Hooks Bay Track is at the far northeast end of Waiheke Island and starts from the Stony Batter Reserve. The walk heads north and drops almost 200 metres to the pretty beach at Hooks Bay. Along the way, there are excellent views across farmland to the Hauraki Gulf north of the reserve.
There are two roughly parallel routes. The easiest is to follow the private road past the north entrance to Stony Batter Reserve then head north at the branch in the road. The other option is to walk across the pasture land at the top of the reserve, north of the east side gun batteries. There is no formed trail, but you should be able to spot a gate in the reserve boundary fence that allows you to head downhill through grass, roughly parallel with the road. This route is higher than the road and provides a better view. Due to the lambing season, the track is closed from August 1st to September 31st.
To reach Stony Batter from Oneroa, drive to Onetangi and take Waiheke Road to Man O’War Road. Turn off onto Stonybatter Road and park at the end in the car park. Walk two km to the reserve along the private road. From the reserve access, continue along the road, then follow the north branch towards the Hauraki Gulf. Allow 2.5 hours for the walk.
