One of the most beautiful walks in New Zealand is also a great run! The Coromandel Walkway is a beautiful coastal path that runs for 10 km between Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay. The former bridle path is, for most of the way, dirt path of varying widths. The footing is generally easy. The VERY HILLY rolling hill trail features stunning views of the rocky coastline as it winds around bays and coves, over headlands, and past farmland and a regenerative forest. There are giant Pohutukawa trees and Nikau Palms.
The route can be started from either Stony Bay or Fletcher Bay. This detailed trail map shows route features, viewpoints, and other landmarks. Note this is a very hilly route — 475m over 10 km (one-way!), with ~1/3 of the gain coming over the first 2 km from either trailhead.
Port Jackson Rd. For easier running, Port Jackson Rd. is another, scenic option. This gravel road runs for 23 km from Otautu Bay Beach to Port Jackson, and another 6.3 km to Fletcher Bay. The best and easiest section for running is the 15 km between the Macdonald Recreation and Reserve and Goat Bay — it’s all along the water and flat, with stunning coastal views, and beautiful trees & foliage. It’s a different feel from the Coromandel Walkway. North of Goat Bay, the road is very hilly. NOTE: There is no shoulder and there can be cars. Use caution! Also, we don’t recommend running on Colville Rd. between Colville and Otautu Bay.
Port Jackson Running. From Port Jackson, the Muriwai Walk is another gorgeous trail running option. It’s 6 km out & back, 127m elevation gain, OK footing. There’s also good beach running along the 1.5 km Port Jackson Beach. Wide, with fairly firm sand.
One of the most beautiful walks in New Zealand is also a great run! The Coromandel Walkway is a beautiful coastal path that runs for 10 km between Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay. The former bridle path is, for most of the way, dirt path of varying widths. The footing is generally easy. The VERY HILLY rolling hill trail features stunning views of the rocky coastline as it winds around bays and coves, over headlands, and past farmland and a regenerative forest. There are giant Pohutukawa trees and Nikau Palms.
The route can be started from either Stony Bay or Fletcher Bay. This detailed trail map shows route features, viewpoints, and other landmarks. Note this is a very hilly route — 475m over 10 km (one-way!), with ~1/3 of the gain coming over the first 2 km from either trailhead.
Port Jackson Rd. For easier running, Port Jackson Rd. is another, scenic option. This gravel road runs for 23 km from Otautu Bay Beach to Port Jackson, and another 6.3 km to Fletcher Bay. The best and easiest section for running is the 15 km between the Macdonald Recreation and Reserve and Goat Bay — it’s all along the water and flat, with stunning coastal views, and beautiful trees & foliage. It’s a different feel from the Coromandel Walkway. North of Goat Bay, the road is very hilly. NOTE: There is no shoulder and there can be cars. Use caution! Also, we don’t recommend running on Colville Rd. between Colville and Otautu Bay.
Port Jackson Running. From Port Jackson, the Muriwai Walk is another gorgeous trail running option. It’s 6 km out & back, 127m elevation gain, OK footing. There’s also good beach running along the 1.5 km Port Jackson Beach. Wide, with fairly firm sand.
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