).
Sun protection,
Sunhat,
Insect repellent,
Swimsuit and towel.
Our weather can be changeable so it is also advisable to carry a warm layer and a rain jacket.
Oh and don't forget your camera.
#1 How will I know where to go while on the trail?
Your driver, Gavin is here to help support you throughout the day and will provide you with a pocket map to guide you through the trail. The trail is also well signposted.
#2 Why would I take a shuttle with you?
We know the best view points, we know the roads, the history, the local knowledge. All things easily missed when travelling independently. Not to mention the stress of driving our roads. By taking our service, it also makes it very convenient to walk the walkway ONEWAY with dropoff and pickup at either end of the track.
#3 Can I drive there myself?
If hiring a vehicle it pays to check the Agreement you have signed. Some hire companies prohibit their vehicles from being driven on the roads north of Colville. If you do bring a vehicle up this way, please remember the road is narrow in many places and care is required.
#4 Do you know of somewhere we can stay in Colville?
Yes, right across the road from the departure point is Susannah’s, a delightful villa perfectly set up for our travellers.
How do I get to Colville?
Follow the SH 25 signage from either Thames or Whitianga to Coromandel Town. This will take approximately one hour from either location.
Colville is 26kms from Coromandel Town on a tarsealed road. The road is a two way road and a particularly easy drive in comparison to many of the roads around The Coromandel.
If you need transport from Coromandel Town to Colville please either ring Sharon at Coromandel Taxis Ph: 027 376 4466 or email corotaxis3506@gmail.com OR consider hiring a car from GAS Coromandel, 226 Wharf Road, Coromandel Ph 07 866 8736.
“One of the best Coastal Walks in New Zealand”.
Additional Info:
Colville Departure 9am ONEWAY Option with dropoff Fletcher Bay 10.30am, pickup Stony Bay 3.00pm (Shuttle will wait if you are delayed).
Adults 2x minimum $250.00pp.
Group Rate 5x to 11x pax then $225.00 pp.
Children 15 yo and under $225pp (must travel with 2x adults)
Coromandel Town Departures on Saturdays ON HOLD.
Payment can be made on the day of departure in cash or credit/debit card.
Children must travel with two adults otherwise adult fare applies.
Does not operate Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. We also close for a short break over Christmas period.
Minimum of two passengers required to confirm a tour. If you are travelling alone, please get in touch and we may be able to assist.
Track Condition: Some areas of the Coastal Walkway are narrow and care is required.
Colville Departure Point: This is from our home in Colville at 76 Wharf Road, Colville. First road on the left just as you leave Colville. Departs at 9.00 a.m. returns 5.00pm approx. Check-in 10 minutes prior. Free Parking available on site.
Please Note: Many rental car companies have insurance exclusions in place if their hire vehicles are driven on our backcountry roads. If you are in a bigger vehicle e.g. a campervan or towing a caravan, some parts of the road are very narrow with very little room to get around oncoming traffic without maneouvering. Taking a tour with us means you leave the stresses and strains of driving, back in the carpark.
Please bring sturdy walking shoes, lunch, snacks, water, sun protection, insect repellent, swimsuit and towel. Our weather can be changeable so it is also advisable to carry a warm layer and a rain jacket. Free water supplies available in the van. Oh and don't forget your camera. Trainers are OK to wear in summer but must have good grip on the soles.
We advise our travellers to stay in either Colville or Coromandel the night before and after the tour. This is a full day and can be tiring if additional travel is booked in further away. It may be helpful with your planning to know Whitianga and Thames are approximately an hour's drive away from Coromandel Town.
Walking Poles may be of assistance as well as good grip on shoes.
Looking for something else…?
Credit: Sam Ritterman
