From the beach pick up Waiheke Road (up 4th Ave). Follow this uphill and then down for several km past Manowar road junction to Awaawaroa turning. After few hundred metres take signed right turn and follow gravel road to Awaawaroa track sign. Steep slippy uphill to top then even steeper slippier downhill with rope assist!
Track gets better up to Trig Hill but hard to follow on very top (head right to fence if stuck). Pick up main Te Ara Hura over fence and follow all way to Rocky Bay, then Dotties Lane and MTB track (Cathedral) to Gordon’s road.
Cross road and take walking tracks to Onetangi Sports Field then across golf course to road.
Turn right - track alongside Onetangi Rd back to village
Great views across island from the two hilltops. Beach at Rocky Bay plus fab one at Onetangi. Some nice challenging singletrack through the bush. Mini waterfalls on way down to Rocky Bay. Could divert to wineries en route if fancied! Watch for the 'Little Library' on the way out!
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Lots of parking down at beach. Bus 51a/b comes to beachfront and past end of Seaview Rd/gas station.
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Easy.
Only tricky bits are finding the trail on top of Trig Hill after the cow paddock (head across to the wire fence where you can see a gravel road - it's there) and the various mtb/walking tracks around Rocky Bay and near the sports pavilion. I used Dottie's Land and then Cathedral tracks near Rocky Bay to get to the road, but you could do others. Once over the road, check out the sign with all the tracks on as to how to get down to the pavilion (or just follow the road!) Track past there to road goes through the golf course and is signed.
Might be some in the 'Little Library' hut at start of Awaawaroa Road. Untreated tap water at Rocky Bay. Gas station/dairy at Onetangi.
Awaawaroa track will be slippy if it's rained as it's very steep and clay downhill.
Watch that downhill off the first hill - hang onto the rope!
The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.
Fish and chip shop at gas station
Gas station, Onetangi Rd /Seaview Rd junction
$10 lunchtime F&C deal!
Charley Farley's
Beachfront, Onetangi
Lots of food and drink options. Cold beer!
Do you have another suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
Don't be put off by the percentage of road running, this is a really fun and beautiful loop with great variety. The road sections are quiet and scenic, apart from just the last couple of k back to Onetangi (and even most of that is a side trail just off the road.) Started at first light and got some gorgeous skies coming over the hills, and the beach at Onetangi is perfect for a swim afterwards.
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