The Waiheke Coastal Walkway - Delivering paradise - creating a round Waiheke Island walkway within two years
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The Waiheke Coastal Walkway Delivering paradise - creating a round Waiheke Island walkway within two years
The Waiheke Coastal Walkway
Delivering paradise – creating a round
Waiheke Island walkway
within two years
Waiheke Island is a paradise, right here on Auckland’s doorstep.
But right now it’s hard for Aucklanders and visitors from abroad to see the real Waiheke.
The Waiheke Coastal Walkway project can make the real Waiheke accessible,
achievable and enjoyable to all Aucklanders, either as a week long holiday, or seven
separate day trips.
We’ve done the hard work, we’ve got the land, the linkages are established, and 90% of
the track is already built. Now is the time to join the dots and package it up as an easy to
use round the island walkway that works for Aucklanders and visitors alike.
Prepared by the Waiheke Parks team in 2010 with costs paid by Auckland City Council.
Our journey started with a beautiful ferry ride to Waiheke Island.
North
Shore
Waiheke
35 mins Island
45 mins
Auckland
Central
Howick
So close
Waiheke Island is a different world. Its close proximity and great contrast to Auckland City makes it an ideal location
for day trips and short breaks. With rising fuel costs, holiday traffic jams and growing concern for global and personal
health, people are looking for alternatives to distant traditional holiday destinations.
A holiday doesn’t need to be an ordeal of distance driving. The Waiheke Coastal Walkway is the brilliant alternative!
DAY
1
We started at Matiatia where the ferry comes in. T
he man from the lodge picked up our bags and pointed us in the right direction. T
he route starts right by the wharf, before you know it you’re on your way.
Paradise on Auckland’s doorstep
An established identity: Waiheke Island – Jewel of the Gulf, a place so close to New Zealand’s major city, yet so far removed from
its hustle and bustle. Waiheke, far enough behind to be ahead, the island where millionaires and hippies and everyone in between
brush shoulders. Waiheke, island of wine. Waiheke, island of art. Waiheke, the dream wedding location. Waiheke, party island.
It’s official - Waiheke has been discovered
2010 Auckland University research into the wine and tourist industries on Waiheke
If we can make the real Waiheke accessible,
reported between 500,000 and 750,000 visitors a year (CEO Fullers), with over 70% achievable and enjoyable to all, we improve the
coming from the Auckland Region. 85% would visit again and 97% would recommend
Waiheke as a destination for friends and family. quality of life of Aucklanders and the Auckland
However, many visitors are limited by transport, facilities and information to the urban experience of our visitors.
areas, particularly Oneroa. While most Aucklanders have been once, only those who have
a local connection regularly return. Auckland City Council’s vistor satisfaction customer
research (2010) shows that 62% have not visited any of the open spaces in the Hauraki
Gulf in the last 12 months – yet 85% of people who did visit, rated the experience as very
positive.
The real Waiheke
At present the real Waiheke is out of reach for most Aucklanders and many of our visitors.
It can be expensive to get there, to stay and to eat. The best bits and the free stuff are
hard for day visitors to find and to get to.
Lonely Planet 2010 says:
Waiheke is 93 sq km of island bliss only a 35-minute ferry ride from the CBD…..On Waiheke’s city side, emerald
waters lap a rocky bays, while its ocean flank has some of the region’s best sandy beaches. While beaches are the
big drawcard, wine is a close second. There are 26 boutique wineries to visit, many with swanky restaurants and
breathtaking city views. On top of that, the Waiheke Arts Trail encompasses 26 galleries and craft stores.
Frommers guide listed Waiheke as one of the their top 12 destinations worldwide in 2009.
DAY
1
T
hat first section took us past some amazing scenes, they were putting up a sculpture show, great to talk to the artists. At 4pm we made it to the lodge, where we had a great night (did I mention the wine?).
DAY 2 On day two we walked past all the small bays and villages and got a real sense of what Waiheke is all about, loved the cafes on the way, we bulked up on carbs for our long walk and talked to the locals.
More than meets the eye
Why is Waiheke so popular? It’s the difference, the quiet that envelopes you as you walk away from the ferry.
It’s the stunning views waiting around every corner, it’s the quirky locals, it’s the bach mentality, it’s the space.
The nature
Waiheke is the clean, green New Zealand that Kiwis dream of. As well as those stunning,
sandy northern beaches, there are dozens of sheltered bays you can make your own on
the sunniest of summer days. With ancient Pohutukawa, mature bush remnants and a
thriving passion for replanting the next generation of native trees, the island offers more
than just a walk up and down the beach.
