The track follows coastal cliffs and is rutted and steep in sections. It becomes slippery after periods of rain. Take care around old slip sites. 

From Bethells Road the Te Henga Walkway crosses the Waitākere River by footbridge, rising along a graded section, to superb views of lagoons, dunes and the west coast surf down to O’Neill's Bay, where you can return along Bethells Beach. 

To continue along Te Henga Walkway, the track climbs steeply then follows along the cliff-top where you may see gannets diving for fish. The track exits through a farm valley and another steep climb to Constable Road. Care is needed on this track, which traverses coastal cliffs and is uneven and muddy in places.

This track is part of the Hillary Trail (external site) which connects a network of existing tracks and basic backpacker campgrounds in the Waitākere Ranges.

It takes trampers through the Waitākere Ranges, past the Arataki Visitor Centre, Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Anawhata, and either winding north to Muriwai via the Te Henga Walkway, or through Cascade Kauri Park and onto Swanson.

Track crosses private land. Keep to the track and be careful around stock.

Parts of the track may be overgrown with gorse and flax.

Be aware of dangers on the tracks and surrounding areas including clifftops.

(ALERT: Partial closure to Te Henga Walkway due to slips)

Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is a coastal community of the Auckland Region in the north of the North Island, Auckland. The Maori name for the area "Te Henga" is in reference to the long foredunes which run along the beach and look like the "Henga" or "Gunwhale" of an upturned Waka hull. This name originally applied to a wide area of the lower Waitakere valley, but during the early 1900s the area became popular with visiting European immigrants who began to refer to the area as "Bethells Beach" after the Bethell Family who live there and still own much of the area. In 1976 the New Zealand Geographic Board officially named the area "Te Henga (Bethells Beach)".

Lion Rock is the most iconic landmark in the seaside village of Piha, west of Auckland; in New Zealand’s North Island.  If you are a hiker and are ready to conquer the peak, go to Loin Rock Track in the Waitakere Ranges Walk. The steep slopes require more effort, so it is not just easy walking or jogging. The humongous rock looks like a lion sitting on the shore.

Conquering the giant rock can take around 30-minutes. The trail is ideal for walking, nature tripping, and bird watching. The grassy lookout at the top of the volcanic rock rewards you with the most stunning views in all directions.

The Mercer Bay Loop Path starts high up above Piha and takes you to Te Ahua headland, the site of an important Māori pā (fortified village), with great views up and down the west coast.

Start at the end of Te Ahua Road, at the site of a former radio station. Take the time to look at the many interpretive signs here. This used to be an outpost of some significance.

The path works best in a clockwise direction, so start at the track entrance at the southern side of the car park. Follow the instructions at cleaning stations to protect the kauri trees in the Waitākere Ranges.

The first section of the path leads down through low regenerating forest.

At the track junction, keep right and head towards the former pā site. If you keep left at the junction, you’ll go down the restored Comans Track, all the way down to Karekare Beach. It is a long climb coming back up from there, so if you have limited time, turn right to the pā site.

Take the track to the lookout point and check out the pou (marker sculpture) that marks the site of the pā. This is an important place for Te Kawerau a Maki, the Māori iwi that has authority over this land, so please stay on the track.

A small lookout platform at the end of the trail provides amazing views to the north and south.

Back on the trail, keep to the left and climb up to the coastal route with more amazing views and wind-swept forest. The track takes you back to the northern end of the car park.

This is a beautiful coastal walk high above Piha, great for a family adventure.

Lake Wainamu is a beautiful lake located nearby Te Henga / Bethells Beach. It can be easily reached from Auckland. There is a very nice hike called Lake Wainamu Loop Track, as well as Sand Dunes, where you can have some sandboarding fun with your friends or kids. This makes the area a perfect spot for a day trip from Auckland.

Lake Wainamu is the largest natural lake in the Waitākere Ranges. It was formed by the damming of deep stream valleys by sand blown inland from the coast. It is the only landform of this type in the region. The lake is up to 12 metres deep and is fringed by wetland.

The Hillary Trail is a a four-day (three night) 75 km trek across rugged country reaching from Titirangi to Muriwai. It is named after the famour kiwi conqueror of Mt Everest, Sir Edmund Hilllary, and was opened on the second anniversary of his death. The route takes in spectacular views of coast and bush, a number of small coastal villages, and reaches through a number of ecological areas and landscapes. The aim of the trail is to provide a challenging experience for walkers, especially young people. It is not an easy track, because of the varying terrain, the rooty sometimes muddy tracks, and long legs. However, as its name suggests, it is meant to be a challenge, and completion is designed to provide great satisfaction of a challenge conquered for the walker.

