This post gives you the details for 5 walks in Coromandel Town.
The Coromandel Town walking tracks are sneaky good with something to suit everyone. And as you’d expect being in the Coromandel, you’ll be able to see some beautiful Kauri trees along the way.
5 WALKS IN COROMANDEL TOWN
1. LONG BAY RESERVE WALKS
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.5km
There are two walking tracks within the Long Bay Reserve that are best done together to form a 2.5km loop. They’re the Kauri Walking Track and the Tucks Bay Walk Track.
Going in an anti-clockwise direction (I’ve made a really bad route map here) you’ll cruise up a path to the Big Kauri Tree, which is followed by a few more Kauri trees bordering a boardwalk.
At the junction turn right and head down the gravel road which takes you to the stunning Tucks Bay. From here there’s a beautiful track that wraps around the coastline.
If you’re staying at the Long Bay Motor Camp & Cabins, you must do this walk. For those of you staying at least one night in Coromandel Town, get down and do this walk close to sunset.
2. SUCCESS TRACK TO KAIPAWA TRIG
There are several tracks that lead to the Kaipawa Trig, with the Success Track being the closest trailhead to town.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 8.7km return (to the trig)
Starting from the Main Road it’s a steady climb all the way up to the trig. The majority of the track is going to be in the shade thanks to the bush-lined track. Be careful for the first 2km or so as the track is clay-based and can be slippery (avoid the trail in the wet).
You’ll come to a junction, turn left and you’ll start to get some epic views as you climb up the steeper more rugged section of the track to the trig. There’s no view at the trig :p
3. TAUMATAWAHINE WALKWAY
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: ~1km
This is a short walk that you can make a loop of, or as an addition to the Success Track as you make your way back down to Coromandel Town. It’s along some single track with a couple of short inclines.
It’s not a walk I’d go out of my way to do. But you can do it as part of the Success Track above, or while you’re completing the Harray Track.
4. KAURI BLOCK GROVE
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Distance: 1.5km return
This is a short walk through a yup, you guessed it, Kauri Grove. The trees were planted in 2014 so they’re not massive (yet). A good advantage is you get to see what the leaves look like on the Kauris.
It’s only just over 700 metres to the Pa Lookout viewpoint (from this entry point) but there’s about 55 metres of elevation gain. So don’t think you’re going for a relaxing walk. it’s a short steep pinch.
You can also get to the Kauri Block Grove from Harbour View Road which is a little longer.
5. HARRAY WALKING TRACK (LOOP)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 7-7.5km loop
This is the most original of the Coromandel Town walking tracks. Original in that it’s not a DOC track!
It was opened in 2011 thanks to the Coromandel Independent Living Trust team and takes you around the hills close to town. It also incorporates the Kauri Block Walk below. The track itself is an end-to-end track, but I prefer completing the Harray Track as a full loop from town.
It’s about a 7km loop with 200-250 metres of elevation. The stairs make it feel like a lot more to me!
Start from town (Four Square for example) and walk towards the coast. Take a right when you see the Kauri Block Walk DOC sign (it doesn’t mention the Harray Track) and keep following the path (make sure to take the detour to the Pa) and eventually you’ll see signs for the Harray Track.
The track is mostly gravel and has some steeps and a small river crossing (you can usually hop across on rocks to stay dry). You’ll get some views over a few of the nearby bays, Coromandel Town, and the surrounding hills.
The ~2.5km on the road back to town isn’t too bad as Rings Road isn’t too busy.
The small township of Coromandel has plenty of charm and hasn’t been inundated with people moving here from Auckland….yet.
If you’ve got any other tips about the Coromandel Town walks above (or ones I’ve missed), leave a comment below.
RECOMMENDED READING
Karangahake Gorge Walks
Another amazing spot with a variety of walks for all abilities
The Wentworth Falls Walk
If you love chasing waterfalls, this walk is for you
The Wharekirauponga Track
A sneaky cool track on the Coromandel
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.