donmon

donmon went for a hike.

February 27, 2026

Cooks Cove Walk

Walk to Cooks Cove where Captain James Cook stopped in 1769 as part of his circumnavigation of New Zealand - with information panels, a hole-in-the-wall, and a safe cove to swim in, this walk is a good option for children. Cross a small, open paddock to begin the Cooks Cove Walkway. The track then climbs through light bush and across open grassland, keeping mainly to a farm track just below the cliff tops. After about 20 minutes, you will reach a lookout point (120 m above sea level). This spot gives the first views of Cooks Cove itself. The cove consists of a sheltered inlet with the weather-beaten Mitre Rocks standing to the left of the entrance and Pourewa Island rising up on the right. The track winds down through regenerating bush, and after 200 m passes a small pond and then enters the coastal flats of the cove. Here you can explore the hole-in-the-wall (Te Kotere o te Whenua) and inspect the New Zealand Historic Places Trust 1966 memorial, commemorating Cook's visit. Use the information panel shaped as a frame to take a photo. Grab a picnic lunch at the cove amongst the picturesque surroundings. Moderate fitness required as there are a number of stairs, the track can be muddy a slippery after rain. Link to NZ Department of Conservation site: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/east-coast/places/tolaga-bay-area/things-to-do/cooks-cove-walkway/