The 9 Best Walks in the Waitakere Ranges

Te Henga Walkway

Te Henga is the te reo Maori name for Bethells Beach, one of the most popular of West Auckland's beaches and just northwest of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The Te Henga Walkway is a 6.5-mile (one way) trail that connects Bethells Beach and Muriwai Beach (a famous gannet breeding spot). Most of the cliffside trail is classified as easy, whereas some sections are intermediate and slippery and steep. The trail offers excellent views of the coastline as it remains relatively high for most of the walk. It can be started at Bethells Beach or Muriwai Beach, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) recommends allowing about 3.5 hours to complete the one-way track.

Upper Huia Dam via Huia Dam Road

There are several dams and reservoirs within the Waitakere Ranges, and each offers different hiking experiences. In the southern part of the ranges, the Upper Huia Dam track via Huia Dam Road is a 7.5-mile trail mostly along a sealed road. If you're looking for a shorter hike, the Huia Lookout track is an easy half-mile walk, or the Waitakere Dam walk in the north of the park is an easy 2 miles.

Whatipu Caves Track

The Whatipu Caves, at the southern tip of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, are a scenic place to hike to, and their history is pretty interesting, too. The sea caves in the cliffs were used as shelters for centuries, and in the late 19th century, a kauri-wood ballroom dance floor was housed in one of them (it's mostly buried now). Party-goers would trek along the rugged coast with their finest clothes for a bit of fun. Imagine that as you trudge along a muddy path with waterproof boots! Nowadays, the Whatipu Caves are a two-mile walk from the Whatipu Carpark. The trail passes wetlands and native bush and can be muddy at times, hence the need for sturdy footwear.

Mercer Bay Loop Track

The easy Mercer Bay Loop Track is a good option for travelers with kids. Not only is it relatively short, at about 1.5 miles long, but it starts at Piha Beach, a famous black-sand beach with accommodation, cafes, and surf schools in summer. There are plenty of caves, rockpools, and inlets at Piha to keep curious kids occupied. The loop track itself goes high along the coastline, so it has excellent views but keep kids close.

Kitekite Falls Path

Among the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand (and it has a lot of competition!), Kitekite Falls is a great hiking destination if you like a reward at the end of your hikes. Walking tracks to the 131-foot-high falls start from Glenesk Road, east of Piha, and pass through the rainforest. It takes about half an hour. You can swim in the pools when it's warm, which may be a safer option than swimming at treacherous Piha Beach. You can take a different trail on the way back for variety.

Hike to the Arataki Visitor's Centre

The Arataki Visitor's Centre is at the eastern entrance to the park, where many travelers from Auckland arrive. It's an excellent place to gather more information about the Waitakere Ranges if you don't already have a fixed plan, and there are great views from the boardwalk, too. There are several ways to hike to, from, or around the center.

• The Exhibition Drive to Arataki Centre walk is a 6.5-mile return hike that's not too challenging and passes through lovely forest.
• The 3.7-mile Slip, Pipeline, and Beveridge Track Loop starts at the Arataki Centre. It's a moderate trail that passes through kauri forests and past several water pipelines. It's also possible to ride a mountain bike on the Beveridge Track, which isn't possible everywhere in the Waitakeres.
• The Arataki Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile trail along the boardwalk and paved path. There are great views of the forested hills, a reservoir, and the sea from this walk.

Anawhata and Whites Beach Loop

Anawhata Beach is north of Piha, surrounded by tall cliffs that amplify the sound of the crashing waves. The 7.5-mile Anawhata and Whites Beach Loop is a moderate trail that offers some fantastic views, even if some of them from cliff-top lookouts aren't great for vertigo sufferers. As it's a loop track rather than an in-and-out, you can enjoy new views the whole way, although the trail after Whites Beach includes some roadside walking.

Mt. Donald McLean Track

Mt. Donald McLean is a 1,289-foot peak in the south of the Waitakere Ranges, and while this height hardly compares with the mountains in the South Island, it's still a great spot to work up a sweat and admire the views of the Manukau Harbour. The in-and-out trail up the mountain is 3 miles long and rated as moderate. It's a well-maintained trail with boardwalks in parts and is good for bird watching, so bring your binoculars.

Karamatura to Mt. Donald McLean

If you like the sound of the Mt. Donald McLean track but are after more of a challenge, combine it with the Karamatura Track. The 7.2-mile hike is classified as difficult as it includes thousands of steps, particularly over the first 2.5 miles. It's great for fitness but shouldn't be underestimated. There's a waterfall to see along the way, where you can take a rest from all those steps. The sweeping views from the top might make the climb worthwhile.