Leigh Coastal Walkway along a stunning coastline

The Leigh Coastal Walkway winds around a stunning coastline is edged with large pohutukawa trees that bloom bright red in early summer.

Views include Omaha Bay, Tawharanui Regional Park, Coromandel Peninsula, Little Barrier (Hauturu) and Great Barrier (Aotea) islands. Dolphins, orca and whales are regularly seen from the coast.

This walk can start at either the Leigh Cemetery on Harbour View Road or from the bottom of Wonderview Road and also accessed from the following roads: Kyle, Penguin, Cotterell, Kowhai, Cumberland and Harbour View. You can do it all or just part of it.

If starting at Wonderview Road. Directly ahead, steps lead to Crabb Bay. (At low or mid tide, continue on to Matheson Bay around the rocks. 30 minutes.) To the right, a short track overlooks Daniels Reef, well known surfing spot. The coastal track starts from the left side, crosses the grass reserve, descends steps and follows the coast. A side track to a lookout has spectacular views over Daniel’s Reef and Omaha Bay.

The track follows alongside an electric fence down to a small pebbly beach. Cross the bridge and up the steep steps to Kyle Street. Turn right, walk 30m to the walkway on the right between fences. Follow the signs and path through paddocks and coast, to the end of Penguin Street. Enjoy the views across Omaha Bay from the seat.

Continue up the grassed reserve to a small set of steps and around in front of the houses to the reserve with clifftop pohutukawa at the end of Cotterell Street. Head north, observe the very good views over Nordic Beach and Leigh Harbour, then descend to a series of steps over a small stream and through native bush. The steps ascend to Kowhai Terrace which leads to the end of Cumberland Street. Cross the grass reserve straight ahead, which leads to Harbour View Road and the Leigh Cemetery. Remember to keep dogs on a lead as little blue penguins nest along this coastline. Time: One hour each way.