Five of the best: Coastal walks

Herald on Sunday

27 Dec, 2014 04:00 PM3 mins to read

Te Henga Walkway, also known as the Hillary Trail, from Muriwai to Te Henga (Bethells). Photo / Natalie Slade

Get outside and explore the New Zealand coastline we are so well known for. Fingers crossed, you will be blessed with a refreshing sea breeze as you tackle these top walks.

We've offered a mixed bag depending on your mood - from an easy beach amble to a massive five-day hike, and a few in between. Don't forget to slip, slop, slap and check out the Department of Conservation website for more information, especially about the longer tramps.

1. Milford to Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland

Rounding the rocks between Milford and Takapuna. Photo / Amos Chapple

An easy, but a goodie, the 45-minute walk along the coast is one of our Auckland favourites. Take the time to paddle in rock pools, collect shells and admire the beautiful outlook. Make sure you stop for an ice cream at the Takapuna Beach Cafe before making your way back to Milford. This is a great walk to show off the City of Sails to your mates.

2. Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Tasman District

Nestled in the Abel Tasman National Park on the northern shores of the South Island, this is one of the Great Walks. The 54.4km trail will take between three and five days to complete. You will kick off in Marahau and end up at Wainui Inlet at the end of your journey. There is only a small window for crossings either side of low tide, making this a hike you will want to plan ahead - but you'll be able to find plenty of info at doc.govt.nz.

Footprints left by Abel Tasman Coastal Track walkers. Photo / Supplied

3. Tora Coastal Walk, Wairarapa

If you're after an adventure, consider tackling the three-day Tora Coastal Walk in the Southern Wairarapa. You will spend three days and nights with a small group tramping about 34km through the region. Day one is the hardest, with a climb up Limestone Hill, but it is well worth it - this is the highest vantage point of the walk from which you will soak up stunning coastal vistas. During the rest of the tramp, you'll head through bushland, meander along the coast and amble by the Oterei River. The first walk of the year heads off after January 5.

Explore Southern Wairarapa on a three-day Tora Coastal Walk. Photo / Supplied

4. Te Henga Walkway, West Auckland

Setting off from Bethells Beach (about an hour west of Auckland), this day hike crosses the Waitakere River and rises to views of the west coast black sand and surf and O'Neill's Bay. You can return along Bethells or continue along the walkway. A warning - it gets steep as you head to the clifftop and ascend a second time to Constable Rd to finish. It can get muddy and slippery in the wet, so be prepared. Reward yourself with a swim in the sea.

5. Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, Canterbury

This seaside walk is only about 4.4km long, jutting out from the rugged east coast of the South Island. It only takes about an hour, and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Whales, dolphins, seals, birds and crayfish make this one unique. There are plenty of signs giving historical inform28-12-2014 05:00:00ation and part of the walk is accessible by wheelchair.