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The Hillary Trail
connects a network of existing regional park tracks and basic
backpacker campgrounds . It can be experienced over a few
days depending on fitness level - camping along the way or
hiking for a few hours with pick up arranged by yourself.
For maps and further information phone 09 366 2000 or visit
the Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive, Auckland West (between Titirangi
Village & the Piha Road turnoff) 35 minutes from Auckland City
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Cornwallis
Beach
A magical location for
romantic occasions family picnics and barbeques in the Waitakeres. A pohutakawa lined cream sandy beach.
From Titirangi, travel down Huia Rd for 15 kilometers and turn
left at Pine Avenue or take the next left, Cornwallis Wharf
Rd. About 40 minutres from Auckland City. About 10 minutes from
Titirangi Village. See the 'map' link.
Explore
this beach
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Piha Beach
Dramatic coastal location with
black iron sand and pounding surf. Watch stunning sunsets over
the Tasman Sea or walk along meandering streams, through rainforest
hiking trails to exotic waterfalls. A popular destination for
surfers and visitors. Take Piha Road (off Scenic Drive near
the 'Elevation Cafe'). About 25 minutes from Titirangi Village and an hour from Auckland city.. See 'Tours & Transport' on the index or to find your own way
open the 'map' link for more location information and directions..
Explore
this beach
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Karekare Beach
and Waterfall
Popular movie location
where rugged rainforest meets the dramatic black sand surf coast.
Famous location of the triple Oscar award-winning movie The
Piano and the television series Xena Warrior Princess. The stunning
waterfall is a short walk from the beach Follow sign on Piha
Road (before Piha Beach). About 50 minutes from Auckland City.
Click on the 'map' link on the Index. Local horse races held on the beach each year. Wonderful picnic spots. Lots of fun.
Explore
this beach
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Bethells Beach (Te Henga)
The wild and wonderful
Te Henga - Bethells Beach is a typical west coast, black sand
beauty and makes for a spectacular escape. The surf patrol means
you can swim in summer. Remember to stay between the flags.
About 50 minutes from Auckland City. Click on the 'map' link
on the index for more location info. The beach cafe is open on weekend daylight hours during warmer months. Te Henga walk between Muriwai and Bethells Beach is considered by DOC as one of the 12 most beautiful in NZ
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O'Neills Beach
(beside Bethells Beach)
Continue over the hill
to another part of Te Henga (Bethells Beach) Take an umbrella
to shelter from the sun as there is no shade or drinking water.
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Lake Wainamu - Te Henga (Bethells Beach)
Take Te Henga Rd at Scenic Drive Swanson then veer left into Bethells Road. Park just after the single lane bridge (10 minutes drive) at the small carpark beside the sign posted track entrance, Be prepared for a refreshing walk in the Waiti Stream (20 mins) which leads to the lake- the shortcut over the black sand dunes can be very hot in summer. Great for the kids to slide down but not easy to find a comfortable spot as the sand dunes are steep. Fun day out with the kids. Take a sled or cardboard box - but remember to take it home again.
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Karamatura
Stream - Huia
Great picnic spot
and bushwalk. From Titirangi Village continue on Huia Road
past Kaitarakihi and Little Huia.. Drive over causeway and
veer left. Sign will show the way. Hiking trails from beside
the carpark. Can be muddy in the rainy season. Wear sensible
shoes! About 50 minutes from Auckland City. Click on the map
link on the index for more location information. Snacks coffee and icecream at the Huia Store.
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Mokoroa Falls
- Goldies Bush Muriwai
Beautiful waterfall accessed via Muriwai
Road - turn left off Highway 16 at Waimauku (Helensville Highway) 40 mins from Auckland City. Then approx 8 kms to Oaia Rd
then 3.5 kms to Constable Rd. Track at left of sign. Visitors
Information at Kumeu has maps. Hiking trail suitable for relatively
fit. Walking shoes required. Take refreshments. About an hour
from Auckland City. Then an hours walk to the falls. On the
'map' link (home page) zoom in to Murwai Beach.
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Nine Pin Rock
Whatipu
Whatipu is where the
Manukau Harbour meets the Tasman Sea. Follow Huia Road to the
end and follow signs to this remote santuary about an hour from
Auckland City. Click on the 'map' link on the index for more
location info.
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French Bay
Lovely little Pohutakawa
lined bayside beach - popular in summer for canoes, sailboats and picnics.
Drive up Tiiirangi Road and just after Godley Road (on left) and before reaching Titirangi Village turn left into Park Road then first left down
Otitori Bay Road down to French Bay (also visit Colin McCahon House). Or - from the village turn left at Lopdell House, then first left into Park Road, then second left down Otitori Bay Road to French Bay.
