Man O' War Bay to Passage Rock

2 - 2.5 hours
Bi-Directional
Grade 4
9.4 km

A beautiful walk along the mostly gravel road winding down the stunning east coast – locally known as the ‘bottom end’ of the island. Big sea vistas and views out over Ponui Island, Pakatoa, Rotoroa and the Coromandel, this walk takes you from one fabulous bay and winery, past a glorious gin distillery, to another lovely winery! But if that doesn’t float your boat, the gorgeous gulf views will.

Location

This walk starts at beautiful Man O’ War Bay, by the fabulous beachfront winery Man O’ War Estate.

Take the dog, but it’s an on-lead day as most of the walk is along farm roads.

Transport/car-pooling/parking

Bus: Man O’ War offers a shuttle bus from the ferry, see their website for details. There is no public transport from Passage Rock though, so a taxi would be needed.

Car: If you have 2 cars leave one at each end. Please use on-road parking near the wineries, not their car parks. There is some space along the grass at Passage Rock entrance.

Track summary

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

You can continue your journey or just do this part. It’s along the ‘road section’ but don’t let this deter you. It’s a beautiful walk, and the winding gravel road ascends and descends along the coast headed south with incredible sea views. We recommend a morning start, as there is less traffic before the wineries open, check their websites for details.

The first part of the track wanders along Man O’ War Bay before ascending to fabulous views back across the Bay, then follows the gravel road to the Orapiu corner. The last small section of the trail is along the sealed road, but has lots of shade and includes a visit to the serene Waiheke Pioneer Cemetery.

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

0km – Leave from the Man O’ War Beach car park (there’s a long-drop loo here) and walk south, with the sea on your left, along the beach. Please don’t park in the winery carpark.

Captain Cook anchored the ship Endeavour here in 1789, noting the straight trunks of the Kauri trees, which was the beginning of the Kauri trade for shipbuilding, and clearing of much of the majestic timber from the island. The gravel road ascends up the hill, through a lovely shady kanuka forest.

1.5km – Stop at the fabulous view back over across the bay and read the info board for stories of early settlers.

4.9km – Continue following the road past lovely farm vistas and tantalising sneak peaks out to the sea, and you’ll reach the Waiheke Distillery Co – if your timing is good, you could have a sneaky G & T.

5.4km – The first great viewpoint, above Arran Bay, to the east over the islands between Waiheke and the Coromandel, with a bench seat.

6.2km – Connells Bay Sculpture Park is here on the left – a fabulous experience that is open only by appointment, so book ahead if you want to include a tour here.

7.6km – You will reach the intersection to Orapui and Passage Rock – there is a picnic table just before the intersection, but the view is obscured by the healthy growth of the manuka trees.

Here you could detour to Orapui and do the Pearl Bay walk see https://walkwaiheke.co.nz/walks/orapiu-to-pearl-bay/ It’s a 2.4km walk to reach the Orapui wharf, and the walk is 2km each way, so would add nearly 9km to your day.

Otherwise, turn right onto the sealed road toward Onetangi at this intersection.

8.6km – You will pass the Te Matuku stockyards, a good stop as there is a picnic table and the long-drop toilet.

8.9km – Continue along the road and you reach the Waiheke Pioneer Cemetery. The cemetery has a wonderfully serene atmosphere and the headstones are of the early pioneering families who settled in the area.

9.4km – Arrive at Passage Rock Wines, Waiheke’s most awarded winery. Stop for well deserved glass of award-winning wine and a winery platter (check their website for tasting and bistro hours).