Port de Matiatia - Owhanake Beach (Waiheke Island) [25/03/2017]

Route from the port of Matiatia to the Owhanake Beach, going through the Coastal Walk (part of the Te Ara Hura route) at the start, including views of the Matiatia Bay and beaches and small coves, and from the interior to the return, following one of the popular Waiheke Island routes.
The route begins at the port of Matiatia, where many of the ferries that land on the island arrive, and immediately the Coastal Walk is taken, as indicated by a somewhat hidden news sign at the end of the road. Just starting out, the print is incredible, and a bursting pine drinking from the water of Matiatia Bay plays it (you have to be careful if the tide is high, because the pine tree makes it difficult!). After bordering the bay, you reach the southern point of a head, one that encloses the same bay, and from where you can see views of the Matiatia Bay, its harbor, and the surrounding area, including the Motuihe Island, the Motutapu Island (and the Rangitoto Island in the background), and even the city of Auckland in the distance. Shortly after you reach a small beach that is sheltered between the rocks, and from where you can see views of the west of the island, similar to those that are obtained throughout the entire route. The small land tongues that go into the water cause beaches like this, and other smaller coves such as those found just after. Continuing towards the northern tip of the head you can see several islands that populate the Gulf of Hauraki, such as the Rakino Island, and also the magnificent beach surrounded by green lying in the middle of the two tips. Once you are stuck in the northern tip of the head, you can enjoy again the views of the different islands, small and large, and the greenery that surrounds the entire coast. From here the Owhanake Bay is also observed for the first time. Going down a bit, there is another small cove, from where there is a small path that would take you back to the starting point, although it is decided to continue along the coast path for a while. Going back to climb, then, you can see how the Owhanake Beach is getting closer, until you find the sign indicative of the route Te Ara Hura, which goes round the island, and that in this case only one piece is followed. Following it, you will soon reach Owhanake Beach, a beautiful beach from where you can see the entire Owhanake Bay.
At this point you decide to go to the island and look for an inner path that returns to the starting point. When arriving at the Owhanake Beach car park, you can choose to continue on the main road, where vehicles are also used, or take a path. However, in this case, a poster of the City Council has been found indicating that the path was closed because it was not in good condition. It has been decided to verify it, assuming that it might be necessary to go back, but it has been discovered that the road did not have any difficulty, so it was completed until reaching the Delamore Drive road. From here, in a rather high position, you could see the north of the Waiheke Island, with the Gulf of Hauraki and its islands, and also the south, with views of the Huruhu Bay and Putiki Bay. Continuing half a kilometer along the road, then take a turn-off to the left to follow a path that leads exactly to the port of Matiatia, point of departure of this route.
It is a very simple route, well signposted, and with spectacular views of the west part of the Waiheke Island. The combination of the calm waters of the Gulf of Hauraki with the coast painted with dazzling green makes it a highly recommended route.