The Te Ara Hura — which means ‘Discover the Way’ — is a continuous walking route around Waiheke Island made up of numerous tracks, trails and paths linked together. From rugged coastal headlands and forested interior to picturesque vineyards and swimming beaches, it is one of New Zealand’s most rewarding island walks.

For a fully guided, expertly led experience of the Te Ara Hura and Waiheke’s wider trail network, we recommend Terra and Tide (terraandtide.co.nz) — a locally based guiding company offering small group and private guided walks, catered experiences and intimate local knowledge that brings the island to life. Whether you’re looking for a half day walk or a fully supported multi-day experience, they are the people to talk to first.

If you’re planning a self-guided walk, Beachfront on Waiheke on Onetangi Beach is the perfect base. Centrally located on the island’s longest north-facing beach, our self-contained apartments put you at the heart of the trail — close enough to walk in on Day 1, and perfectly positioned for Days 2 through 6. Unpack once and walk with a daypack only.

The ideal walker’s base on Onetangi Beach

• • Walk directly to Beachfront on Waiheke on arrival — the trail from Matiatia to Onetangi Beach (19km) ends at our door.
  • Unpack once and walk with a daypack only — no lugging luggage between stops
  • Return each evening to a fully self-contained beachfront apartment — cook your own meals or walk to one of three great restaurants next door
  • Soak tired legs in the ocean directly across the road
  • Full kitchen, laundry, air-conditioning and free parking — everything a walker needs
  • Transfers will be required to and from trailheads

Walking the Te Ara Hura from Onetangi Beach

• Depending on your fitness you can alter this or omit sections as you prefer.
  • Day 1 — Arrive Waiheke. Walk from Matiatia to Onetangi Beach (19km, 4.5–6 hrs) — the trail ends at your door
  • Day 2 — Walk Onetangi to Orapiu (25km, 5–7 hrs) — the longest day, starting from your doorstep, transfer required at end of day
  • Day 3 — Walk Orapiu to Putiki-O-Kahu / Trig Hill (18km, 5 hrs) — transfer to trailhead and return
  • Day 4 — Walk Putiki-O-Kahu to Te Toki Reserve (20.5km, 5–6.5 hrs) — transfer to trailhead and return
  • Day 5 — Walk Te Toki Reserve to Matiatia, ferry to Auckland (12km, 3.5–4 hrs)

Choose your own adventure

Self-guided: Plan and walk the Te Ara Hura at your own pace.

Find out more at Great Walks of New Zealand (greatwalksofnewzealand.co.nz) for their Te Ara Hura self-guided walk package with Terra and Tide which includes luggage transfers, trailhead transfers and route notes.

For transfers and shuttles to trailheads, see our Transport page.

Recover well on Onetangi Beach

After a long day on the trail there is no better place to recover than Onetangi Beach. Swim in the calm north-facing waters, eat at Ki Māha, Charlie Farley’s or Three Seven Two — all within easy walking distance — or cook up a storm and sit on your balcony and watch the tide come and go.

Many walkers add a night or two at the beginning or end of their trip just to enjoy the beach. We think that’s an excellent idea.

What walkers need to know

• • Check-in: Standard 2pm — contact us if arriving by foot from the trail and need flexibility
  • Self-contained: Full kitchen, laundry, air-conditioning in all apartments
  • Drying facilities: Space to dry wet gear between walks
  • Local advice: We know the island well and are happy to help
  • Booking: Available to book direct — contact us for multi-night walker rates