Coromandel Coastal Walkway MBT 20.4 km /Doctors Knob 6.4 km

NOTE: I will update the description to reflect the correct dates after DOC provides an update regarding the reopening of the track.

## COROMANDEL COASTAL WALKWAY & DOCTORS KNOB PEAK – 2 DAYS PLUS 1 NIGHT CAMPING BEFORE THE EVENT

Date: Friday, 30 January – Sunday, 1 February 2026 Maximum participants: 15 (All go on waiting list; Rafick's approval required)

A REMOTE AND SCENIC COASTAL ESCAPE

This weekend adventure takes us to the remote northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula. We will hike the famous Coromandel Coastal Walkway, offering pristine coastline views, native bush, and vistas out to Great Barrier Island. We will traverse the Mountain Bike Track (MBT) to Fletcher Bay and explore the rugged terrain of the Northern Coromandel.

EVENT SUMMARY

Meeting point: Stony Bay Campsite (Coromandel) Start time: Friday, 30 January. Arrive at campsite around 5:00 PM Duration: 3 days / 2 nights Distance: Approx. 27 km Total Difficulty Level: 4 on a scale of 5 (Long distance on Saturday, steep sections, remote location)

ITINERARY

NOTE: I will update the description to reflect the correct dates after DOC provides an update regarding the reopening of the track.

Friday, 30 January: Arrival at Stony Bay We will drive from Auckland to the Stony Bay Campsite at the top of the Coromandel Peninsula. Please note the drive includes 90 minutes on a winding gravel road. We aim to arrive around 5:00 PM to set up camp and prepare for the weekend.
Saturday, 31 January: Stony Bay to Fletcher Bay (Return) We start hiking at 8:00 AM sharp. We will walk to Fletcher Bay via the Mountain Bike Track (MBT), enjoying elevated views of the coastline. This is a substantial day of walking. We aim to be back at Stony Bay between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Distance: 20.4 km | Time: 8 hours approx.
Sunday, 1 February: Doctors Knob Peak We start at 8:00 AM. A shorter but rewarding hike to Doctors Knob Peak, which offers panoramic views of the peninsula. We will return to camp for lunch before packing up and driving back to Auckland. Distance: 6.4 km | Time: 3–4 hours

Drive back to Auckland after lunch.

WHAT TO BRING

• Camping gear (Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag)
• 3L water capacity (Essential as there is limited water on the track)
• Food for 2.5 days (Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)
• Cooking stove, fuel, and utensils
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Rain jacket and warm layers (Coastal weather can change quickly)
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Towel and swimwear (if you wish to swim at the bay)

ACCOMMODATION AND BOOKINGS
You are responsible for booking your own campsite passes via the DOC website.

Please book for the following dates:

• Friday Night (30 Jan): Stony Bay Campsite
• Saturday Night (31 Jan): Stony Bay Campsite

YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
This area is remote with limited cell phone reception. The gravel road to Stony Bay is narrow and winding; please drive carefully. You must be fit enough to walk 20+ km in a day and properly equipped for changing coastal weather conditions.
DOC ALERTS & TRACK CONDITIONS Ensure you check the DOC website for the following:

• Track Conditions: Check for any closures or slip warnings on the Coastal Walkway or MBT.
• Kauri Dieback: Please scrub your shoes at all cleaning stations to protect our Kauri trees.

TRANSPORT
We will drive from Auckland on Friday, 30 January. Fuel Contribution: $30 per passenger. Please coordinate carpooling in the comments.
CONTRIBUTION
A $10 contribution is required. Please make a transfer of $10 to Wakahi.com Limited account 02-0200-0260173-000.