Best Walks Near Matakana: Walking Tracks on the Matakana Coast
Updated: Sep 30
Walks Around the Matakana Coast
There are plenty of good walks around the Matakana Coast, from short bush tracks to longer coastal walks with views across the Hauraki Gulf.
Spend a morning exploring Tāwharanui, follow the coast around Leigh or head through the bush to Matheson's Bay.
Here are a few of our favourites.
Tāwharanui Ecology Trail
Length: About 2 hours
Start: Main car park at Anchor Bay, Tāwharanui Regional Park
Type: Loop track
The Tāwharanui Ecology Trail takes you through farmland, native bush and open coastal areas within Tāwharanui Regional Park.
The park is home to a range of native birds, including kiwi, tūī, kererū and kākāriki, and there's plenty to see along the way.
Once you've finished the walk, head down to Anchor Bay for a swim or find a spot on the grass overlooking the beach.
Leigh Coastal Walkway
Length: 45–60 minutes
Start: Several access points around Leigh, including Lax Crescent
Type: One-way track
The Leigh Coastal Walk follows the coastline around Leigh, with views across the Hauraki Gulf towards Little Barrier Island.
You can join the walkway from several points around the township, making it easy to choose how much of the track you want to walk.
It's a one-way track, so remember to plan your return journey or arrange a pick-up.
Ti Point Coastal Walk
Length: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Start: Ti Point Wharf car park, near Ti Point Road
Type: Out-and-back track
The Ti Point Coastal Walk follows the shoreline through native bush and along rocky sections of coast.
There are several spots along the way to stop and take in the views across the Hauraki Gulf. Keep an eye out for seabirds and, if you're lucky, dolphins in the water.
Pack a picnic and take your time — it's an easy walk to combine with a day exploring the surrounding coast.
Matheson's Bay Bush Walk
Length: About 40 minutes
Start: Matheson's Bay Beach or the Leigh Road car park
Type: One-way track
This shorter walk follows the bush alongside a stream and waterfall before reaching Matheson's Bay.
The beach is sheltered and makes a good place for a swim afterwards, particularly on a warm day.
It's an easy walk to fit into a morning or afternoon and works well if you want to combine a walk with some time at the beach.
Back to Tepee
After a few hours on the trails, head back to Tepee.
Put your feet up on the porch, settle into your tepee or head to the shared outdoor space. There’s a fire pit, so you can stay outside a little longer.
You can also book a session in our forest sauna — a warm, quiet way to finish the day.
