Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Cooks Cove Walkway Return
Submitted by Lewis Marama
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 16 ?
5.8km
295m
295m
13m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Lewis Marama
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 10 ?
Gnarl Factor: 16 ?
5.8km
295m
295m
13m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open farmlands
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.5%
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0:50
Slow
0:40
Moderate
0:30
Fast
Easy uphills and downhills through farmland and native bush. Easy to follow markers take you through farmland - be aware this is a working farm and treat it as such. The run basically takes you in where you want to go with no paths splitting off in different directions; just follow the markers.
Take the time to check out the Hole in the Wall (Te Kotere o te Whenua) and get a photo with the picture frame, the Memorial stone commemorating Cook's visit and the information panels.
The parking area at the Tolaga Bay wharf is the best place to park as it's less than 100 metres from the start of the track. Usually plenty of tourist vehicles there during the day
3 km
4 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Crossing some of the paddocks you just need to keep the markers in sight. They should be clearly visible at all times.
Generally good.
Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Cellphone
No water so take your own. Best to bring water with you. May be able to fill from Campgrounds.
Can be quite muddy/wet in the bush areas and the downhills can be treacherous if not paying attention.
There may be livestock in the fields. Be aware.
Tolaga Bay Inn
In Tolaga Bay itself which is about 2km up the road on State Highway 35
Great food including a delicious paua burger, cheap, if slightly run down, accomodation, cold beer.
Curbside Cafe
In the Tolaga Bay wharf car park area, near the public toilets
Hot drinks. Limited selection of food while we were there though.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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A popular walk with some sights of interest including a sculpture at the top of the first set of stairs, the hole in the rock and Cook's Cove. with just under 3 km either way it is not a long run but you get a decent steep climb in each direction made up of mostly stairs.
January 12, 2020
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