Northern Reserves - Palm Beach to Oneroa

1 hour20 minutes
Bi-Directional
Grade 6
4 km

Enjoy stunning coastal views across the outer Gulf and the beautiful regenerating bush of Mackenzie, Hekerua and Newton Reserves as you meander around the cliff paths from the top of Little Palm Beach into Oneroa Village.

Location

This walk starts at the end of Cory Road, above Mawhitipana Valley (Little Palm Beach).

From Little Palm Beach, there is a track up the hill to Cory Road with stunning views over Palm Beach. Keep the sea on your right as you walk along Cory Road above Mawhitipana Valley, towards the start of this walk. Cory Road becomes Hauraki Road.

This track forms part of the Te Ara Hura track circuit and is signposted through all the reserves with the red Te Ara Hura markers.

Track Summary

This coastal path takes the scenic route from the end of Cory Road around the coast to Enclosure, Sandy and Hekerua Bays then to Little Oneroa Beach, and across the cliff top to Oneroa village.

The track passes through the beautiful regenerating bush of Mackenzie Reserve, Te Aroha Reserve and then Newton Reserve, all of which are being developed and maintained by their local communities. The path meanders around the coastal track, up and down through each of the coves and bays, offering glorious views out to the gulf and lots of spots for resting and swimming.

This is a well formed track, some grassy sections, with lots of ups and downs and some steps. Suitable for all weathers.

Note: This track can be walked in either direction, and all seasons. At low tide there is an option to walk along the beach from Little Oneroa to Oneroa beach.

Click on the “Directions” tab (above) for detailed walking directions. On a mobile phone “Directions” is a dropdown option in the “Overview” bar.

This walk starts at the corner where Cory Road becomes Hauraki Road. Walk along Hauraki Rd, with the coast on your right and take the first right into Coromandel Rd. On Coromandel Road take the first right into Great Barrier Road. The entrance to Mackenzie Reserve is almost immediately on your left at No 3 Great Barrier Road. Please use the Kauri Die Back cleaning station at the start of the reserve to brush and spray your shoes and poles.

At the reserve entrance there is a map showing a number of pathways. You can follow either the Reserve yellow banded or blue banded markers, both paths lead down through the Reserve to the Pou guardians sculpture at the exit on Empire Avenue. There are some excellent information boards at the amphitheatre near the bottom of the reserve.

From the Pou, follow Empire Avenue to Enclosure Bay, a beautiful spot for canoeing and snorkelling. The bay is almost completely enclosed from the sea at low tide.

Turn Left, keeping the sea on your right, and walk along Great Barrier Rd to the end, at beautiful Sandy Bay. This is a popular swimming spot, with a lovely sandy beach. There are toilet facilities here.

On the left side of the beach there’s a concrete walkway, follow this up to the cliff top. Enjoy the beautiful views out across the Gulf as you follow the track along the cliff. You will walk through the regenerating bush of Te Aroha Valley and down into Hekerua Bay. This is a lovely, secluded pebbly beach, with no road access.

Walk across Hekerua Bay and take the concrete path at the northern end of the bay, signposted as Don’s track (after Don Chapel), and a sign “Walkway to Queens Drive”. This steep path zig zags up the hill to Queens Drive. Stop to catch your breath at the top and enjoy the view.

At the top of the track, turn right onto Queens Drive, keeping the coast on your right, and walk along the ridge with glorious views, around the corner. Turn right down Newton Rd.

Walk to the end of Newton Road where there is a track with steps, signposted as “Track to Little Oneroa”.

Follow this path as it hugs the coast line down to the valley floor and back up and over the ridge, before descending down steps to Little Oneroa Beach. Another lovely bay with toilet facilities, great swimming, and a playground for children.

Walk across the beach and take the stairs at the far northern end of the beach. Cross the grassy slope to the top of the hill, and there is a path in front of the church which meanders around the cliff top with stunning views across Oneroa Bay.

At the end of the path you exit onto the corner of Puriri and Ocean View Roads. You may choose to continue on the road for 2 blocks into Oneroa Village or turn right and walk downhill to Oneroa Beach. There are 2 access paths from the beach back up to the Village.