Tour Overview
The Te Ara Hura (🔴) is a network of walking tracks on Waiheke Island, not a single walk, that connects more than 100 km of paths. Its name means "Discover the Way" in Māori. It is made up of trails and quiet back roads, with many access points so you can walk smaller sections or complete the entire network over several days.
The network is split into four main areas, each with a distinct character:
🔵 Headlands: These walks provide an introduction to the island's coastal scenery, featuring stunning views.
🟡 Beaches 'n' Baches: The routes here take you off the beaten track to discover the character of the island's villages and seaside homes.
🟢 Forest Heart: This section lets you escape into Waiheke's native bush and regenerating forests, where you can find streams, wetlands, and abundant birdlife.
🟠 Far End: This remote part of the island offers wide-open spaces, expansive views, and a sense of escape.
Highlights and features
- Start/finish anywhere: You can begin or end your walk at any point, allowing for flexible itineraries.
- Varied terrain: The network covers everything from coastal headlands and beaches to native bush and rural farms.
- Different difficulty levels: The tracks range from short and easy walks to more challenging, longer hikes.
- Vineyard access: For those interested, a Te Ara Hura adventure can include stops at Waiheke's renowned vineyards and cafes.
Planning your walk
- Maps: Detailed maps of the Te Ara Hura network are available online and from local sources.
- Tidal considerations: Some coastal sections are impassable at high tide, so it's wise to check the tide chart before you go.
- Kauri protection: The walks feature kauri trees. To protect them from kauri dieback disease, you must use the cleaning stations provided at track entrances
Stops
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Cascades Waterfall - Walk
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Oneroa to Palm Beach Walk
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Crossing to and from Little Oneroa
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Little Oneroa
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Keep Left Oneroa to Palm Beach Walk
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Little Oneroa to Queens Drive
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Turn right at the exit of the reserve onto Queens drive
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Past the letter boxes on queens Drive
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Crossing Hekeura Bay
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Enclosure Bay
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MacKenzie Reserve Walk
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Cory Road walk
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Down to Palm Beach
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Palm Beach is here
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Whakanewha Loop through Nikau Forest
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Matiatia to Church Bay Vineyard
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Palm Beach to Onetangi
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Turn Left
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Turn Left
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Sharp Left
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Left After The Stairs
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Top of the Grass
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Wawata Estate Driveway
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To The Beach!