Blackpool to Matiatia around Park Point

Approx. 4 hours
Bi-Directional
Grade 7
12 km

A stunning hike that heads south from coast of Blackpool and follows the coastal track around the south west peninsula known as Park Point/Te Roreomaiaea and finishes at the the ferry terminal in Matiatia.

Location

This walk begins in Blackpool. To complete this walk with dry feet, the tide needs to be at least 2 hours either side of high tide, (or lower) to get around the slips at Church Bay. If the tide is coming in, it should be low tide, or close to it, when you leave Blackpool.

We have 3 Park Point walks. This is the ‘longer’ length option.

For a medium option (6.8kms, 2 hours) try the Park Point Loop – Church Bay section walk.

For a shorter option (4.4kms, 1.5 hours) try the Park Point Headland Loop walk.

Transport/car-pooling/parking

Bus: The 502 Rocky Bay bus from Matiatia will take you to Blackpool.

Car: Plenty of parking around Blackpool. If you have 2 cars leave one at each end.

Track summary

This walk is part of the Te Ara Hura trail, the 100km walking adventure around Waiheke Island. If you started at the ferry, this could be the final amazing section!

Hike along mostly single track, with lots of up and down into serene bays and through small tracts of regenerating bush.

Quite a few stairs, but spectacular views and worth every step!

Rare NZ dotterel and other shorebirds are found foraging along the beaches.

This is 95% track with one small 10-minute section on a sealed road, and one small part rock-hopping.

Dogs are not allowed through the Park Point section of the track.

From Cable Bay Lane, follow the road back to Pio Rehutai reserve for a dog-friendly alternative.

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

Start on Blackpool beach, and walk with the sea on your left, to the end of the beach past Piritahi Marae, and look for the track going up the hill opposite the wreck of the scow. (Pictured below).

At the top of the grass track, proceed straight onto the sealed driveway and walk to the top.

This track meets Church Bay Road. Turn left, and about 20 metres along the road, the track goes left again up some stairs.

Climb up and through a walking gate, then head right up the fenceline, through a paddock that often has horses, heading straight up toward the trig station at the top.

Note: If you jump over the fence here to the right, you will drop down to Mudbrick Winery!

Keep following straight, along the tree lined fence (on your right), to enter into Pio Rehutai Reserve and meander down through this lovely tract of native bush. Exit onto Church Bay Rd and turn left to follow the road for about 10 minutes. (Do not go over the road and continue on the track).

At the lovely long-drop toilet on your left, turn left and follow the signs down to the Te Wharau Bay and the Arthur Leigh Titchener Memorial Covenant.

The reserve has a good picnic table. To continue cross the reserve, with the sea on your left onto the beach, and follow the trail along this stunning coastal track through Matarahui Bay and toward Park Point.

Rounding the point itself the track is up high up with retaining walls, so before heading up, walk along the beach and head out to the iconic Park Point tree to see the view from water level. Retrace your step to follow the track up as it veers right around the point.

As you start to head north once rounding the point, you will reach Cable Bay Lane, where you turn left and diagonally opposite pick up the track again at 39 Cable Bay Lane, to continue around the coast – sea on your left still!

Continue on through Cable Bay, through a lovely glade of bush, and a small stream to jump over, until you come to see a concrete boat ramp down to the sea on your left. The track ahead is closed due to a slip, but go down the concrete ramp and rock-hop and climb around the fallen pohutukawa trees, along the coast under the old slip.

You will come to Church Bay and continue along the beach. Mind your step to avoid dotterels (& their eggs) on this beach, and walk below the high-water marks. You’ll pick up the track again on the far side. Ascend the steps and continue along this spectacular coastal track.

Enjoy the spectacular Whetūmatarau lookout, which has an info board pointing out the other islands of the Hauraki Gulf, and is also a significant Māori landmark.

From here you’ll be looking out to Matiatia and can see the ferries coming and going. You’ll come into Atawhai Whenua (Forest and Bird Reserve). Stay on the main coastal track then descend the stairs and pop out on Matiatia Beach, cross the footbridge and walk along past the kayak shed.

Well done – you made it!