Tāwharanui's Coastal Tracks
The South Coast and North Coast Tracks together form a long loop around Tāwharanui Regional Park, located on the Tāwharanui Peninsula on the Matakana Coast of Auckland. These shared cycle and walking tracks form a loop around the park's perimeter, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding coast and parklands. Starting your journey at the park entrance, just beyond the automatic predator-proof gate, or from beautiful Anchor Bay, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this area.
Scenic Views and Wildlife Encounters
As you traverse the tracks, you'll encounter numerous clifftop vistas that showcase the park's dramatic coastline. There is stairway access to the rocky platform at the base of the cliffs on the south side, near the end of Fishermans Track, perfect for rock fishing. The open farm sections of the trail offer a chance to see cattle and sheep grazing, along with native wildlife such as pukeko and paradise ducks.
Overall, this walk is ideal for those who envision New Zealand as a lush, green paradise.
Connecting to Takatu Point
At the eastern end of the tracks, you can connect with the Takatu Loop, leading you to the cliffs and rocks of Takatu Point. This extension has even more spectacular views and a chance to explore further into the park's diverse landscapes.
Planning Your Walk
If you plan to complete the entire loop on foot, set aside a few hours to fully enjoy the experience. The tracks offer a leisurely pace, with moderate undulations, allowing you to take in the scenery and wildlife at your own speed.
Getting to Tāwharanui Regional Park
To reach Tāwharanui Regional Park from Downtown Auckland, take the northern motorway to Warkworth, followed by roads signposted for Matakana. From Matakana, take Leigh Road towards Ōmaha for 1.5 km, then turn off onto Takatu Road and follow it through the predator-proof gate at the park entrance. The trip takes approximately 90 minutes by car.
Inside the park, you can also explore the shorter Ecology Trail Loop that starts in Anchor Bay. This takes you through the best section of forest in the park with opportunities to see rare native birds, including kiwi (at night), tīeke and takahē. Other regional parks on the Matakana Coast include Mahurangi, Scandrett and Te Ārai.
