Last updated October 2026
From the heart of Matakana Village, the Matakana Trail runs out to the coast at Omaha, 8 km away, with an optional 7 km detour to Point Wells. Allow about 45 minutes one way to Omaha, or about 35 minutes to Point Wells.
The trail mixes off-road shared paths, cycle lanes and quiet local roads; it is mostly gravel and largely flat, with some short, steep sections, so Matakana Coast tourism recommends a mountain bike or e-bike and suggests leaving the road bike at home.
Eight ceramic markers with topographic maps stand along the way, and the trail is open daily from 7am to 10pm. E-bikes can be hired at Matakana Country Park.
Practical Information
- Start
- Matakana Village; for e-bike hire, Matakana Country Park
- Distance from the city
- About an hour’s drive north of Auckland (Matakana Coast)
- Routes (one way)
- Matakana Village to Omaha 8 km; Matakana Village to Point Wells 7 km; Point Wells to Omaha Beach 4.1 km; Matakana Country Park to Point Wells 3.2 km
- Riding time
- About 45 min to Omaha; about 35 min to Point Wells
- Length
- About 24 km of trail in all
- Surface
- Mostly gravel: off-road shared paths, cycle lanes and quiet local roads, with short steep sections
- Bikes
- Mountain bike or e-bike recommended; road bikes not advised
- Hours
- Open daily, 7am to 10pm
- Bike hire
- E-bike hire at Matakana Country Park
- Status
- Check Matakana Coast’s biking page for current closures before you ride
About the Matakana Trail
The trail turns a visit to Matakana into a ride to the beach. From the village it uses a mix of off-road shared paths, dedicated cycle lanes and quiet local roads to reach Omaha and Point Wells.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited describes the route winding through farmland and native bush, with cafés, wineries and roadside produce stalls along the way. The village end has its Saturday farmers market, so a morning ride can finish with a browse.
The trail is largely flat but not a smooth sealed cycleway. Most of it is gravel, and there are short steep sections, which is why a mountain bike or e-bike is the recommended choice. E-bikes can be hired at Matakana Country Park if you arrive without your own.
Look out for the markers. Eight ceramic sculptural pieces stand along the trail, each carrying a stylised topographic map of the landscape around it.
The Routes
Matakana Village to Omaha
8 km one way, about 45 minutes. The main ride, from the village to the coast at Omaha.
Matakana Village to Point Wells
7 km one way, about 35 minutes. From Matakana Country Park the Point Wells leg is 3.2 km, about 15 minutes.
Point Wells to Omaha Beach
4.1 km, about 20 minutes, linking the two coastal ends of the network.
Getting There and Trail Hours
Matakana Coast says the drive from Auckland typically takes around an hour. Without a car, buses run regularly from central Auckland to Warkworth, and a local bus or taxi goes on to Matakana Village. The trail is open every day from 7am to 10pm, and remember that a helmet is mandatory in New Zealand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Matakana Trail start?
In Matakana Village. If you are hiring an e-bike, start at Matakana Country Park.
How far is it to Omaha?
8 km one way, about 45 minutes.
How far is it to Point Wells?
7 km from Matakana Village, about 35 minutes one way.
Can I ride it on a road bike?
A mountain bike or e-bike is recommended, because the trail is mostly gravel with short steep sections.
What are the opening hours?
Open daily from 7am to 10pm.
Can I hire a bike?
Yes. E-bikes can be hired at Matakana Country Park.
Is it hilly?
It is largely flat, with some short, steep sections.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Matakana Coast: Biking and cycling: trail routes, distances, hours and bike hire.
- Tātaki Auckland Unlimited: Explore Auckland on two wheels: the regional guide to cycle tracks and trails, including the Matakana Trail.