6 of the Best West Auckland Walks
This list of 6 of the best west Auckland walks will keep your summer weekends entertained and full of adventure. I don’t write about things I haven’t experienced or don’t like myself so you can trust that any of these bush walks in the Waitakere Ranges are worth the trip and the packed lunch.
Bushwalks are the staple exercise of any average kiwi, followed by a few beers while someone’s cooking sausages and steak on the barbeque. Us kiwis are pretty simple when it comes to weekend adventures during summer; either at the beach getting burnt to a crisp thanks to the hole in the ozone layer or relaxing by someone’s pool. But where would we be without our native forests and bushland? Auckland is surrounded by hectares of native bush and forest waiting to be discovered. West Auckland is home to some of the best bush walks and hiking trails leading up to or from beaches, waterfalls, and lookouts. If you’re in Auckland for a holiday then get out of the city and check out these 6 walks in Auckland and discover the natural beauty of New Zealand’s largest city.
What Makes these ‘Best West Auckland Walks’ so Good?
If you’re an amateur hiker or someone who just loves nature then you can’t go past these hikes that border rugged coast lines, sheer cliff drops into the ocean below or native forest containing some of the most beautiful sounding birds. I spend most of my summer exploring west Auckland and it’s rain forest so it’s only fair I share my love with anyone who wants a taste of nature,
Mercer Bay Loop and Te Henga Walkway
Mercer Bay Loop is not great for anyone with a severe fear of heights. The track starts nicely through native bush, but it’s not long before you’re staring down the side of a cliff that’s not gaurded by a railing. The main lookouts along the Mercer Bay Loop are surrounded by railings; but there are clearings in the bush that if you don’t watch where you step, you could find yourself skydiving without a parachute. Dogs are allowed at Mercer Bay Loop, but like most tracks in West Auckland they must be on a lead.
Looking south from the main lookout at Mercer Bay Loop you can look down on Karekare beach and right along to Whatipu. Looking North you can see the rocky cliff where the path winds back up to the carpark.
The best time to visit Mercer Bay Loop is at sunset when you can watch the sun slip down behind the horizon. Mercer Bay also makes for a great photography location with the dramatic cliffs cascading down to wild west coast beaches.
If you’re wanting to push yourself you can prepare and then take on the Te Henga Walkway that connects to the Hillary Trail. This hike in Auckland will take you a couple of days to complete where you will explore the incredible coastline along the Waitakere Ranges.
Kitekite Falls, Piha
Kitekite falls track is one of the most popular walks and best short hikes in Auckland. Thousands of people drive to Piha to visit Kitekite Falls every summer and to enjoy and refreshing dip in the fresh water pool below. There’s no question as to why this 45-minute-long bush walk is so popular since it ends at a beautiful 75-metre-tall waterfall. The track itself is relatively flat with a slight incline closer to Kitekite Falls, but it’s great for anyone wanting to work up a sweat and great for families who want to get their little ones away from their screens.
Kitekite falls track is easy enough to do with adventurous children and a pair of good walking shoes, but since this is New Zealand don’t be surprised to see a few pairs of jandals along the way. Dogs are welcome on the track but they have to be controlled and on a lead at all times.
Kitekite falls is definitely one of my most favourite waterfalls in Auckland to explore and one of the most popular walks in Auckland, I first visited probably around 7 years ago and have been back every summer since. Expect the bottom of the falls to be super busy during the weekends, but you can get a bit more space to yourself if you ake the short hike up to the very top of the falls. There is still a small pool for you to soak in otherwise that’s where you get the classic Kitekite falls photo from sitting onto over looking the valley below.
If you want to find out more then check out my post about Kitekite Falls and more amazing views you can see from the very top.
Marawhara Track to Whites Beach, Piha
This bush track at Piha beach was a pleasant surprise; I’ve always driven past the entrance to this Piha bush track but because it looked so unassuming I really didn’t bother to investigate it any further. But at the beginning of October I had a weekend free to explore more of Auckland with my husband and it was the greatest day out in a long time and it made me feel like summer was well and truly on the way!
Marawhara track takes you across the forest floor following the creek before you start your ascent climbing quite a few stairs, the canopy of trees create enough shade for those hot days and there are some incredible views to see once you reach the top. The track then takes you across the saddle and to a road that also leads down to Anawhata beach. Follow the path to your left of the road andleads you down a driveway with pedestrian access to Whites Beach and back down onto Piha.
The walk took us around an hour to complete with a couple of stops along the way for photos and water. Would highly recommend doing this west Auckland bush walk as it offers incredible views across Piha beach.
Karekare Falls Track, Karekare
Karekare falls track is perfect for those who have small families or for those who really don’t want to walk a far distance to see a beautiful piece of west Auckland. The Karekare falls track takes around 5 minutes to reach the waterfall and is on a very slight downwards slope on a dirt track. You finish the track once you reach the beautiful Karekare falls where you can chuck on your swimwear and take a cool, refreshing dip in the fresh water. Or set up a picnic and enjoy the serenity of the rainforest surrounding you.
Karekare beach is right next door which is perfect for swimming, flying a kite, or exploring the coastlands with all the caves and cliffs surrounding the beach. If you do choose to swim at Karekare beach then do so between the flags and only when the surf lifesaving crews are working. These west coast beaches are wild and unforgiving and it’s not uncommon for people to get into trouble at any of the beaches along this coastline.
If Karekare falls track interests you then read more about Karekare here.
Upper Nihotupu Reservoir Walk, Waiatarua
The Upper Nihotupu reservoir walk is one of the best walks in west Auckland if you have a pram or young children who want to ride their bikes. Aside from the short boardwalk through the bush, the main path that leads down to the dam is fully sealed. The path winds down towards the dam, following the Nihotupu stream. A few waterfalls can be seen along the way, and if you’re enjoying the walk after a night of heavy rainfall then you’ll likely come across some smaller waterfalls streaming off the embankment on the left side of the path. You can’t swim at the dam but you can dip your head under any of the mini waterfalls pouring off the side, which makes for a great mid-walk shower if you feel yourself getting a bit too hot and sweaty.
Upper Nihotupu is also dog friendly but they must be on a lead at all times. Unfortunately very few tracks in west Auckland allow for off leash dogs to roam freely, but if you’re looking for a great place to let your dog run rampant with other dogs then check out my list of the best dog parks in Auckland!
Mokoroa Falls and Goldies Bush Track, Muriwai
Mokoroa Falls holds a special place in my heart as it’s where my husband chose to propose to me. Unfortunately we haven’t been able to head back here Goldies bush track has been closed for pathway improvements for the last couple of summers. The waterfall is crazy beautiful with large jagged boulders sitting at the bottom of the cliffs, you can’t swim here but you can definitely have an impromptu shower under the powerful stream of water tumbling over the cliff.
Before you head out to Mokoroa falls for the day, give the name a quick Google to see if the track is open, or you can easily click this link to see if Goldies’ track has finally opened. I made the mistake of driving 40 minutes to the beginning of the track to find large fences and a very clear ‘CLOSED’ sign plastered across the front of the gate.
If you’re looking for more ideas for weekend adventures or summer getaways then don’t be afraid to browse through my blog, I’ve got everything from 5 of the best West Auckland waterfalls, to a list of 21 fun things to do in Auckland City. Don’t be mistaken, Auckland isn’t just a concrete playground with expensive restaurants and awful public transport, we have a rainforest to explore!
