Three Days. One Unforgettable Journey.
The White Star Trail takes you through landscapes that shift with every step. Grass farm tracks give way to dense native bush. Valley floors climb to ridge line heights. Old miners' trails weave through Nikau palm groves. This is walking that reveals the Coromandel's wild past and future.
The Journey
Three carefully crafted days through the heart of the Coromandel
Ease into Coromandel time.
Arrive at the Farm Cottage anytime from 5:00 PM onwards. There's no formal itinerary tonight—just time to settle in, breathe slower, and let the landscape work its quiet magic.
We'll have a delicious snack platter waiting, but please grab dinner in Thames, Coromandel Town or along the coast before arrival. Tonight is about unwinding.
- Arrival: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Meals: Snack platter provided
- Activity: Rest, reset, prepare for tomorrow
- Accommodation: Farmstay Cottage (3 bedrooms, sleeps 6-8)
Climb to the summit. Descend into the forest.
At 9:00 AM, meet your hosts for maps, and the stories behind the land. By 9:30 AM, you're off.
The trail climbs steadily through regenerating bush and farmland, winding upward to The White Star—a 400-metre summit with sweeping coastal views. On clear days, you'll see the Hauraki Gulf stretching west and Great Barrier Island rising to the east. Find a spot. Catch your breath. Eat lunch with a view most people only dream of.
The afternoon takes you south along the ridgeline before descending through meandering trails to the valley floor. Your destination: the eco bush cabins, tucked into a side valley and wrapped in native forest.
Arrive to your cold drinks and a deck that begs you to sit. But if you've got energy left, take the optional detour—a 15-30 minute walk along the Wairore stream to a stunning private waterfall and swimming hole. The water is cold, clear, and unforgettable. Take a cold plunge if you dare!
Tonight, enjoy cheese & crackers, fire up the BBQ. Pull fresh salads from the fridge. Indulge in the delicious dessert. Settle in under the stars. This is wilderness, served with comfort.
- Distance: 12 km (14 km with waterfall out and back option)
- Elevation: Start 12m → Climb to 400m → Descend to 53m
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenging. Includes a 2.5km steep climb and a 2km steep descent. Has sections of uneven terrain.
- Walking Time: 4-7 hours
- Accommodation: Eco Bush Cabins (3 bedrooms, sleeps 6-8)
Waterfalls, ridges, and panoramic rewards.
Today you enter deep native forest. As you climb, waterfalls tumble into view alongside vistas of the Wairore Valley and Colville Bay. The trail follows old mining and kauri logging routes through groves of nikau palms before emerging at the central ridgetop.
Stop. Breathe. Lunch here.
The afternoon sees you traversing the central ridgeline southward, then turning west where the land opens up to epic Hauraki Gulf panoramas. Your final descent is gentle, leading to the Oceanview Retreat and your third night's rest.
Grab a drink to enjoy with cheese and crackers. Settle onto the deck. Watch the sun sink into the ocean. Enjoy your easy to prepare dinner and dessert. Later, slip into the hot spa pool and let the stars take over the sky.
- Distance: 13 km
- Elevation: Start 53m → Climb to 524m → Descend to 163m
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenging. Includes a 2.5km climb with some steep sections. Has sections of uneven terrain.
- Walking Time: 4–8 hours
- Accommodation: Oceanview Cottage (sleeps 6-8)
Sleep in. Savour the last steps.
No rush this morning. Enjoy a late breakfast and an extra coffee—today's walk is short and mostly downhill.
Around 9 - 10:00 AM, set off toward the headwaters of the Umangawha stream. The trail takes you past epic rocky bluffs and broad valley views before descending through inland forest, crossing a flowing stream, and emerging into the central valley of White Star Station.
From here, it's an easy 3 km stroll home. Walk slowly. Share stories with your companions. Let the Coromandel's peace settle deep into your bones.
Back at base, freshen up with a hot shower, pack your memories, and bid us farewell.
Haere rā.
- Distance: 8 km
- Elevation: Start 163m → Gentle climb to 264m → Descend to 12m
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate. Mainly flat downhill day with one moderate descent.
- Walking Time: 2–3 hours
- Accommodation: None (departure day)
Trail Description
Most of the White Star Trail is on old farm/forest tracks and trails with a good trail surface that is wide, even and easy to walk.
However the White Star Trail is called an ‘Adventure’ for good reason. There are also some steep climbs, narrow trails, uneven ground, shallow creek crossings and potential slippery surfaces if wet.
So all walkers must have the physical fitness to take on 400-500m of climb on days one and two and be competent on small areas of uneven and slippery terrain.
Because of the terrain, Private Walks NZ and we the Hosts define the trail level as ‘Moderate’ or ‘Intermediate’.
We do highly recommend trail shoes or light tramping boots that provide good traction. And also consider hiking poles if balance is a challenge.
For a guide please refer to the Walking Track Categories on the DOC website (Click on the Intermediate Tramping Track).
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New season openings & stories from the trail
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