Rocky Bay to 'the Roosters'

2 - 2.5 hours
Bi-Directional
Grade 7
8.2 km

Traverse the gorgeous Te Whau coastal track from eclectic Rocky Bay, and dip in and out of Okoka Bay (Dead Dog Bay) on a mix of track and quiet roads looking out on some of the most beautiful island views.

Location

This walk starts in Rocky Bay, at the Omiha Memorial Hall, and finishes at ‘the Roosters’, an area by the entrance to the Onetangi Sports Park, that has a flock of resident roosters.

Take the dog, they’ll love the Te Whau coast, but it’s mostly on-lead as this part of the island has some rare NZ dotterels and Kororā (Little Blue Penguins).

Transport/car-pooling/parking

Bus: The Rocky Bay bus will take you to the start point. The endpoint at Onetangi Sports Park is on the same route.

Car: Park at the walk start, and catch the Rocky Bay bus back to your car from the end point at the Onetangi Sports Park. If you have 2 cars, you can leave one at each end, there is plenty of parking at both ends of the walk.

Track summary

This walk makes up part of the Te Ara Hura trail, a 100km walking adventure around Waiheke Island.

The first part of this track is not passable at high tide, or for one hour on each side of high tide if the tides are large.

This is a stunning part of Te Ara Hura, that takes you along the undulating Te Whau coast, on a single track, quite narrow in parts. The trail then follows along a sealed no exit road and takes you down to Okoka Bay. Here is the wonderful Dead Dog Bay Sculpture Park, which is open by appointment, with the entry on Margaret Reeve Drive as you exit the reserve onto the road.

The final part of this walk is alongside the main road that links Rocky Bay to Ostend and Onetangi, on a hidden track.

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

0km – With the Omiha Memorial Hall on your left, head along the road past the bus stop, and go straight along McMillan Rd (not left on Pohutukawa Ave), to arrive at Kuakarau Bay.

Walk down onto the beach and along to the very end, where you pick up the track at the top of the stairs.

1.15km –Descend to a lovely rocky cove, and turn sharply to the right, to pick up the track disappearing into the Pōhutukawas.

1.8km – Arrive on the first of two shingle beaches. Walk along the rocky shore and stones, and spot the track ascending the grass hill on the other side.

2.5km – Drop down into Hitapa Bay, a great swim spot if the tide is high enough. Look for the beautiful carved driftwood sculpture. Again, walk across the shingle beach to pick up the track on the far side.

As you continue up and along the coast, look back for great views from here to the Coromandel and the Hunua Ranges in the distance.

3.2km – At the top, the trail comes out onto Te Whau Rd. Turn right onto the sealed road.

3.45 – There’s a picnic seat with a great view out over Putiki Bay on the left.

4.5km – Turn left onto Vintage Lane and follow the road.

Continue on the road, down the hill as spectacular views open up ahead of you.

5.3km – At the blue and green signs, just past the two carved wooden pou whenua (land posts), turn right down the steep track toward Okoka Bay.

5.6km – Cross the lovely wetland and lagoon area, keeping to the grass, past the Corten steel sculpture. Pick up the path at the end of the grassed area, veering right. This path will take you up toward Margaret Reeve Rd.

6km – Turn right and head up Margaret Reeve Rd.

6.8km – At the corner of Margaret Reeve Rd and O’Brien Rd, turn left onto O’Brien Rd. On the left side almost below the road, is a walking track. Take this track, which pops up after a driveway about 300m along, to stay off the road. Then look again to your left for the next section of track to stay off this quite busy, narrow road.

7.7km – Continue walking along the grass verge until you see the bus stop. Cross O’Brien Rd here and follow the dirt trail to keep safely off the road on the right side of the road.

Then follow the grass verge until you come to the gates to the Onetangi Sports Park – turn right into the park about 20m – welcome to the Roosters!