Recreational facilites
The culture
Regional parks/reserve
Special event
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In the last 15 years Waiheke’s jazz and wine festivals, Sculpture on the Gulf, art trails
Art gallery
Existing and planned walkways, including low tide routes
O W H I T I B AY
DOC
RESERVE
ISLAND
B AY FOSSIL
C A C T U S B AY
B AY
OWHANAKE
B AY
E N C LO S U R E
B AY
SANDY
PA L M
M AT I AT I A B AY B AY BEACH
O N E R O A B AY H E K E R UA
MORRA
MATIATIA FERRY TERMINAL Hall
B AY
O N E TA N G I B AY
P I E M E L O N B AY
M A N O WA R
BLACKPOOL B AY
BEACH
C H U R C H B AY
O N E TA N G I
RESERVE
SURFDALE
BEACH
WA I K O P U A
H U R U H I B AY B AY
SHELLEY
C A B L E B AY BEACH
A N Z A C B AY
T E W H A R A U B AY
O N E TA N G I
S P O R T S PA R K
P U T I K I B AY
D E A D D O G B AY
KENNEDY POINT FERRY TERMINAL
M ATA R A H U I B AY
KENNEDY POINT Reeve Airfield
0 1 2 3km
ROCKY COWES
B AY HALFMOON B AY
B AY
Walkway / track WHAKANEWHA
R E G I O N A L PA R K
Beach walking route ARC
Campsite
Low tide walking route
AWA AWA R O A
Planned new route B AY
DOC
RESERVE
WOODSIDE
B AY OMARU
B AY
Y
T E M AT U K U
B AY
MARINE RESERVE
ORAPIU
B AY
DAY
3
We started at low tide so we could follow the shoreline to Whakanewha, past the boat sheds. T
his was the most challenging day, but definitely rewarding, lots of beautiful bush today and stunning wide views of
Slow down, you’re here If you’re escaping from the rat-race, you need to stop racing. Walking is the ideal speed to take in everything the island has to show, say and do. Your own trail guide Here’s one we made earlier While Sir Ed may have been happy to blaze a trail into uncharted territory, us mortals By linking Waiheke’s existing coastal, urban and bush tracks with country roads, we want to know where we’re going, how long it’s going to take and what we can do and see already have a circuit that takes you right around the island – not missing any of it’s great along the way. We need signage that’s easy to follow, we need the hidden treasures (and attractions. sometimes the obvious ones) pointed out, and we need people who will come and pick up the pieces if it goes wrong – or pick us up if we get tired. A clear, well-signposted, well- serviced circuit will open up Waiheke to everyone who can walk. Sustainable We’re in good company The more people who drive, the more Waiheke becomes like Auckland. It’s expensive to There are examples of successful trails in more remote places. Listen to the enthusiastic take your car to Waiheke. It’s expensive to hire a car. Our roads are tricky to drive on and comments from people who have cycled the Otago Rail Trail or who have walked the it’s easy to get lost. You’re rarely more than 15 minutes ride away from where you want to Queen Charlotte Track: multi-day trails with opportunties to meet the ‘real locals’, hear the go and we have good buses, taxis and if you’re stuck, you can even hitch a ride. Visitors stories of the place, experience the hidden gems first hand. Waiheke offers all of this, right bringing too many cars will actually harm the charm of the place. on Auckland’s doorstep. DAY 3 Eastern Waiheke and amazing bays. Didn’t realise Waiheke has such beautiful bush as well. Had a chat to some locals, there is a lot going on around here. We called the cab to meet us at Awaawaroa.
Overview of proposed Waiheke Coastal Walkway
O W H I T I B AY
DOC
RESERVE
ISLAND
B AY FOSSIL
C A C T U S B AY
B AY
C
OWHANAKE
B AY
B E N C LO S U R E
B AY
C
M AT I AT I A B AY
SANDY
B AY
B PA L M
BEACH
MCKENZIE
O N E R O A B AY H E K E R UA RESERVE
MORRA
MATIATIA FERRY TERMINAL Hall
B AY
TE ATAWHAI WHENUA
B B
RESERVE
B O N E TA N G I B AY
C
BLACKPOOL
B P I E M E L O N B AY
RESERVE
B C M A N O WA R
BLACKPOOL B AY
TE TOLI
BEACH RESERVE
C H U R C H B AY
RESERVE
O N E TA N G I
B SURFDALE B RESERVE
BEACH
M
H U R U H I B AY M C WA I K O P U A
B AY
SHELLEY
C A B L E B AY BEACH
A N Z A C B AY
T E W H A R A U B AY
O N E TA N G I
S P O R T S PA R K
P U T I K I B AY C
KENNEDY POINT FERRY TERMINAL
D E A D D O G B AY
M ATA R A H U I B AY
KENNEDY POINT Reeve Airfield
B C
B DOC / FOREST & BIRD
RESERVES
ROCKY COWES
B AY HALFMOON B AY
B AY
WHAKANEWHA Track opens 2010
Proposed Walk Waiheke circuit - track / walkway R E G I O N A L PA R K
ARC
Campsite
Proposed Walk Waiheke circuit - road / footpath C
C
AWA AWA R O A
M B C M: footpath next to main road, B: back road, C: country road B AY
DOC
Proposed new section of track to complete by 2012 WOODSIDE
RESERVE
B AY OMARU
B AY
Optional side route
C
T E M AT U K U
B AY
MARINE RESERVE
Bush and parkland, rural
ORAPIU
B AY
Bush covered suburban zone
DAY
4
T
oday we walked through the most stunning bit of bush across the hill to T
e Matuku Bay, it just keeps getting better. Had a beautiful lunch at Passage Rock, then onwards through more bush and past the oldOne world class week or seven stunning day trips
Walking for around four hours each day would make the circuit a seven-day walk, with each
day being distinctly different.
