Coastal trail dream for untouched paradise

Tessa Berger is trustee of Mahurangi Coastal Trail Trust, which hopes to raise $1 million to build a trail linking Wenderholm and Te Muri regional parks. Photo / Nick Reed

Proponents call for walking-only access to isolated piece of pristine coastline within 65km of Auckland’s CBD.

Fans of a rural beach 65km north of Auckland CBD hope to keep its "splendid isolation" by getting it on the map as a coastal trail reached only by foot, boat, bike or horse.

The charm of the remote sandy sweep of Te Muri Beach, in the Mahurangi Regional Park, has prompted calls for special care for Auckland's match to the pristine New Chums Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, which is touted as one of the world's top 10 beaches.

Te Muri Beach was bought 42 years ago by the former Auckland Regional Authority when land developers were moving in on beautiful coastal farms such as Long Bay and Wenderholm.

Although the latter are now regional parks developed for thousands of visitors and reach their capacity in summer, Te Muri has a small camping ground for only 80 people in a back-country setting.

For an adult fee of $8 a night you can pitch your tent on the grass, fill the billy from a tap on the beach - and not expect to hear a car engine.

Access to it is on foot from a Mahurangi West car park that is 1km or 20 minutes' walk away and involves wading a tidal stream.

Mahurangi Action president and former New Zealand football representative Tessa Berger says its members wanted more people to enjoy it - but not come by car.

"Its most special aspect is true New Zealand beauty - untouched space - and we are so lucky to have that so close to the CBD.

"I'm a Mahurangi West local and walk it every day; it's one of those beaches where you feel, 'I am in Pure New Zealand', and our role is to try to preserve it."

The 21-year-old is a trustee of the Mahurangi Coastal Trail Trust, which is raising $1 million to build a 10km trail linked by footbridges to road ends at Wenderholm and Mahurangi West. "We believe the trail allows for access without disturbing the environment by building a road or a carpark there."

Te Muri was extended in 2010 by the Auckland Regional Council's purchase of an adjacent 407ha farm for $15 million. The regional council's successor, Auckland Council, now wants to include the combined property in the Regional Park Management Plan ahead of any development, including vehicle access.

It will call for public comment on a draft plan from early next month to February.

Council parks, sport and recreation chairwoman Christine Fletcher said normal parks planning and budget processes had to be followed.

"However, at a personal level, I embrace with enthusiasm a concept of a coastal trail that is being advocated for this special piece of our landscape.

"I have been to both Te Muri and New Chums and I believe there are interesting parallels there ... "

Splendid isolation - Te Muri Beach

What: An Auckland Council regional park, 2km beach and a basic camp ground for 80 people - adults $8 and children $4 a night, no car access.

Where: 65km from Auckland CBD, near Sullivans Bay, West Mahurangi and across the Puhoi River from Wenderholm Regional Park.

Future prospects: 10km coastal trail, mountain biking, horse riding, kayak tours, more camp sites, marine reserve, access by ferry or footbridges.

Public say: Draft management plan consultation December to February.