The Ti Point Coastal Walk is one of the Matakana Coast’s best-kept secrets — a free, unhurried ramble along a wild and largely undeveloped stretch of Hauraki Gulf coastline that delivers outstanding scenery, excellent wildlife spotting, and a genuine sense of remoteness despite being less than 15 minutes from Matakana Village. Beginning at the end of Ti Point Road near Snells Beach, the track winds through open farmland, ancient pohutukawa trees, native coastal scrub, sandy coves, and dramatic rocky outcrops for approximately 3 kilometres one way, with a return journey of around two hours at a comfortable walking pace.

The views from the track are exceptional at almost every point along the route. On a clear day the panorama takes in the full sweep of the Matakana Coast — Omaha Beach curving away to the northeast, the Tāwharanui Peninsula rising green and dramatic beyond it, and Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi) sitting on the horizon like a sleeping giant in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf. Little Barrier Island is one of New Zealand’s most important wildlife sanctuaries and a predator-free haven for some of the country’s rarest species, and the views of it from Ti Point on a clear day are among the finest available from the mainland.

Wildlife along the walk is a genuine highlight. The rocky shoreline supports healthy populations of little blue penguins (kororā), New Zealand’s smallest penguin, which can sometimes be spotted at dusk heading to and from their burrows in the coastal scrub. New Zealand fur seals occasionally haul out on the more exposed rocky platforms, particularly in winter, and can sometimes be observed at close range from the track above. The coastal scrub is alive with small native birds, and the pohutukawa trees that line much of the route burst into brilliant crimson flower in December and January, making the summer months particularly scenic.

The track passes through a designated scenic reserve at its far end, where a flat grassy area above the coast makes an ideal picnic spot with views back along the route and out across the gulf. On calm days the sheltered coves along the route offer decent snorkelling over rocky reef, with good populations of reef fish visible in clear water. The track surface varies between grass, packed earth, and rock, with some uneven sections that require care — sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly after rain when some areas can be slippery.

The Ti Point area also has a small reptile park nearby, making it easy to combine the coastal walk with a visit for families travelling with children. Snells Beach, just a few minutes’ drive away, has a good selection of cafés, a supermarket, and a pleasant beachfront esplanade that makes a relaxed end to a morning’s walking.

From Matakana, take Matakana Road south toward Warkworth and turn off toward Snells Beach, then follow Arabella Lane and Ti Point Road to the end. The drive takes around 15 minutes. Free parking is available at the road end, with space for around 20 vehicles. There are no facilities along the track itself, so bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. The walk is suitable for most fitness levels and older children, though the uneven terrain makes it unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.