Walking tracks & trails
Whangamatā isn’t just about sun, surf, and sand — it’s also a walker’s paradise. From easy beachfront strolls to peaceful bush tracks, there’s something for everyone.
A world of walks
There's not many places in NZ where you get spoilt with a choice of walking spots and scenery, within a 10 minute drive.
Beachfront Walks: Take a refreshing walk along Whangamatā Beach, where golden sands stretch for kilometres. Watch the surf, collect shells, or simply enjoy the fresh sea air. These paths are perfect for families, casual walkers, or early-morning runners.
Estuary & Wetland Trails: Discover the calm beauty of the Whangamatā estuary and nearby wetlands. These easy, mostly flat tracks are ideal for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities to spot native birds and enjoy peaceful water views.
Bush & Hill Walks: For those who enjoy a touch of bush, local tracks through native forests provide a quiet escape. Stretch your legs, enjoy the shade of native trees, and take in views of rivers, hills and waterfalls!
The popular tracks
Harbour Edge Walk (5 mins - 2 hours)
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Whangamatā waterfront, with plenty of options for starting points — the wharf is a convenient choice. The trail takes you all the way to Patiki Place Reserve, offering mostly flat paths, tranquil harbour views, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Note: This walk isn’t a loop and isn’t signposted. Begin anywhere along the harbourfront, cross the Causeway, and follow the green reserve — let the scenery guide your route!
*Image courtesy of Peter Stretch.
Harbour, Estuary, Town & Beach Walk (30 mins - 1 hour)
Experience the best of Whangamatā’s varied outlooks — from harbour and estuary to town and beach — on this flexible walk or ride. Start wherever you like, with the town centre being a convenient option.
Head towards the wharf via Port Road, then follow the harbour along Beach Road, past the marina. Cross Hetherington Road and continue along the path past Humphrey the Sea Lion. At Sharyn Place, take a left down the alleyway, turn left onto Martyn Road, and cross over the rugby park into Lincoln Road and back into town. Follow the pedestrian access ways straight to the beach, stroll along the sand, and either loop back via Hunt Road or return to the wharf.
This walk offers a lovely mix of town, waterfront, and beach scenery — ideal for birdwatching, enjoying the marina, and soaking up Whangamatā’s unique coastal vibe.
*Image courtesy of Peter Stretch.
Wentworth Valley Walk (2.5 hours return)
Escape into the bush and hills of Whangamatā with the Wentworth Valley Walk. This track takes you through native forest and gently rising terrain, offering a peaceful retreat from town while rewarding walkers with expansive views over the surrounding valleys and coastline.
Starting at the Wentworth Road carpark, the walk follows well-formed tracks through stands of kauri, nikau, and native ferns. Birdsong accompanies you along the way, and in places the canopy opens up to reveal sweeping vistas over the Whangamatā estuary and harbour.
This walk is ideal for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking to stretch their legs while immersing themselves in the Coromandel’s natural beauty. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as parts of the track are uphill and uneven.
Off the beaten track
Luck at Last Mine
Discover Whangamatā’s gold-mining heritage on the Luck at Last Mine Walk, a moderate-length track that winds through native bush to the historic mine site. This walk gives visitors the chance to explore old shafts, relics, and interpretive signage that bring the 19th-century gold rush to life.
The trail is longer and slightly more challenging than a casual stroll, with gentle uphill sections that reward walkers with views over the surrounding forest and valley. Surrounded by native trees and birdlife, it’s a scenic and educational walk for history enthusiasts, families, and keen explorers alike.
Pokohino Walk
Step into the peaceful native bush of Whangamatā on the Pokohino Walk, a scenic track that showcases the area’s lush forest and tranquil surroundings. The walk follows well-formed paths through stands of native trees, including kauri, puriri, and totara, with ferns and birdlife adding to the serene experience.
Ideal for walkers of moderate fitness, the track includes gentle uphill sections and offers occasional glimpses over the surrounding valleys and hills. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a nature-focused stroll, or a family-friendly adventure, the Pokohino Walk is a rewarding way to connect with the Coromandel’s bush environment.
Pakahakaha Bay (Octopus Bay)
Access Octopus Bay from the carpark at the top of Onemana Drive. The walk begins along an elevated section of coastline with stunning cliff views, before descending towards the sheltered bay.
This scenic spot is perfect for walkers and nature lovers. Explore the rocky shoreline, spot seabirds and marine life, and enjoy panoramic views of the Coromandel coastline. While there’s no formal track, the combination of cliffs, beach, and calm waters makes it a memorable coastal adventure for families and visitors of all ages.
Whangamatā Harbour & Lookout
For spectacular panoramic views over Whangamatā Harbour, head to the Whangamatā Lookout via Peninsula Road. The track begins at the end of the road and climbs through native bush, offering glimpses of coastal scenery and local birdlife along the way.
The path is well-formed but moderately steep in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Once at the lookout, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the harbour, estuary, and surrounding hills — a perfect spot for photography or simply taking in the Coromandel landscape.
From the lookout, the track continues down toward the harbour, providing a scenic return route that combines bush walking with waterfront views. Ideal for walkers seeking a mix of exercise, nature, and breathtaking scenery.
The Pinnacles
Take on one of the Coromandel’s most iconic hikes with the Pinnacles Walk. This rewarding track winds through native forest and across rugged ridges, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Coromandel ranges and coastline.
Whangamatā is the perfect base to enjoy the Pinnacles in a day. After a scenic drive to the trailhead, spend the day immersing yourself in the forested trails, dramatic peaks, and lookout points. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an adventurous visitor, the Pinnacles Walk promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Coromandel.
DOC walks near Whangamatā
If you’re keen to explore the wider Coromandel, Whangamatā makes the perfect base — with great food, welcoming eateries, and a wide range of accommodation options to come home to after your adventures.
Find a map below of the wonderful nearby walks. For more information visit the DOC site here.
