About the path
A 40-minute stroll around the tree-lined back roads of Rocky Bay, starting and finishing at the Rocky Bay Memorial Hall.
You’ll get fantastic views out over the Tamaki Strait, and over Whakanewha Regional Park – especially from the lookout at Crosby Reserve. At times the road enters green glades of native bush.
It’s likely you will see kereru New Zealand pigeons on this walk, and possibly you’ll hear and see kaka, our native bush parrot.
Linger around the start area to explore the laid back beach with its iconic boat sheds, or hang out at the charming Rocky Bay Memorial Hall, which has a café on Thursdays and most weekends. There is a handy bus stop here as well as public toilets. Nearby Kuaka Bay (200m) has a barbecue and playground.
From the Hall, turn right and head up to Omiha Road. Follow the road all the way up the hill, and at the sharp turn, head left onto Upland Road. You’re on the edge of Whakanewha Regional Park here, a great place for long bush and beach walks. On this path we are staying on the roads though.
After about 250m turn a sharp right onto Bella Vista Road, with increasingly good views across the bay. At the top of the road there is a neat little track up to little-known Cosby Reserve, an old pā site with Māori kumara pits and a seat with a view.
Continue down Bella Vista Road, eventually turning into Glenbrook Road, which will take you through a gorgeous bush section back to the hall.
On road walk or bike ride. All weather, baby buggy friendly.
