Coromandel Coastal Walk

Grade: Easy-Moderate 10km / 6 miles (7 hr return)

The Coromandel is one of our favourite regions in New Zealand and we often recommend the Coastal Walk between Stony and Fletcher Bays. The route crosses farmland and goes through coastal forest with views of the Pinnacles, Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) to the north, and Cuvier Island (Repanga Island) in the east. The track follows an easy gradient with a short steep section into and out of Poley Bay. It is part of an old bridle path formed by early pioneers to link the two bays.

En route from Stony Bay to Fletcher Bay, a signposted lookout 1 hr 15 minutes along the track makes a shorter walking option, and gives outstanding views along the coast north to the Sugar Loaf and Pinnacles area, and south towards Port Charles.

45 minutes on from this lookout the track descends steeply to Poley Bay. Swimming here is hazardous because of submerged rocks. A short, steep climb out of Poley Bay brings the track out onto farmland, where it heads down to Fletcher Bay.

Getting there

From Coromandel, follow Colville Road north for 31km to Colville Bay. From there, take Port Jackson Road for 30km to Fletcher Bay, or Port Charles Road for 20km to Stony Bay.