Clifftop Views on the Leigh Coastal Walk
The Leigh Coastal Walk is one of the most scenic walks on the Matakana Coast of Auckland, following the pōhutukawa-fringed cliffs between Lax Crescent and Cotterell Street. With sweeping clifftop views across Ōmaha Bay to Tāwharanui, Goat Island, Little Barrier, and on a clear day, Great Barrier and the Coromandel Peninsula, it’s a route that rewards you with spectacular seascapes at every turn.
The track weaves through a mix of paved and gravel paths, gravel, grass reserves, regrowth forest, and boardwalks, with occasional rocky sections and short cliffside detours. There are numerous steps on the steepest sections. One side of the path is mostly cliffs, and the other side is mostly upmarket houses.
Walking from South to North
Starting at Lax Crescent, the track follows the elevated coastline to an entrance at the end of Wonderview Road. There is a steep sidetrack down to an unnamed rocky point and cove, and at low tide, you could walk along the coast to Kohuroa / Matheson Bay.
From there, the Walkway continues north along the clifftop, with a couple more access points to small beaches and coves. This is followed by a steep climb with many steps to Kye Street. From there, the walkway stays mostly high on the cliff edge, with particularly good views, with an exit at Penguin Street, before ending at Cotterell Street. From Cotterell Street, it’s an easy 500 metre walk to Leigh’s cafés, general store, public toilets, and children’s playground on the main road.
Seats are placed at prime viewing spots to take in the sights or enjoy a picnic. Along the way, you may spot dolphins and whales. Dramatic mature pōhutukawa trees frame many of the views, especially in December when the trees are in bloom.
The walkway is 2.2 km and takes around 50 minutes without stops, though most visitors linger for photos and side trips to the beaches. There are a few sections next to fences and cliffs where care is needed.
Getting There
From Matakana, take Leigh Road to Leigh. To get to Lax Crescent, take Wonderview Road from the main road before the shops. Access to Cotterell Street is from Totara Street, also from the main road immediately before the shops. Parking is available at the end of Lax Crescent and Cotterell Street.
Other nearby activities in Leigh include exploring Omaha Cove and Harbour View Road Coastal Reserve. Kohuroa / Matheson Bay is just to the south, and Goat Island Marine Reserve is about 4 km to the northwest.
