Winter should not be a time to rest on our laurels… Allez, allez, put on your walking shoes! Matakana region offers a multitude of beautiful walks suitable for pretty much everyone including your beloved canine companion. This would go for pages if I told you about all of the walks, but I will keep it short and tell you about my favourite ones.
My most common and easy stroll is along Omaha Beach. It is a sandspit with a stunning 4 km flat beach with a different mood ruled by the sea. J’adore and so does Ted, my little pooch. He can wander freely during wintertime with no time restrictions. It is also a lovely family walk and easy for kids. If you have a pram or do not like walking in the sand, there is always the option of walking on the pathway which is behind the beach at the southern end of the Surf Club. Easy to park at the Surf Club and you can either walk North or South from there – and back for a coffee at the end.
On my list, I also have the Donkey Park – Highfield Garden Reserve – Located between Snells Beach and Algies Bay on Mahurangi East Road. As you walk into the reserve, you will be greeted by the “Hee-Haw” of the donkeys. And don’t be afraid as you can walk around their enclosures. It is a great attraction for the kids as well as the walk. This park is dog friendly; Ted loves to explore around there. Superb 50 minutes walk up and down with amazing lookouts over Snells Beach and towards Scandrett regional park.
Another spectacular by the sea walk is the Ti Point Coastal Walkway. It is an easy walk which takes less than 2 hours return. Your pooch is also welcome but has to stay on the leash. The trees along the walk are just magnificent and the outlook at the end of the walk is to die for with a view back over Omaha. This is an out & back walk on the same path. If you are lucky, you might even spot some dolphins like we did the other day!
This next one is also one of my favourites but a little different as it requires a trail ticket to get in. It is the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail in Snells beach. This is a great outing for the family or anyone and is open every day (make sure you check the opening time). I love this one because it makes me feel peaceful inside when sauntering through the native bush contemplating the astonishing eclectic artwork. Even Ted seems très chilled in this setting. Oui oui that is true, dogs are also allowed.
And now la crème de la crème for me is Tawharanui Regional Park. It is a vast open sanctuary and marine reserve with a selection of coastal walks and beautiful white sanded beaches. My fav is the Ecology trail, a lovely and peaceful walk through the native bush accompanied by the different native birds’ natural orchestra. My husband prefers the hill passed the lagoon and the longer circuit out to the point, but there are a lot of choices. On some of the other walks you can easily be tête a tête with the sheep or cows, it’s a working farm run by DOC. If you are lucky, you can also spot bigger native birds like Takahe. With all these natural wonders around the park, you can understand that dogs are not welcome – this is not Ted’s favourite as he has to stay at home!
Voila! So when you are all packed up to come and visit our region, don’t forget to book your accommodation Beauregard Cottages in Matakana. I will be delighted to see you and give you more tips on my favourite promenades around here.
A bientot
Laurette