Mokoroa Falls is located between Muriwai and the beautiful Waitakere Ranges. A well-maintained 40-minutes' walking Mokoroa Falls Track leads to the waterfall’s upper viewing platform. Mokoroa Falls is seen from there, but, unfortunately, only the top of the Houheria Stream Falls can be seen from this platform. There are no stairs on this part of the track, hence, with care, it is suitable for a wheelchair and kids strollers.

From the upper lookout, wooden stairs bring you to the base of both waterfalls. You need to cross the stream to reach the better view of both waterfalls. In flood, there is no way to reach the base of the waterfalls, so please be patient and enjoy the falls from the lookout. In good weather, it’s a perfect place for a picnic.

Return via the same track (40 minutes), or if you've got a reasonable level of fitness continue on to the Mokoroa Stream Track (requires a few stream crossings and passes a couple of beautiful cascades), then turn to the Goldie Bush Walkway. If you choose the second option, then the way back from waterfall will take roughly 3-4 hours. 

Wearing suitable footwear is advised as the trail has a history of rockfalls, and has slippery steps.

Temorarily Closed

Muriwai, also called Muriwai Beach, is a coastal community on the west coast of the Auckland Region in the North Island of New Zealand. The black-sand surf beach and surrounding area is a popular recreational area for Aucklanders. The Muriwai Regional Park includes a nesting site for a large colony of gannets.You can take the 1.5-hour Muriwai Beach Loop Track to spend more time in Muriwai's breathtaking beach setting. This walk will take you across the sand dunes to Muriwai Beach and back along the Coast Road Walkway.

This is also a great place to watch the sunset on a nice day. Set up a picnic and watch the day end.

From August to March each year you can watch the comings and goings of a busy gannet colony. It's hugely entertaining, and a little bit smelly!

Muriwai's gannet colony is a one hour drive from the centre of Auckland. Next to the car park, a short walking track leads to a viewing platform right above the main colony area. Out to sea, the colony continues on two vertical-sided islands. About 1,200 pairs of gannets nest here.

Karekare is a small coastal town in Northern New Zealand's Auckland area, sandwiched by a great black surfy beach from the Waitākère Ranges.

The more famous Piha Beach with the famed Lion Rock is nearby and the surfing culture is a favourite. But on the way to Piha beach, turn left off Piha Road and take the road to Karekare. The main parking lot is just 10 minutes walk away from the beach, accessible by many trails. There is a simple river flowing from the parking lot to the ocean.

The ideal and peaceful beach has tall cliff headlands, large black sand dunes and intense waves that make the spot so photogenic.

The Karekare falls are about fifteen minutes walk from the beach, or about seven minutes to the Karekare Rd main car park. The La Trobe trail leads to the glorious drops on the path from the carpark. When you walk down the road, the stunning Opal Pool Stream Cascade will greet you first. You will be honoured with the glorious view of the Karekare Falls as you proceed a little farther down the road.

There's lots of light close to the falls, particularly on a sunny day, where you pull your mat and relax. The watershed is a pool on the field where visitors can have a fun dip. This is an atmosphere where you can be fully environmentally conscious.

The beach and the falls are both part of the Karekare Regional Park, which has a small campsite, several walking trails and a few picnic areas (McCreeies Paddock Campground).

For those seeking something a bit further afield and more private should make a visit to Huia Beach (or Huia Reserve as it’s commonly known as.) in the Waitakere Ranges. Located 11 minutes away (8.6km) from the heart of Titirangi village, Huia beach and the surrounding town offers much to explore and maybe even a swim afterwards.

Huia is a little less busy than beaches like Cornwallis and for those seeking for some peace and quiet will enjoy that aspect.

Huia offers plenty for the outdoor enthusiasts with boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and even abseiling being available in the surrounding area.

Those seeking a long walk can embark on the Upper Huia Dam Walk. A 17km long walk that will take you to two different dams in the Huia region and even an abandoned mine which has long since fallen into disrepair. It’s a 4 hour long round trip so be sure to bring a packed lunch and plenty of refreshments to keep you going.