DAY 1: COASTAL WALKING WITH MAGNIFICENT VIEWS of the Gulf and clifftop 2.5km
S T O N Y B AT T E R
mansions. An amazing introduction to the best the island has to offer. PA L M
M AT I AT I A
E S TAT E BEACH 12km
DAY 2: URBAN ESTUARIES, still close to cafes and boutique B&B’s. A 16km
ONEROA O N E TA N G I
combination of grassroots Waiheke and coastal landscapes. CHURCH
B AY
SURFDALE
DAY 3: SERIOUS BUSH WALKING, with lots of hills and great views. 11km OSTEND
14km 11km
DAY 4: MEANDER THROUGH SHADY, UNSPOILED RIPARIAN BROADLEAF PA R K
POINT
FOREST, skirting Te Matuku Bay Marine Reserve. 8km
TE WHAU
ROCKY
PENINSULA
DAY 5: A COUNTRY ROAD WITH HISTORY LESSONS, the ‘Far End’ ending at B AY
Stony Batter Historic Reserve. WHAKANEWHA
13km
OPTIONAL SHORTCUT
DAY 6: BIG LANDSCAPES, VINEYARDS AND VIEWS, rural Waiheke. Distances are approximates only
AWA
AWA R O A
B AY
DAY 7: NORTHERN BAYS AND BACHES back to Oneroa and then on to Matiatia.
ORAPIU
Sample of a 7 day walk around Waiheke Island
Because of the size and shape of the island and the easy access to roads, walkers can Aucklanders may choose to complete the circuit in seven separate day visits. These day
be dropped off and picked up each day by their accommodation provider, or they could walks can be completed in any order. This keeps the cost and commitment down, whilst
choose from a range of accommodation choices each night. still offering the achievement of walking the circuit and seeing the real Waiheke.
DAY
4
cemetary, along a coastal track to the mudflats of T
e Matuku Bay, where a school group was doing shellfish research. Ended our day at Orapiu wharf where we were picked up by the Well’s Bay Lodge people.Facilities, 2010
Waiheke Island has over 140 accommodation providers, with prices ranging from $24 to over $1000
per night, most of these are situated in the Western part of the island, between Matiatia and Onetangi,
the are that is also well covered with public transport, food outlets and shops.
O W H I T I B AY
ISLAND
B AY FOSSIL
C A C T U S B AY
B AY
OWHANAKE
B AY
E N C LO S U R E
B AY
SANDY
PA L M
M AT I AT I A B AY B AY BEACH
MCKENZIE
O N E R O A B AY H E K E R UA RESERVE
MORRA
MATIATIA FERRY TERMINAL Hall
B AY
O N E TA N G I B AY
P I E M E L O N B AY
M A N O WA R
BLACKPOOL B AY
BEACH
C H U R C H B AY
O N E TA N G I
RESERVE
SURFDALE
BEACH
WA I K O P U A
H U R U H I B AY B AY
SHELLEY
C A B L E B AY BEACH
A N Z A C B AY
T E W H A R A U B AY
O N E TA N G I
S P O R T S PA R K
P U T I K I B AY
KENNEDY POINT FERRY TERMINAL
D E A D D O G B AY
M ATA R A H U I B AY
KENNEDY POINT Reeve Airfield
Food / drink outlet
ROCKY COWES
Cafe / Restaurant B AY HALFMOON B AY
B AY
Budget accommodation (under $50/night)
ARC
Campsite
Other accommodation (only shown for Eastern Waiheke)
AWA AWA R O A
Winery, open to the public B AY
Bus service DOC
WOODSIDE
RESERVE
OMARU
It is likely that transport,
B AY
B AY accommodation and food facilities
T E M AT U K U
B AY
will develop in eastern Waiheke as
MARINE RESERVE
demand grows.
