This post was created in 2019 and as such the condition of these tracks may have been improved.
Due to storm damage and the Kauri dieback prevention measures, a number of walking tracks are closed temporarily. Please take care whilst walking on coastal routes and do not enter closed tracks.
View the Waiheke Walking Network Map – Te Ara Hura »
The following walking tracks have been affected.
- Church Bay Track
- Owhanake Bay
- Island Bay Track
- Onetangi Reserve Walks
- Te Haahi-Goodwin Reserve
- Te Matuku Reserve Track
View the full collection of Waiheke Walks »
The Church Bay Track
Current Status: CLOSED
Reason: Storm Damage
Associated Walks: Matiatia, Church Bay, Oneroa Loop Walk », and Park Point Coastal Walk »
It is important to note that this section of the track is officially closed, and so if you are walking from Matiatia Wharf you must return the way you came. If you are walking from the other end from Park Point Peninsula there is a conservative 40-minute climb to Church Bay Road. Though it becomes obvious that most are ignoring this advice.
This track has been closed for a while now following a significant storm a few years back and I thought it was time to see what work has been done and if you can safely get through. You can see from the [image A] coming in from Matiatia that most just trample their way through. So how bad is this part of the track?
OK, first things first, here is the disclaimer and a quick reminder that the track is closed and so I take no responsibility. You will need to determine your own level of fitness and mobility based on the current information. For those of you still keen to trample your way past the warning let’s continue…
If you are coming in from Matiatia, just keep to the left and follow the fence leading up the hill [image A]. Sure there are some tight spots between the odd tree and the fence [images B and C] and some ducking your head and squeezing past is required but all in all pretty straight forward. It does look like someone has removed some gorse on the way which has made things easier. (Note: If you are walking the other way – clearly just follow the fence again, though this may not seem as obvious as there is another worn track leading through some heavier bush.) The track then opens up. The fact that the track is overgrown is just another reminder that you are walking on a closed section and extra care must always be taken. To continue the walk down the coast you must tackle the last obstacle [image D] and climb over the fence. Not too bad heh…(Just say you didn’t hear it from me.)
Owhanake Bay
Current Status: Permanent Diversion is now in place
Reason: Storm Damage
Associated Walks: Matiatia, Owhanake, Oneroa Walk »
Parts of the coastal track at Owhanake Bay have been closed permanently due to ongoing erosion. This short closed section will now be planted out with native trees to prevent further erosion. A new section of track has been built so you can still use this coastal route between Owhanake and Matiatia. Please keep out of the marked area and continue along the new diverted route.
Island Bay Track
Current Status: CLOSED
Reason: Storm Damage
Associated Walks: Matiatia, Owhanake, Oneroa Walk »
This track suffered a serious landslide a few years back during a significant storm, since then the track has been closed. The only alternative option available is to avoid the coastal track and walk up Korora Road towards Oneroa. It is a real shame, simply because the walk around from Owhanake Bay and along the coast past Island Bay offers spectacular sea views and clearly beats waking up a road. So how bad is this part of the track? What work has been done since?
OK, if you have read the issues surrounding the Church Bay track above you will be familiar with this part. First things are first, here is the disclaimer and a quick reminder that the track is still closed and so I take no responsibility. You will need to determine your own level of fitness and mobility based on the current information. For those of you still keen to trample your way past the warning let’s continue…
You first come across the sign stating that the track is closed (Left Image) though it is simple to walk around (Owhanake to Oneroa direction) and little effort has been put in place to prevent people from doing so. Thankfully a well-worn path will lead you through the closed section of the walk and you should have no issues navigating this section. As always please be mindful that this section is not currently maintained and as such does not reach the standard of other tracks you are perhaps used to. The path is narrow in parts (center image) and there is a small up climb (right image), but the section is simple to walk and cleverly diverts you away from the old landslide. I can’t imagine that this track will remain closed for too long.
Let’s Keep Waiheke free of Kauri dieback
The following reserves have been closed as a preventative measure.
Onetangi Reserve.
Current Status: CLOSED
Reason: Kauri Dieback Prevention
Te Haahi-Goodwin Reserve.
Current Status: CLOSED
Reason: Kauri Dieback Prevention
Te Matuku Reserve Track
Current Status: CLOSED
Reason: Kauri Dieback Prevention
You should always
More Information
Please visit Waiheke Local’s Article on Kauri Dieback for more information »
