The Matiatia Owhanake Coastal Loop is perfect if you want to walk straight off the Waiheke ferry without needing any extra transport. This loop takes you along the northern coastline with stunning Hauraki Gulf views, through regenerating native bush, past vineyards, down to beautiful beaches, and back to catch your ferry home.
Wow, Waiheke walks are truly amazing and the Matiatia Owhanake track did not disappoint. We couldn’t have asked for better weather – a perfect NZ summer’s day at 28 degrees. Good job we decided to start early, it was already hot at 9am!
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| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | Matiatia Bay, northern Waiheke Island |
| Start/Finish | Matiatia Ferry Terminal |
| Distance | 7.7-9 km loop (depending on route options) |
| Time | 2.5-3 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation | Around 186m gain – lots of ups and downs! |
| Dogs | Allowed on leash |
| Prams/Wheelchairs | No – steep sections, steps, uneven terrain |
| Parking | Not needed – starts at ferry terminal |
| Best for | Anyone visiting Waiheke without a car, coastal views, day trippers |
No Transport Needed: Walk straight off the ferry. No buses, taxis, or car hire required. Perfect for day trips.
Stunning Coastal Views: You’ll get epic views across the Hauraki Gulf to Little Barrier Island, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, and back to Auckland.
Multiple Beach Options: Cable Bay, Island Bay, Owhanake Bay – all beautiful spots for a swim.
Variety: Coastal paths, native bush, vineyards, residential areas, historic sites. You’re constantly seeing something different.
Finish in Oneroa: Optional route to finish in Waiheke’s main village for lunch before catching the ferry back.
WWII History: Old pillboxes and bunkers along the route (though skip the “viewpoint” bunker – not worth it, as I’ll explain).
Real Workout: There are a lot of uphill steps to climb. You don’t need to be an “experienced walker” as the signs say, just a fitter one! This walk will give you a really good workout.
1. Head North from the Ferry Turn right from the ferry terminal and walk through the Matietie Historic Reserve around the waterfront. The track starts beside the beach on the north side.
2. Low Tide Option At low tide, you can take a shortcut around the first beach following along the coastline. It was low tide when we went, so we took this option. Note: The coastal track section between Owhanake Bay and Matiatia Bay is only accessible 1.5 hours either side of high tide. Check tide times if you’re worried.
3. To Cable Bay Continue on the track around to Cable Bay. Uphill and down, the walking is quite challenging in parts with lots of steps. The views make up for the effort though.
4. Coastal Track to Island Bay Keep following the coastal track. So many beautiful views along the way – I must have taken 100 photos or more. The track takes you above cliffs with crystal clear waters and interesting little coves below.
5. Island Bay ★ My Favorite Spot I think I enjoyed little Island Bay the best. The water was so clear and inviting. This is a gorgeous sheltered spot – perfect for a swim if you have time.
6. Green and Yellow Markers From Island Bay, follow the green and yellow marker posts to Korora Road. These markers guide you inland from the coast.
7. Through Pohutukawa Sanctuary You’ll pass through privately owned bush (public access) in the Pohutukawa Sanctuary. Beautiful regenerating native forest.
8. Owhanake Bay Decision Point When you reach Owhanake Bay, you have options:
Option A (Shorter): Head up to Delamore Drive and return directly to Matiatia Option B (Longer): Follow the mowed track around Owhanake Bay to Korora Road
9. Past Fossil Bay Farm If you took Option B, walk up Korora Road past Fossil Bay Farm. You’ll see steps on the right leading to another track through bush.
10. Ridge Views The track climbs to a ridge with awesome views out to Little Barrier and Great Barrier Islands. Worth the climb!
11. The “Viewpoint” to Skip Just before heading back down toward the end of the walk, there’s a sign saying there’s a viewpoint 5 minutes up the road. Don’t bother – there isn’t much view and you’d need to somehow jump on top of a WWII bunker to see anything. Skip it.
