The Coastal Cliffs Walkway follows the foreshore between Kai-o-ruru Church Bay, Diamond Harbour and Pūrau, with harbour views. It forms part of the Head to Head Walkway.
| Start | Church Bay |
|---|---|
| Finish | Pūrau Bay |
| Distance | 7 km |
| Time | 3 hours one way |
| Toilets | Located at a small beach just before Diamond Harbour Wharf, in Stoddart Point Recreation Reserve and at Pūrau Bay |
| Dogs | Dogs must be leashed on all formed paths and tracks, as well as roads and in car parks. Dogs are prohibited from the Coastal Cliff Reserve and foreshore for the protection of wildlife such as penguins, reef heron and roosting shags. |
| Description: |
Kai-o-ruru Church Bay to Diamond Harbour Wharf - 90 minutesThe cliff walk to Diamond Harbour starts at Kai-o-ruru Church Bay. Follow an old road line through pine trees above cliffs with some bluff areas where scrambling might be required. The track sidles around Pauaohinekotau Headland, staying quite high above the cliffs with good views and some seating. The track then zig-zags down to reach a tiny rocky beach with a side creek and toilets. From here, a wide, well-formed path climbs up to meet the Wharf Road. Walk downhill to the wharf area to pick up the next section of track. Diamond Harbour Wharf to Pūrau Bay - 90 minutesTurn left from the wharf and follow the pathway up some stairs nearest the sea. The track itself is very clear, but not well signposted. At the top of the stairs, take the track alongside the cliff edge around Stoddart Point, through bush and pine trees. Historic Stoddart’s cottage in Stoddart Point Recreation Reserve is a possible side trip, as is the small township of Diamond Harbour with two cafes. Otherwise, continue to follow the rough track above the water edge through pine forest with views of the harbour and Rīpapa Island - a small island with a large history. Rīpapa was an important pa site for Ngāi Tahu, then a quarantine station, a prison and a fort built during the Russian scare of 1885. The track emerges onto Pūrau Ave just short of Pūrau Bay. Follow the road until you reach the beachfront at Pūrau Bay, where there is a wide shelly-sand beach ideal for exploring with children, toilets and picnic areas. Get ready for this track using Plan My Walk(external link)(external link) by the NZ Mountain Safety Council. You can find track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list, so you are set for your adventure. |
Walking tracks
Shared use
Connecting tracks
Closed
Parking
Bus stop
Toilets
Water fountains
Accessible tracks
Challenging feature
Entry and exit point
Point of interest