Coromandel Walkway

After a 2-hour picturesque trip from Coromandel Town along the increasingly challenging gravel road we reach Stony Bay at the end of the eastern road. Here we find a 5-hectare DOC campground and the start of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway.                The 10 km walk stretches between Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay and traverses pristine bush, dramatic coastline and open farmland with stunning views towards Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island), the Pacific Ocean, and the Hauraki Gulf.The ancient bridle path is one used for centuries by the early pioneers, both Maori and Pakeha.  After around 1hr 15min there is a signposted lookout with outstanding photographs north to the Pinnacles and Great Barrier Island, and south towards Port Charles. This is a great place for a bite of lunch.            Generally the track is an easy gradient with one steep section into and out of Poley Bay near the middle of the walk.  In the heat of a summer day a swim here will be tempting but beware of submerged rocks.  This is not recommended if there is any swell – better maybe to wait until Fletcher Bay at the end of the walk where there is a further DOC campground, safe swimming, and good fishing.