After your days activities, make sure to stop off at Huia’s only store: Alfred’s Huia Store. It provides excellent coffee and food for not only the locals but hungry visitors. Be sure to pay them a visit and support the local businesses. Huia Bay travels far inland, providing a very sheltered cove that is excellent for water activities like jet skiing or kayaking but only in high tide. Low tide sees most of the water recede and a mushy sand beach is left in its place.

Cornwallis Beach is one of the more popular West Auckland beaches and the jewel in the crown of the Cornwallis neighbourhood. It boasts a wide array of attractions suitable for anyone!

Cornwallis Beach is one of the largest beaches that faces the Manukau harbour and offers plenty of scenery and space for families to partake in any activities from simple picnics and swimming to scenic walks, kayaking and fishing. The aforementioned can be practised at the Cornwallis Wharf, located further south along Cornwallis Road.

It’s highly recommended that every Aucklander and tourist visit Cornwallis at least once and enjoy the beautiful beach, with such a short journey to reach this stunning spot, there’s nothing stopping you! 

For those looking to take in the sights with their own two feet can depart on any number of walking tracks that can be found near Cornwallis. Most of these have remained open but be mindful that some have been closed to help combat the spread of the Kauri dieback disease.

The Arataki Visitor Centre is on Scenic Drive between Titirangi and Waiatarua. It is an iconic building, designed by architect Harry Turbott, and opened in the 1990s.

The most striking aspect of the building is the central pou, representing the ancestors of the iwi of the Waitakere Ranges, Te Kawerau a Maki. This is the second pou, and it was unveiled in 2011.

This centre is great educationally, as you can learn about the area, and species of insects and wildlife in the surrounding areas.

This walk is a must-do when you are in Piha. It's an easy, gradual climb with lots to see on the way. There are some tricky stream crossings, so be careful as you make your way across.

The Kitekite Falls Path has been upgraded so walkers can enjoy the best of the Waitākere Ranges without harming the kauri trees that are under threat from the kauri dieback disease.

The route has formed gravel tracks and boardwalks throughout and the gradual climb to the famous Kitekite Falls is manageable for people with moderate fitness.

Near the falls there are two stream crossings that take some agility and good balance. Bring a walking stick if you’re not sure about this.

This path takes you up into beautiful forest area, with a spectacular waterfall as a reward for your efforts.

Please respect the efforts to make this area available to all – follow the instructions at the start of the path, stay on the tracks and boardwalks and do not try to cross the stream after heavy rain. This valley is known for occasional flooding but it never lasts long – just wait until the water level lowers again and it is safe to cross, or return the way you came.

Mobile reception along the route is not always reliable. Take a photo of the map at the start to remind you of the route.

The Karamatura track connects to the Donald Mclean track, allowing access to the Mt Donald Mclean lookout, representing a good day’s walk for the more adventurous and experienced walkers.

In addition to the track upgrades, a new toilet block has been built, a new cleaning station added, and the carpark has been improved with better drainage.

Stu reminds people that even with the upgrades, respecting the rules is still important.

“Please stay on the tracks that have been upgraded and re-opened, use the hygiene stations, and make sure your footwear is clean before heading out.”

Although the tracks have reopened, the Karamatura campground remains closed.

The Donald McLean Track is a great starting point for those looking to explore the trail system of the inland Waitākere area. The track provides access to a host of other trails including Puriri Ridge Track, Fletcher Track, Karamatura Track, Huia Ridge Track, and Walker Ridge Track. While it makes a great connector or starting point, the trail is also quite pretty on its own. It can be muddy in spots but it isn’t quite as technical or challenging as some of the more remote trails in the area. You'll still have some roots and mud to navigate but nothing that presents too much of a challenge.

Whatipu Beach is a vast empty, black sandy beach with stunning dunes, caves, the finest swimming on the west coast, and a beautiful combination of lush vegetation, rough gray rock, and deep turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea.

Whatipu is located on the west coast of the Auckland region of the North Island of New Zealand.

Whatipu Beach is a moderately trafficked 1.3-kilometer back trail situated in West Auckland, New Zealand, providing the opportunity to see wildlife and is ideal for all levels of fitness. The trail is mostly used for walking, hiking, nature trips, and watching birds.

The walk from the car park to the beach takes about 15 minutes through soft sand, the first headland you see is the island of Paratutae, which is still linked to the beach, there are parts of the old wharf here where the old sailing ships docked to transport Kauri logs.

Behind the beach, there was a railway line that carried logs from around the area to ships. If you're trying to explore, you can still see pieces of the track in the rocks.

