During the lockdown, there has been a massive increase in people getting out and about, either walking or cycling. These activities still enable us to get out of the house for some fresh air safely and are within the lockdown rules.

Luckily, our area has a wealth of great places in our area to head out for a stroll or a cycle. Under level three, the restricted areas where we can escape from our bubble may expand a bit, so we are looking at some of the great places we can visit. 

Reach Omaha Beach Via The Matakana Cycle Trail

The Matakana Cycle Trail will take you from Matakana to Omaha and/or Point Wells. It is a mix of off-road shared paths, cycle lanes and quiet roads with some gravel sections. You can begin at various places – Point Wells, Omaha, Jones Road or Matakana - and do part or all of the route. It gives fantastic views through farmland, bush and quiet communities.

The Ti Point Coastal Walk is a great way to take a breath and spend some time in nature. A gravel track and boardwalk follow the foreshore and passes very large, old pohutukawa trees and huge boulders along the shoreline. The view looks out towards Omaha Beach and the entrance to the Whangateau Harbour. This walk takes around two hours for a return trip.

If you're looking for a bit of isolation, The Te Muri Coastal Walk in beautiful Mahurangi West is a great option. The track takes you away from the crowds, past the historic cemetery and out to Te Muri Beach, which if you want to remain dry is only accessible during low tide as you will need to cross the Te Muri Estuary to get there. 

Image - NZ GEO

Mt Tamahunga is a good option if you're looking for something a little bit more challenging. The walkway initially climbs over farm paddocks to the bush line. Once in the bush, follow orange markers up the ridge to the summit and a helicopter pad. Views from the summit are restricted by forest, but several gaps in the track do provide views of the area.

At low tide you can walk or rock hop west along Goat Island Beach. After about 30 minutes you will reach Pink Beach where the sand has a noticeable pink tinge from the broken shells that wash ashore. Continue around the rocks to Okakari Point. The coastline has a mixture of sandy beaches, boulders and rocky shore. The rocky shore continues to Pakiri Beach. This will take a good 3hrs of walking and you will need to park a car at Pakiri Beach or hitch back to your car.