Experience the raw beauty of Auckland’s west coast on the Te Henga Walkway, one of the most breathtaking sections of the Hillary Trail. This rugged track follows dramatic coastal cliffs between Bethells Beach and Constable Road, offering expansive views over black sand beaches, wild surf, and windswept headlands.

Beginning at Bethells Road, the trail crosses the Waitākere River via a footbridge and gently climbs to a lookout with sweeping views of lagoons, dunes, and O’Neill’s Bay. From here, walkers can return via the beach or continue along the full walkway. The track then climbs steeply, tracing the cliff tops where gannets can often be seen diving into the sea below. The route dips through a quiet farm valley before one final ascent to Constable Road.

While the scenery is spectacular, this is a challenging walk. The track is steep, uneven, and can become muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Old slip sites and exposed cliff edges require care, and parts of the track may be overgrown with gorse and flax. The walkway crosses private farmland—please stay on the marked path and be respectful around livestock.

Te Henga Walkway forms part of the Hillary Trail, a multi-day tramping route through the Waitākere Ranges, connecting iconic locations like the Arataki Visitor Centre, Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, and Muriwai. Whether you’re walking the entire trail or just this section, be prepared for wild terrain, stunning views, and a true west coast adventure.

Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is a coastal community located in the Auckland Region, on the northwestern edge of New Zealand’s North Island. The original Māori name, Te Henga, refers to the long foredunes that stretch along the beach, resembling the henga or gunwale of an upturned waka (canoe) hull. Traditionally, this name described a much broader area of the lower Waitākere Valley.

In the early 1900s, the area grew in popularity among European settlers and visitors, who began referring to it as “Bethells Beach” after the Bethell family—early settlers who still own much of the surrounding land. In 1976, the New Zealand Geographic Board officially adopted the dual name Te Henga (Bethells Beach), recognising both its Māori heritage and European history.

Lion Rock is the iconic centerpiece of Piha, a seaside village on Auckland’s wild west coast in New Zealand’s North Island. This towering volcanic formation, resembling a lion crouched on the shoreline, is a must-see landmark—and a must-climb for adventurous visitors.

The Lion Rock Track, part of the Waitākere Ranges walks, offers a short but steep climb that takes about 30 minutes to complete. While it’s not a casual stroll, the effort is well worth it. Along the way, hikers can enjoy native flora and birdlife, with panoramic views waiting at the grassy lookout near the summit. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Piha Beach, the Tasman Sea, and the rugged coastline 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.

Foveaux Walkway, situated in the heart of Bluff, beckons visitors with its alluring blend of natural beauty and urban tranquillity. This enchanting pathway provides a respite from the fast-paced rhythm of daily life, inviting you to immerse yourself in a world where vibrant greenery and city charm harmoniously coexist.

As you step onto Foveaux Walkway, the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city fade away, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the melodious chirping of birds. The pathway meanders through meticulously landscaped gardens, offering a kaleidoscope of colours and fragrances that change with the seasons.

The lush foliage provides a shady canopy, creating the perfect ambience for a stroll, jog, or a quiet moment of contemplation. Well-maintained walking trails wind their way through the green oasis, guiding you to discover hidden corners and scenic viewpoints that unveil the area's natural splendour.

Foveaux Walkway is not merely a physical route; it's an immersive experience that encourages a connection with nature. Along the journey, you may encounter charming bridges spanning over bubbling streams, inviting benches strategically placed for moments of reflection, and perhaps even a captivating sculpture or two.

Whether you're a dedicated nature enthusiast, a city dweller seeking solace, or a casual visitor in search of a peaceful retreat, Foveaux Walkway promises a delightful escape. Explore the ever-changing tapestry of sights and sounds that unfold with each step, and allow yourself to be captivated by the serene ambience of this hidden gem in the heart of the city. Foveaux Walkway is an invitation to rediscover the simple joys of harmonious coexistence between nature and urban life.

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.

Nestled within the heart of Southland, the Omaui Track unfolds as a well-kept secret, inviting intrepid explorers to step off the well-trodden routes and immerse themselves in a realm of untouched natural splendour. Far from the bustling crowds, this trail promises a unique and secluded journey through diverse landscapes that paint an ever-changing canvas of beauty.

Begin your odyssey surrounded by lush greenery as the trail winds its way through ancient forests, their canopies creating a cathedral-like ambience that echoes with the melodies of local birdlife. The Omaui Track, though less renowned, offers an abundance of flora and fauna, each step revealing the delicate balance of ecosystems that have thrived undisturbed for generations.

As you traverse the undulating terrain, the trail occasionally opens up to panoramic vistas, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views. The crisp, untainted air fills your lungs, and the rhythmic cadence of your footsteps becomes a harmonious dance with the serene sounds of nature.

This hidden gem beckons adventurers to embrace the allure of the unknown. The Omaui Track is not merely a physical journey; it's an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, to appreciate the subtleties of the landscape, and to find solace in the absence of modern distractions. Here, time seems to slow, allowing for introspection and a genuine appreciation for the simplicity and purity of the surroundings.

Throughout the trail, markers of local culture and history may reveal themselves—testaments to the communities that have thrived in harmony with this pristine wilderness. As the day draws to a close, find a peaceful spot to witness a breathtaking sunset, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky as the day gracefully gives way to the tranquillity of the night.

In the realm of the Omaui Track, every step is an invitation to discover, appreciate, and connect with nature in its most authentic form. This hidden sanctuary promises not only a physical journey but an unforgettable expedition into the heart of a pristine wilderness, where the soul finds its echo in the untouched beauty of the natural world.