Pahi Coastal Walk FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Trip
How do I get to Pahi Coastal Walk?
Most guests fly into Auckland International Airport, hire a car and enjoy the scenic drive to the Coromandel Peninsula.
The drive to Colville takes around 3 hours, where you'll meet our shuttle on the morning of your walk.
If you'd like something extra special, we can also help arrange private helicopter transfers directly to Pahi Station.
Which airport should I fly into?
Auckland International Airport (AKL) is the closest and most convenient gateway to Pahi Coastal Walk. There are direct flights to Auckland from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and many other international destinations.
Do I need a hire car?
Yes. Most guests hire a car from Auckland Airport and enjoy the scenic drive to the Coromandel Peninsula. If you're unsure about the best travel options, we're happy to help you plan your journey.
Is there public transport to Colville?
Public transport to Colville is limited, so we recommend hiring a car for the greatest flexibility. If this isn't possible, please contact us and we'll do our best to suggest alternative transport options.
How far is Pahi from Auckland?
The meeting point in Colville is approximately 3 hours' drive from Auckland International Airport.
Many guests comment that the drive itself is one of the highlights of their holiday.
Can I arrive by helicopter?
Absolutely. Helicopter transfers can be arranged directly to Pahi Station for a memorable arrival. Please contact us for pricing and availability.
Where should I stay before the walk?
Coromandel Town or Colville are the best options for the night before your walk — Auckland is too far away to comfortably reach the 8:45am meeting point in Colville the next morning. We're always happy to recommend accommodation to suit your travel plans and budget.
Can you help me plan my New Zealand itinerary?
Of course. Tell us if you're planning a week or a month in New Zealand, and we can suggest how Pahi fits into your wider trip and recommend nearby destinations to explore before or after your walk.
The Walk
How fit do I need to be?
You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking for several hours each day.
Because the walk is self-paced, there's plenty of time to stop for photos, enjoy the scenery and take breaks whenever you'd like.
And if your training or preparation didn't quite go to plan, don't worry — we have lots of shorter options we can offer you when you're here, including some with no hills at all.
Is the walk guided?
No. Pahi is a self-guided walking experience along well-marked trails, allowing you to walk at your own pace while using detailed maps and navigation provided through the Great Hikes App.
How many kilometres will I walk?
Depending on the options you choose, you'll walk between 22 and 34 kilometres over three days.
What is the terrain like?
The walk includes rolling farmland, native bush tracks, gravel roads and some moderate climbs. Good walking shoes or hiking boots with grip are essential.
Do I need hiking experience?
No. Many of our guests are first-time multi-day walkers. If you enjoy being outdoors and have a moderate level of fitness, you'll be well suited to the experience.
Will I carry my own luggage?
No. We transfer your luggage between each night's accommodation, so you'll only need to carry a comfortable day pack while walking.
Is there a shorter walking option?
Yes. On Day Two you can choose between a shorter or longer route, depending on how much walking you'd like to do.
Can I choose the e-bike instead of walking on Day Three?
Yes. On the final day you can swap your walking boots for an optional e-bike ride back to Colville along one of New Zealand's most spectacular coastal roads.
What happens if it rains?
The walk operates in most weather conditions, so we recommend bringing good wet-weather gear. New Zealand weather can change quickly, and often the dramatic coastal scenery is just as beautiful in the rain. If severe weather affects guest safety, we'll discuss alternative arrangements with you.
Is there mobile phone reception?
Yes — One NZ has coverage in lots of places on the trail, including the night two accommodation. Spark coverage is limited.
Is there Wi-Fi?
No. We encourage guests to embrace the opportunity for a digital detox and enjoy being present in this remarkable part of New Zealand.
Accommodation
What is the accommodation like?
You'll stay in two beautifully restored farmhouses, exclusively for Pahi guests. Expect comfortable beds, spectacular views, warm hospitality and plenty of character — not crowded huts or basic bunkrooms.
Will I have my own room?
We allocate rooms before you arrive, so there's no need to hurry back from your day's walk to select one. We guarantee you won't share a room with anyone outside of your own booking group.
Will I share with other groups?
No. You'll only share accommodation with people included in your booking.
Are towels and linen provided?
Bath towels are provided. Guests bring their own sleeping bag unless they've booked the Pahi Premium Package, which includes full linen.
Are the bathrooms shared?
Yes. Both properties have shared bathrooms that are clean, comfortable and exclusively for Pahi guests.
Is there heating for cooler evenings?
Yes. Both farmhouses are warm and welcoming, making them the perfect place to relax after a day on the trail.
Food & Dietary Requirements
What meals are included?
Your Pahi experience is fully catered and includes breakfasts, homemade morning and afternoon teas, delicious dinners, desserts and lunch provisions on Day Two. You'll simply need to bring a packed lunch for Day One unless you've booked the Pahi Premium Package.
