Enchanting Kohuroa Stream Track
The Kohuroa Stream Track is a short yet enchanting forest walk that starts right from the beach at Kohuroa / Matheson Bay. Following the edge of the stream through jungle-like regrowth forest to Leigh Road, it’s a hidden gem of the Matakana Coast in Auckland, with waterfalls, a swimming hole, and groves of native trees, including kauri.
The track begins on the west side of the Kohuroa Stream from the end of a grass reserve beside the stream. Watch out for the big pōhutukawa tree near the entrance. A boardwalk keeps your feet dry as it follows the muddy edge of the stream, overhung by attractive native regrowth forest. After 10 minutes or so, you come across the first of the waterfalls. Then, the track climbs a series of steps, offering views of a narrow gorge and tumbling falls.
Some of the trees here are much older, twisted into interesting and strange shapes. At the top of the steps is a large pool with an access platform and swing rope. From here to the end of the walk is a significant grove of kauri trees, protected by another boardwalk, that look to be up to 150 years old.
Throughout the walk is alive with the sound of water and birdsong, and the surrounding forest includes magnificent pōhutukawa, rimu, tōtara, kahikatea, as well as kauri. The gradient is mostly gentle, with some short steep climbs with steps, making it suitable for most walkers. At the end of the track, you can either return the same way to the beach or create a loop by walking one of the nearby roads back to Matheson Bay.
Getting There
From Matakana, take Leigh Road. A kilometre south of Leigh, follow the signs to Matheson Bay. Parking is available at the beach reserve, where the track starts beside the Kohuroa Stream.
The track can be combined with a visit to the beach, and reef at low tide, or a walk north around the coast towards the Leigh Coastal Walkway.
