Matiatia Headland walk

Introduction | Walkway guide and map | Additional information

A cliff top vista from
the Matiatia Headland

Walkway guide and map

Guide yourself around the track.

Matiatia Headland Walk begins and ends at the ferry building at Matiatia. Follow the coastline track along the Matiatia headland.

After Cable Bay you have two options:

the shorter option is to walk up the hill to Delamore Drive walking past World War II bunkers and turning right onto the track that leads you back to the ferry. This is approximately a two-hour walk
alternatively, you can continue to Owhanake beach and follow Korora Road to Oneroa Village, returning along scenic Tiri and Delamore Roads. There are several tracks that take you back to Ocean view Road to the ferry. This will add approximately one hour to the walk.

There are a few steep sections close to cliffs so some caution is required particularly with young children.

The information below corresponds with the numbers on the map and tells you about each of these places. Numbers 1, 2 and 10 will have yellow disks placed around the walkway.

1	All the land that you will see on this walk was once known as Greater Te Huruhi. It was one of the last areas of Maori (Ngati Paoa) owned land on Waiheke Island. Gradually sold in the 1900's, the Alisons' were the first pakeha owners. They progressively purchased more than 2,360 acres of the Te Huruhi area, farming from Matiatia to Surfdale. Alison Park (across from Artworks) was given to the community when Oneroa was subdivided, a lasting reminder of the Alisons' role in establishing the village.
2	Only 11 nautical miles from Auckland city, Matiatia was always a popular destination for "yachties". It was initially leased by the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron and then in 1906 by the Devonport Steam Ferry Company. For a long time ferries frequented a number of wharves throughout the island as roads were basic and buses were few, so most passengers had to walk to their destination. Matiatia wharf was the last to be built in 1924, however it is now the main gateway to Waiheke Island.
3	In the 1960's a Hydrofoil Vessel named Manu Wai made a regular service from Auckland to the island. The original 1 ½ hour journey was reduced to a record 22 minutes. Today, ferries take 35 minutes, a little slower but they carry more people.
4	Mokemoke headland was a fortified pa site most likely of Ngati Huarere construction (post 1600's). Keep an eye open for earthworks along this headland - indications of kumara pits and house sites.
5	From left to right you can see Motuihe Island and channel, Auckland city and Rangitoto Island towering over Motutapu Island.
6	Feel free to explore the beaches and caves. Did you bring your togs?
7	Amazing ocean views with Rakino Island and The Noises islands dotted along the horizon
8	This stunning coastline walk is owned by Department of Conservation however Auckland City Council maintains it.
9	Up until the early 1900's Owhanake Bay and flats was a Kainga (Maori Village). Tons of shingle were removed from this Bay from the late 1800's. It is said that half of Auckland city is built from Waiheke Shingle.
10	These concrete bunkers were built during World War II to assist in defending the country's shores. The one on the ocean side was used as a viewing platform to spot enemy vessels entering the harbour. A radio signal was linked across the channel to Motutapu where it was then relayed to the gun emplacement at Stony Batter, the eastern end of Waiheke. The guns were never used in defence, however rumours have it that Japanese submarines still made it undetected into Auckland's Harbour. Luckily, they just cruised in for a quick nosy.
11	It is likely that forests on the western end of Waiheke were fire damaged due to the eruption of Rangitoto, over 800 years ago. Unlike the Kauri forests to the east of Waiheke Island, this area was predominantly tea-tree (kanuka) forest when the first humans arrived. This remnant forest has an important role as a safe corridor for native birds to travel between the regenerating bush reserves.
12	In the 1920's and 1930's many city notables were guests at the Alison Homestead, even the famous actress Vivien Leigh paid a visit. The two-story Homestead is still a prominent building at Matiatia, sold in the 1960's and is now administered by Auckland City Council.

Map of Matiatia Headland walk

Published November 2008