30 minutes from Auckland city central.
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Zig Zag Track
to Titirangi Beach
Cnr. Park Road and
Titirangi Beach Road (opposite The Ferns) Park your car at the top of track that winds down through
rainforest to Titirangi beach and children's playground. To
avoid the hike back up the steep track continue along the
beach front past the hall and go up the Bill Haresnape track
to Tanekaha Road. Turn left and then left into Otitoria Bay
Road back up to Park Road. Go left again and opposite the
Zig Zag track entrance is another trail to Titirangi Village.. Approx 1. 1/2 hrs.
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KiteKite Waterfall Track (Piha)
At the end of Piha Road (before the gallery) turn right into Glenesk Road and drive to the end. There is usually of parking through carpark entrance on r.h.s. Follow track beside a winding pebbled stream through exotic rainforest tree ferns, nikau palms and kauris to the watefall and swimming hole. Approximately 25 minute walk each way. Picnic tables also on other side of the stream. Cross over the bridge at the beginning of the track. One hour approximately from Auckland City. 30 minutes from Titirangi Village. Hike to waterfall approx 20 minutes
More about this walk
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KiteKite Waterfall
At the end of the track (see above) this stunning waterfall and waterhole offer a refreshing rest stop after a thirty minute walk from the Glenesk Road carpark along the kitekite stream. In summer the waterhole is a great place to have a dip with adjacent rocks to dry off or picnic on. A popular weekend spot for visitors or a day out with the family.. There is a track on the opposite side of the waterhole for a different walk to return on and a bridge at the end to cross over the stream and back to the carpark on Glenesk Road. Many thanks to 'Dutchy' for the wonderful pic.
©Bergman Photography |
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Kaitarakihi
A short distance
down a winding, unsealed road bordered by lush tree ferns
to this hidden treasure. A secluded, sandy beach and grassy
picnic area surrounded only by sub-tropical trees and pristine
water. From Titirangi, travel down Huia Rd for 15 kilometers
past the Cornwallis & Kakamatua exits and turn next left
at the Kaitarakihi Beach sign. About 15 minutes from Titirangi
Village. Go to the 'maps' link on the index to find this idyllic
harbouside location. Approximately 45 minutes from Auckland
Central
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Omanawanui Track - Whatipu
The track runs along the cliff tops above the Manukau harbour (from east to west). Park at the main Whatipu carpark and take the main track to the beach - very soon after leaving the carpark you cross a small stream (bridged) and the track forks right (to the beach) and left (up the hill). It's a marked, maintained DOC track - at the top there's even a big park bench to sit and admire the awesome 360 degree views.
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Fairy Falls
Walk from the top of Scenic Drive (between Piha Rd and Mountain Road ) down down down into the lush rainforest valley. More spectacular after alot of rain. An excellent workout for energetic adults and children.
More about this walk
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Mercer Bay Loop Walk - Piha
This track provides stunning views along the coast in both directions from Piha to KareKare and a great spot to watch the sunset. The round trip takes about one hour. Turn left off Piha Road into Te Ahuahu Road (1.2km after the Karekare turnoff), which becomes Log Race Road to a carpark at the end. Recommend good walking shoes being a little muddy on left side track during winter and signage a little confusing. Some side tracks go to lookout points or behond the loop trail.
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Cascades Walk and Falls
The falls are not so spectacular and difficult to see much without clambering over rocks but the walk along the Cascades Stream is enjoyable and easy to do - about 30 minutes. Off Scenic Drive go to Bethells Road and take the Falls Road turnoff to the Waitakere Golf Club. Included in the Auckland City Walk - about one hour .
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Montana Heritage Trail
A four hour treck through the Cascades Kauri trail. Recommended as a good 'winter' walk being better maintained than others. This circular tramp starts from Falls Road carpark then follows Auckland City Walk, Upper Kauri, Long Road, Fence Line and Auckland City Walk again back to carpark. Uphill for the first 15 minutes from Waitakere Golf Club entrance. Drive past the clubhouse to parking for walks. Toilet facilities and maps available.
More about this walk
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or for further information:
http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/whats-on-in-parks/activities/waitakere-ranges-walking-tracks.cfm |
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© WestAuckland.net.nz
Visitor Info and things to do in West Auckland's hinterland wilderness. Experience outdoor activities eco sightseeing and natural scenic attractions coastal surf beaches, picnic spots, watefalls, walking tracks and hiking trails in West Auckland and the Waitakere Rangesincluding Titirangi, Laingholm, Cornwallis, Waiatarua Henderson, Kumeu, Piha Beach, KareKare Whatipu Muriwai and Bethells beaches Auckland New Zealand. Day tours from Auckland City |
