Cooks Cove Walkway

Great views, lush farmland, instructive interpretation panels and a good swimming cove makes for an excellent day trip.

Where is it?

At the southern end of Tolaga Bay, 52km from Gisborne. Take SH 35 and turn off at Wharf Rd.

Terrain

The track initially follows the lake edge and is uneven in places. Some steady climbs follow.

Track Overview

After admiring the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf, make your way to the paddock where the walkway begins. Crossing open pastureland, you will climb through low bush, with much of the walk on farm tracks. After about 20 minutes, you will find the lookout point 120m above sea level, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Cooks Cove, a pretty sheltered inlet.

Look out to the rugged Mitre Rocks that lie to the left of the entrance and Pourewa Island rising up on the right. The winding track then descends through regenerating bush until you reach the coastal flat of the bay. Explore Te Kotere o te Whenua, otherwise known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’, and take a look the New Zealand Historic Places Trust memorial, erected in 1966 to commemorate Captain Cook’s inaugural exploration of Aotearoa in 1769. Ideal for picnics and photography.

Need to Know

NO DOGS: Part of the walk is on private farmland

TIME & DISTANCE: 2hr 30min; 5.8km return

FITNESS: Medium fitness required

TERRAIN: Some hill climbing

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels

Main Image: Oparara Arches, West Coast © Fraser Clements