12. Return to Matiatia Follow the track back down to Matiatia Ferry Terminal. You can return via Ocean View Road or take the Atawhai Whenua Reserve pathway along the wetland edge (prettier option).
Instead of returning directly to Matiatia, you can continue to Oneroa Beach and village:
You’ll pass by or near several vineyards:
Mixed surfaces: Coastal paths, bush tracks, some residential streets, gravel roads.
Lots of steps: Be prepared for heaps of uphill climbing. Your legs will know they’ve done a workout!
Steep sections: Particularly steep in places. Take your time and use any handrails.
Rocky sections: Some rocky terrain, especially near the coast.
Can be slippery: After rain or near cliff edges. Watch your footing.
Clifftop paths: Some sections are close to cliff edges. Great views but be careful, especially with kids or dogs.
The coastal track section between Owhanake Bay and Matiatia Bay is only accessible 1.5 hours either side of high tide.
Check tide times before you go:
Tide tables: Check MetService or tide apps for Waiheke Island/Matiatia Bay.
Best seasons:
Best times of day:
What to avoid:
At Matiatia Ferry Terminal:
Along the way:
At Oneroa (if you extend):
Dogs are allowed on leash throughout. Keep them under control, especially on steep sections and near cliff edges. Bring water for them. The beaches are great for a dog swim (on leash).
Several beautiful swimming spots:
Bring your togs (swimwear) and towel!
The start point has historical significance with evidence of early Māori and European settlement.
The pillboxes and bunkers along the coast were built during World War II to defend Auckland from potential attack. The strategic headlands offered good defensive positions.
The terraces near Delamore Drive are remnants of an ancient fortified pā (Māori settlement).
In the 1880s, Owhanake Bay was a large shingle bed that was mined extensively. It’s said that half the city of Auckland was built with pebbles from shingle beds from Waiheke Island. The mining gradually stripped the shorelines, exposing them to erosion.
Owhanake was one of the last areas of Māori (Ngāti Paoa) owned land on Waiheke, gradually sold in the 1900s.
Ignore the sign about track closure! When we walked it, there was still a sign saying part of the track was closed. It most definitely was not and was well worth continuing on with the walk. The closed section has been reopened but the old sign remains. Don’t let it put you off.
That said, always check for kauri dieback closures before you go: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Perfect for:
Not ideal for:
Fitness needed: Moderate to moderately challenging. You need to be comfortable with 2.5-3 hours of walking including heaps of uphill steps and steep sections. It’s a proper workout!
Generally safe but keep these in mind:
Emergency contacts:
If you extended to Oneroa:
Check out my other Waiheke walks:
This is hands-down the best walk on Waiheke if you don’t have a car or don’t want the hassle of arranging transport. You literally walk off the ferry and you’re on the track. Can’t get easier than that.
The views are stunning – I wasn’t kidding about taking 100+ photos. Island Bay is gorgeous, seriously crystal clear water. I wanted to stay there all day.
But be warned – those steps! Uphill and down, over and over. My legs definitely felt it the next day. It’s not a gentle coastal stroll, it’s a proper workout. But that’s what makes it so satisfying.
Definitely start early if you’re going in summer. By 9am it was already 28 degrees and there’s not much shade on the exposed sections. We were glad we caught the early ferry.
Skip that viewpoint near the WWII bunker – honestly not worth the detour. The views along the main track are way better.
And ignore that old “track closed” sign if it’s still there. The track is open and it’s the best part of the walk. Don’t let it put you off.
If you’ve got time, extend to Oneroa for lunch. Heaps of good cafes and you can catch a bus or walk back to the ferry afterward.
This walk gives you everything – coastal views, beaches, bush, history, workout – all without needing to hire a car or book a bus. Perfect Waiheke day trip from Auckland.
Done this walk? Did you swim at Island Bay? How many photos did you take?
Walk info updated 2025. Check tide times before you go and always verify track status for any kauri dieback closures.
Want more Waiheke walks? Check out all my Waiheke Island walks
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