On a windy day, Whatipu will impress you with the strength of the wind, roaring through the windy cliffs into the port of Manukau.

Located on Auckland’s west coast, slightly north of Piha and slightly south of Bethells, sits the peaceful Anawhata beach. To access the area you take the road towards Piha and turn off around the top of the hill down the gravel Anawhata road. It’s a relatively narrow, 10 km gravel road that descends through the forest and out towards the coast. You’ll pass a few remote beach houses on the road, but not much else. At the end of the road you’ll reach the Anawhata parking lot with a spectacular view over Anawhata beach itself.

A pleasant walk around Western Springs Lakeside Park and the tranquil Fukuoka Garden.

Start at the park entrance on Great North Road (easily accessible via the frequent bus service). Watch out for trams as you cross!

Follow the loop path through the park and around the lake. You'll have plenty of opportunities to view birds up close, including ducks, geese and pūkeko.

While some areas of the park are very popular, it's easy to find a spot away from the crowds to enjoy some peace and quiet. There are plenty of shaded seating areas and picnic tables located around the park, plus a few barbecues if you want to make a day of it.

Don't miss the breathtaking Fukuoka Garden (entry is free), with tea pavilion, waterfall and pond. The garden features over 1800 native Japanese and New Zealand species and bonsai trees, paving stones, lanterns and a water basin. The garden replaces the original Fukuoka Friendship Garden built in Auckland Zoo, which was given to Auckland in 1989 from Japan’s Fukuoka City in recognition of the sister-city relationship.

The large children's playground has activities to suit busy kids of all ages. It's located next to Auckland Zoo, so you might even spot an elephant through the fence!

This exciting purpose built gallery houses New Zealand ’s largest selection of Crystals and Minerals from around the world and Beyond. Many rare and beautiful specimens are available both on exhibit and for sale. 

Crystal Mountain has been specifically built for easy access for visitors of all ages, regardless of physical ability and will delight old and young alike with the many things to see and do.

Set on 40 acres, in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges it is a peaceful oasis just 20 km from Auckland C.B.D.

Besides our world class collection of crystals and minerals, an excellent selection of unique stone gifts and souvenirs are also available, many of which have been produced by our own company. Our themed animal park is an exciting adventure with pony rides (weather permitting) and many other interactive activities.

This trail is relatively short but boasts beautiful views over the Waitakere Ranges. 

From Falls Road, this trail starts with a steep, but short, uphill section to gain the ridge. After this first few hundred metres, the track continues to climb but less steeply along the ridge. The trail ends at the Pukemateke Lookout.

The Waitakere Dam Walk is one of the few walks that was left open when a rahui was placed over the Waitakere Ranges to protect the kauri trees. Constructed as a paved vehicle access road provides access for utility vehicles that may need access to the dam, it is a smooth walk that requires merely only a pair of jandals. Although the walk is much alike walking along a sealed road the walking amongst the forest is rather enjoyable. Access to a number of further walks can be located along the Waitakere Dam Walk. At the time of walking this track and writing this post the majority of the tracks branching off the Waitakere Dam Walk were closed. Before you set off on this walk ensure you refer to the Auckland Regional Council for the track’s current status. Although the thought of walking down a sealed road may not sound quite like the most enticing adventure that you are usually after, the walk to Waitakere Dam does have a few hidden gems. As a photographer experimenting with the contrast between this large industrial structure and the surrounding forest provided an awesome setting to experiment and learn. Different angles you can capture from taking the time and exploring the nooks and crannies that the dam has to offer. If you have young children exploring around the dam is a must. Although getting back to the car is a challenge, the sounds of cars driving by provides the necessary motivation required to get back to the car. Pack an extra snack for the return journey to stop the energy levels from fading.The start of the track is accessed along the main stretch of Scenic road in the Waitakere Ranges. Depending on which side of Auckland you are coming from and the traffic will depend on which way you get to the start of the walk. For reference purposes, I have included directions from Auckland Airport as a placeholder for directions and driving times to the start of the walk. Unfortunately the car park is quite small and usually fills up quickly. It isn’t far that you can diverge off the trail, all you have to do is follow your nose down the sealed path to the dam. The path descends right the way down to the dam. Be sure that you have some energy left in the tank for the hike back up the hill as it’s up the entire way back. Closed trails have caution tape along with a sign up stating that there is no access along the trail due to kauri dieback. Even the small places that you can explore within the forest around the dam have been blocked and clearly marked with warning signs.