Coromandel Coastal Walkway

Shuttle departs/returns Colville
Self Guided Out-And-Back Hike of up to 12kms.
Afternoon tea provided.
Full Day Experience.
Knowledgeable and experienced driver/guide.

Please note: The Stony Bay end of the Walkway suffered severe damage in a storm in February 2023. Repairs have been slow so we are currently unable to offer our traditional oneway Coastal Walk from Stony Bay to Fletcher Bay. To enable you to explore this jewel in our crown, we have re-designed our offering as an out and back hike from Fletcher Bay, a hike which is proving to be a worthy substitute.

The day starts at 9.15am (9am from 29-9-25) 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 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 Fletcher Bay, the start of the Coromandel Walkway 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 and we also provide you with a pocket map so you don’t miss anything along the way. Hike as far as you feel comfortable with, Gavin will help you out with the different vantage points and where to turn back for your return hike. With anything from 2kms or 12kms hiking available (3-4 hours) the Walkway is proving to a flexible option for hikers of all levels of fitness.

The Coastal Walkway isn’t just about the sea, there’s plenty of other surprises along the way as well. The walk starts through wide open farmland and passes by an historic shepherd’s hut. There are stories aplenty and a story to boot of the many shepherds and fencers who have spent a restless night in this windswept location.

Classic Coromandel native bush is never far away on any Coromandel trail and along with it, is an interesting grove of Nikau Palms. The depths of Poley Bay are well worth the effort with its volcanic rocks bearing the scars of years of pounding from high wind and heavy seas.

The hits, I mean views, just keep coming. The Heritage Seat has sat astride its location for some 30 years and is a great place for lunch. Dragged in there by an enthusiastic bunch of locals it really has stood the test of time.

Not too much further on is the stunning lookout point, almost 6kms in from Fletcher Bay. This is the golden goal and certainly is well worth the effort with its massive seaviews to Great Barrier and beyond, far across the surrounding Pacific Ocean.

Turn around at any point you choose, Gavin will be back in Fletcher Bay waiting for you with a warm welcome and some yummy afternoon tea. There is always time to take a dip in the ocean and enjoy even more time in this remote location.

Tip of the Day: Port Jackson beach is a great place to finish your day with a dip in the ocean so don’t forget your togs.

PRICING:-

Colville Departure:- Adults: $150.00pp, Groups 4-7 $125.00pp, 8-11 $100.00pp. Under 16 years $100 pp.

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Fletcher Bay — #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.

#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.

Our Brochure

“One of the best Coastal Walks in New Zealand”.

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Additional Info:

Colville Departure:- Adults: $150.00pp, Groups 4-7 $125.00pp, 8-11 $100.00pp. Under 16 years $100 pp.
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. We 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.
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 9.15 a.m. returns 5.00pm approx. Check-in 10 minutes prior. Free Parking available on site. (New departure time 9am from 29.9.25)
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.
Please advise in advance if you have any food allergies or food requirements.