Do I need to bring any food?
Only a packed lunch for Day One (unless you've booked the Pahi Premium Package). You're also welcome to bring your favourite snacks or drinks to enjoy in the evenings.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. We regularly cater for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian diets. Please let us know when booking.
Can I bring my own wine or drinks?
Absolutely. You're welcome to bring your favourite beverages, and we'll happily keep chilled items refrigerated until you arrive.
Is drinking water available?
Yes. Fresh drinking water is available throughout your stay, and you can refill your water bottle each day.
Booking & Payments
What's included in the price?
Your booking includes accommodation, luggage transfers, shuttle transport, meals as listed, walking maps and navigation, plus exclusive access to private farmland and coastline.
What isn't included?
Flights, car hire, travel insurance, Day One lunch (unless booked as part of the Pahi Premium Package), personal expenses and optional e-bike hire are not included.
Can I book as a solo traveller?
Yes. Solo travellers are very welcome. A single supplement may be required — please contact us to discuss.
Can children do the walk?
Yes. We generally recommend the walk for children aged 10 years and over who enjoy walking and are comfortable covering the daily distances. If your party numbers 11 or more (including children), you're most welcome to bring children younger than 10.
How many people are on each departure?
To keep the experience relaxed and personal, departures are limited to a maximum of 12 guests.
How far in advance should I book?
Popular dates often book well in advance, particularly during spring, summer and school holiday periods. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred dates.
What is your cancellation policy?
A deposit of $250 per person secures your booking. If you cancel more than 90 days before arrival, your deposit is refunded less a $100 administration fee. If you cancel within 90 days of arrival, you lose your $250 deposit, and cancellations made 0–30 days before arrival are non-refundable. Please refer to our full Terms & Conditions for complete details.
Can I change my booking?
Yes — we accept date changes up to 90 days prior to arrival, subject to availability. Please contact us as early as possible to discuss your options.
Can someone else take my place?
Yes. Name changes are fine at any time — you'll just need to arrange the change yourselves. Please let us know of the change so we can update the guest details.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for both domestic and international visitors, to cover unexpected changes to travel plans.
International Visitors
Is Pahi suitable for international visitors?
Absolutely. Pahi is an authentically Kiwi adventure — you'll stay on a working family farm with close contact with the owners and locals throughout your walk. Many of our guests travel from Australia and overseas specifically for that genuine, personal experience, and we can help with travel advice and planning if required.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Our walking season runs from 19 September to 2 May, offering beautiful spring wildflowers, warm summer days and stunning autumn colours.
What currency is used in New Zealand?
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.
What should I pack if I'm flying internationally?
Just bring your personal clothing and walking gear. We provide the accommodation, meals and luggage transfers, making it easy to include Pahi in a longer New Zealand holiday.
How many days should I allow for my visit?
We recommend allowing at least five to seven days if you're visiting New Zealand specifically for Pahi, giving yourself time to enjoy Auckland and the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula as well.
Can I combine Pahi with other New Zealand destinations?
Definitely. Many guests combine Pahi with Auckland, Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Hobbiton, the Bay of Islands or the South Island. We'd be delighted to suggest an itinerary.
About Pahi
What makes Pahi different from other New Zealand walks?
Pahi is a privately owned, family-operated walking experience that takes you through spectacular coastal farmland unavailable to the general public. Combined with boutique accommodation, home-cooked meals and genuine Kiwi hospitality, it offers a very different experience from New Zealand's public Great Walks.
Is Pahi one of New Zealand's Great Walks?
No. Pahi is a privately operated walking experience on a working family farm. Many guests choose Pahi because they're looking for something more personal, less crowded and more immersive than a traditional Great Walk.
Is Pahi a working farm?
Yes. Pahi is a sixth-generation sheep and beef farm, and you'll experience authentic rural New Zealand throughout your walk.
Who owns Pahi?
Pahi is proudly owned and operated by Cath and Zander Ward, whose family has cared for this remarkable property for six generations. Read our story.
Why is the walk private?
The walking trail crosses privately owned farmland that has remained in the Ward family for generations. This exclusive access allows guests to experience parts of the Coromandel Peninsula that very few people ever see.
Optional Extras
Tell me about the Pahi Premium Package.
The Pahi Premium Package includes full linen (no sleeping bag required), a packed lunch for Day One, a pre-dinner grazing platter and a locally sourced gift bag. See everything included.
Tell me about the e-bike experience.
On Day Three, you can choose to return to Colville by e-bike instead of shuttle. It's a relaxed ride along one of New Zealand's most scenic coastal roads and a wonderful way to finish your adventure.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. You're welcome to bring your own bike. Please contact us before your arrival so we can help organise the logistics.
Still Have a Question?
We're a family-run business, and we're always happy to help.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch. We'd love to help you plan your Pahi adventure.
Contact Us