New Zealand > Coromandel Coastal Walkway

The 85-kilometer-long Coromandel Peninsula separates the Hauraki Gulf from the Pacific Ocean. The peninsula is sparsely populated and mostly covered with forests. Today, we are driving to the northernmost point of the peninsula, where Fletcher Bay is located. This is also where the Coromandel Coastal Walkway to Stony Bay begins — a walk along the coast of just over three hours. Since there is no transport back, we cannot walk all the way to Stony Bay. We decide to walk to the Lookout Point, slightly past the halfway mark, and then return. We leave Whitianga and take a winding road over the mountain range on the peninsula. At the town of Coromandel, we arrive at the coast on the other side of the island. From here, we follow the coastline. Along the way, we pass stunning bays. The weather is beautiful, and the water is a striking shade of blue. When passing the bridge at Corville, the road turns into a gravel road.

New Zealand - The walking route to Stony Bay

It’s still 35 kilometers to Fletcher Bay. We carefully drive along the narrow coastal road. You need to pay attention because a car can appear around any bend. Cars can pass each other with careful maneuvering. After two hours of driving, we arrive at Fletcher Bay. Next to the small beach, there is only a campsite — nothing else. No cafés and no houses. The Coromandel Walkway is clearly marked. The path follows the coastline, rising and falling regularly. It’s a beautiful walk, with views of the deep blue ocean everywhere. At Poley Bay, exactly halfway, Allert decides to stop and wait on the beach until I return.

New Zealand - Viewpoint at the Coromandel Coastal Walkway

According to the signs, it’s exactly one more hour to the Lookout Point. The path gradually ascends. Along the way, I meet hikers walking the route from Stony Bay. Everyone greets each other. Before I know it, I am at the turnoff to the Lookout Point. I have been walking for less than forty minutes. After a steep climb of about fifty meters, I reach the top. From the ridge, I have a view of the surroundings and the sea. I can practically see the entire route I walked, as well as the bay where Allert is waiting. I quickly head back. From Poley Bay, we walk back together to the starting point at Fletcher Bay. The sea looks inviting. I quickly put on my swim trunks and step into the water. The water is much colder than I expected. I dive in briefly and quickly return. We drive back to Whitianga along the same route. It’s already past six o’clock when we re-enter town. Since we skipped lunch, we decide to eat immediately at a Greek restaurant on the boulevard.