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Waiheke Island walkways

Introduction | Matiatia, Church Bay, Oneroa loop | Matiatia/Owhanake/Oneroa | Oneroa, Blackpool | Hekerua Bay, Palm Beach | Rocky Bay's Te Whau loop | Rocky Bay (featuring Whakanewha) | Onetangi | Orapiu, Pearl Bay | Park Point coastal walkway | Other walks | Additional information | Waiheke Island map

Rocky Bay's Te Whau loop

Duration: approximately two hours
Classification: route

Highlights and basic facts

• this walk explores a more secluded part of the island. Discover panoramic views over Rocky Bay, Te Whau Point, inland parts of Western Waiheke and to Auckland. The walk features serene excursions through mature coastal forest and vineyards. This area is home to many artists and crafts people.
• dogs: keep your dog/s under control, particularly on steep sections of the tracks
• facilities: barbecue and toilets at Mary Wilson Reserve on Valley Road - also a great spot for children to play. Picnic tables at Kuakarau Bay Forest Reserve. Barbecue at Onetangi Sports Park
• note: keep a lookout for signs showing the alternative routes

Starting at Onetangi Sports Park, take the track up the right-hand side of O'Brien Road. Turn right into Margaret Reeve Lane down to Okoka Bay (Dead Dog Bay).

Cross the beach and follow the markers up the hill, turn left into Vintage Lane then right into Te Whau Drive. Follow the road until you reach the Hitapa Bay Walkway on the left (the first part of the walk down to the beach is steep).

Follow the track past several secluded bays until you reach Kuakarau Bay. Turn back inland on Wairua Road then left into Kuakarau Bay Forest Reserve. Two tracks in the reserve take you to Te Whau Drive or O'Brien Road, leading you back to the start.

Alternative route:

• option one: as above except after exiting Kuakarau Bay Forest Reserve cross over O'Brien Road and take the Stanimoroff Walkway that traverses the ridgeline behind Rocky Bay village. At the end of this walkway a track passes through Whakanewha Regional Park to Gordons Road. This will add half an hour to your journey.
• option two: there is a short walk near the start that takes you past privately owned houseboats into Putiki Bay. Return to the road and follow the walk above. This takes 20 minutes.

Images from around the walk