Coromandel Coastal Walkway
Walk the Walkway ONEWAY
Self Guided Hike of up to 10kms.
Afternoon tea provided.
Full Day Experience.
Knowledgeable and experienced hosts.
Shuttle departs Colville 9 am
Returns Colville 5pm
Walkway Repairs Update June 2025
We are delighted to finally say the Coastal Walkway is fully open after 2.5 years of closure. HOWEVER…………….while you can once again enjoy it as a ONEWAY walk, it can be slippery and very narrow in parts with steep dropoffs. If you at all suffer from vertigo or a fear of heights then the ONEWAY option may not be for you. Give us a call, we may be able to arrange an alternative for you.
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, back-country, gravel road to the remote and rugged location of Stony 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.
The track starts 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.
Please be aware that approx one hour in from the start is the area that suffered from a storm in 2023. Some areas are narrow and slippery with steep dropoffs so please do not book this option if you at all suffer from vertigo or a fear of heights.
Not too much further on is the stunning lookout point, almost 5kms in from Stony Bay. A great place to sit and ponder with its massive seaviews to Great Barrier and Beyond, far across the surrounding Pacific Ocean. A little further is the Heritage Seat, a nice spot to sit and enjoy your lunch before descending to the depths of Poley Bay with its volcanic rocks bearing the scars of years of pounding from high wind and heavy seas.
The Coastal Walkway isn’t just about the sea, there’s plenty of other surprises along the way as well. The walk finishes through wide open farmland and 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.
Continue on past Maloney’s Bay before one last effort before you reach your final destination under the pohutukawa in Fletcher Bay. Gavin will be there with complimentary afternoon tea with time to chill out before the trip back to Colville via a beautiful piece of NZ coastline.
Tip of the Day: Fletcher Bay is a great place to finish your day with a dip in the ocean to cool off so don’t forget your togs.
What is the cost…………….
PRICING:-
Colville Departure ONEWAY Option i.e. dropoff Stony Bay 10.30am, pickup Fletcher Bay 3.30pm Adults 2x minimum $225.00pp (i.e. for the trip to proceed, minimum charge required for two persons is $450). Sliding Charge for all when passenger numbers reach 5x i.e. 5x pax to 7x pax then $200.00 pp. If 8x pax to 11x then $175 pp. Groups do not need to be known to each other for sliding charge to apply. Children $175pp (must travel with 2x adults)
At the time of booking please select the $225 per adult ONEWAY option and appropriate refunds or deductions will be given on the day if others have booked the ONEWAY experience.
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 ONEWAY Option i.e. dropoff Stony Bay 10.30am, pickup Fletcher Bay 3.30pm Adults $225.00 for 2x (minimum charge to cover is $450). Sliding Charge for all when passenger numbers reach 5x i.e. 5x pax to 7x pax then $200.00 pp. If 8x pax to 11x then $175 pp. Groups do not need to be known to each other for sliding charge to apply. Children $175pp (must travel with 2x adults)
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.
Closed Tuesdays and Fridays. We close for a short break over Christmas period.
Minimum of two passengers required to confirm a tour, minimum charge to cover of $450 then sliding charge applies. If you are travelling alone, please get in touch and we may be able to assist.
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.
The steeper section totalling approximately one kilometre, down and out of Poley Bay is a challenge for some of our hikers. We can discuss this with you if you would like further clarification. Walking Poles may be of assistance as well as good grip on shoes.
From Stony Bay to the Lookout point the track can be narrow in places and may be slippery with steep dropoffs. Please wisely consider your abilities before booking this option or talk with us first expecially if you suffer from vertigo or a fear of heights.
Please advise in advance if you have any food allergies or food requirements.
Looking for something else…?
Credit: Sam Ritterman
