A lovely walk connecting two of Waiheke’s finest beaches, along the tracks and back roads of the north coast, traversing pockets of dense bush, to high roads with sweeping views over the stunning coast and vineyards.

Location

This walk starts at beautiful Palm Beach, so allow some time to enjoy that, before finding the track. The main reserve is beyond the beach parking area, at the café end of the beach. The track entrance is hidden behind the BBQs and disappears up into the bush, with no signs, see the picture in the directions!

This walk is dog-on-lead friendly. About 1.5km of this track is on quite narrow roads, so caution is needed.

Transport/car-pooling/parking

Bus: The Rocky Bay bus 502 will take you to the start point. From the endpoint at Onetangi, catch the 50A or 50B to return to the ferry via Ostend and Oneroa village. If you want to bus back to Palm Beach, change at Placemakers for the 502 which goes to Palm Beach.

Car: If you have 2 cars 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.

This section continues along the northern bays and beaches, where you climb out of Palm Beach, then wind along shady busy clad roads, across the top of the beautiful coastal development Wawata Estate, and then along the ridge road that connects the two beaches, with fabulous views over the Onetangi valley of vineyards, and north out across the Hauraki Gulf.

Closer to the Onetangi end, you’ll pass by Obsidian Vineyard, with its fabulous tasting shed and Casita Miro Winery and Restaurant for relaxed tapas-style dining or tasting. And the far end of Onetangi Beach offers choices between local’s favourites, the delicious Three Seven Two restaurant or Charlie Farley’s pub, or up-market Ki Māha. Check their websites for opening hours and menus.

This part of the trail still requires a bit of ‘navigation’, as the trail ducks on and off the road. We recommend using the Te Ara Hura maps, our directions and keeping a good eye out for the red Te Ara Hura markers along the way.

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