ORAPIU
B AY
DAY
5
We stayad at this gorgious original cottage today and heard all about the history of this area, this used to be a very busy part of the island. Great stories. Walked along the road to Man-o-war Bay (amazingFacilities and support
We don’t need to build or run huts. Waiheke has an eager, entrepreneurial tourism sector.
Where there is demand, there is no doubt that it will be filled by shuttles, bunk-houses,
coffee-carts or accommodation providers.
Transport Food
The two local bus companies cover a large part of the island and their service is already While the west of the island is well-catered with cafes and restaurants, the eastern end
complemented by a number of smaller operators and taxi companies. Fullers support depends largely on vineyards which offer food. While these are currently seasonal, they
the Walkway concept and expect to start bus services to Orapiu and Stony Batter in the offer a unique experience of emerging from a days tramping to a quality meal in a world-
summer of 2010/11. It is also expected that accommodation providers will start offering class vineyard location.
‘pick up and drop off’ packages along the route.
Phone coverage
Accommodation Currently the two main mobile networks offer coverage to most of the island, including
This route does not require council to build huts or campsites along the route. Waiheke around 90% of the route, allowing walkers to ‘call in the cavalry’,when they cannot walk as
already has a huge range of accommodation options, all around the island. While far as they envisaged that day.
there are already backpackers, campsites and homestays available, we expect private
accommodation providers to meet any unfilled demand.
DAY
5
stands of kauri trees) and had our packed lunch at the beach. T
hen a beautiful bush walk up to Stony Batter, where we managed to explore the tunnels before calling the lodge for another night of comfort!add note that this section will open (part this year, part planned ???) DAY 6 Wandered through a huge landscape today, lots of vineyards, new pohutukawa on the hills, yet another face of the island. A long but easy walk along the country roads with lots of great views. Had a great
Making it happen
We’ve done the hard work, we’ve got the land, the linkages and 90% of the tracks already built.
Given the necessary support and funding, we can open the walkway within two years.
Within 6 months - specification and costing
Within 3 months - project definition
Wayfinding audit to identify methodology and approximate cost of signage - $10k
Stakeholders identified, project sponsor, project manager and
project team identified. Track audit to establish feasibility and engineers estimate of cost for
Project team meet stakeholders to discuss desired outcome opening/upgrading each section of desired route - $30k
and target opening date.
Project team agree initial and ideal route and staging of work to achieve each.
Project team brief appropriate contractors on costing of signage
and track creation/upgrade.
Within 12 months - design work
Detailed design of new/upgrade sections required for initial route $50k
Design of signage and agree content $20k
Within 24 months - creation of initial route
Construction/upgrade of sections required to complete initial route $200k
Production and installation of signage $500k
Promotion (maps, brochures, advertising, web content) $100k
Total
Estimated budget for specification, design and implementation $910k
DAY
6
stop at the Lavender farm and enjoyed a wine tasting at Awaawaroa Vineyard. T
hey told us about a lookout above Onetangi and thats where we ended our walk with a few snacks and a bottle of wine.... bliss!DAY 7 Our last day, we’re quite fit by now, and we managed to walk the entire route, past all the famous Waiheke beaches, the baches, the clifftop mansions, with a knowing smile, we have seen so much more than these
Future development
While it is achievable to open the The Waiheke Coastal Walkway within 24 months, a mid- and long-term plan needs to
be developed in accordance with the projected outcomes, which will need to be set out by the council.
Open the circuit (1-2 years)
In 24 months The Waiheke Coastal Walkway can be opened, with a complete circuit,
offering walkers a range of day trips and multi-day walks around the island.
Improvements (2-5 years)
While the initial circuit is finalised and signposted, work can start on laying the foundations
for improvements to the route that can be achieved in the medium to long term. These
improvements could be found in facilities like interpretation, and in optimisation of the
route itself. It is expected that in this period various initiatives will start emerging, offering
new accommodation options, food outlets and transport.
Future potential (5-10 years)
In the long term the council will need to be alert to opportunities to improve the circuit, and
may be able to build on goodwill and proven success to negotiate access through other
private properties or new subdivisions. The role of the council will shift from initiating the
network to maintaining the facilities, promoting its use and harnessing user input.
Existing map resources can be adapted to provide in-depth information
and user feedback about track conditions, travel times and facilities.
DAY
7
day trippers! We did make the most of the abundant cafe culture and treated ourselves to some great local snacks. It was quite late when we reached Matiatia, what a trip, we’re coming back next year!You can also read
