Hillary Trail Te Ara Tūhura
The Hillary Trail Te Ara Tūhura through the Waitākere Ranges of Auckland was developed some years ago to commemorate Sir Edmund Hillary by providing a multi-day tramping experience. The terrain was suitably rugged, often muddy and steep. The trail begins at Arataki Visitor Centre (currently closed as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle) on the Scenic Drive, heads out to the coast at Huia and Whatipū, and then roughly follows the cliff tops to Karekare and Piha, before heading inland to Lake Wainamu and Te Henga. From there, the final leg follows the coast along the Te Henga Walkway to Muriwai. The total distance is 74 km and the trail is typically done from campground to campground over four to five days.
This track is spectacular from day one, with waterfalls, beaches, clifftop views, and classic Waitākere regenerating native forest. Unfortunately, kauri dieback disease has resulted in many sections being closed. However, considerable upgrades from the pretty tough tramping tracks to gravel paths and boardwalks to protect the kauri trees have allowed parts to reopen. It is also now officially Te Ara Tūhura Hillary Trail, although you will still see the original Hillary Trail markers along the way. For updates on closures, check out the Auckland Council page.
Although the upgrade has reduced the sense of challenge (and the mud), there are still numerous steep undulations, often with many steps. In addition, it is more accessible for many people. At present, the longest open section is from Huia to Piha, with overnight camping at Whatipū, Pararaha Valley, Tunnel Point or Karekare. This section takes in a number of tracks, including Karamatura, Donald McLean, Puriri and Omanawanui from Huia to Whatipū, Gibbons and Muir to Pararaha Valley, a beach walk to Karekare then stunning Comans and the Mercer Bay Loop to Piha Road, with a final section to Piha via Winstone Track and Kitekite Falls. You can also easily divide it up into several accessible sections, rather than committing to it all in one go.
From Piha, there is also the option of adding another section by walking via North Piha to Whites Beach and Anawhata, with a pickup from Anawhata Road. There are campgrounds at Piha and on Anawhata Road.
