The more you walk around Auckland’s Waitakere Regional Park, the more you realise how astonishing it is. The Waitakere region has great land and seascapes, surf beaches, high altitude views, native bush, and west coast sunsets – all accessible through spectacular and relatively short hikes.
Today we’re covering hikes around Karekare, Mercer Bay and Piha – the Watchman, the Comans Track, Ahu Ahu Track, the Mercer Bay Loop, Kitekite Falls, and the Upper Nihoputu Reservoir. Each of these hikes is only one or two hours long, making them a great addition to a trip to the beach.
The Watchman
The Watchman is a single, large rock formation at Karekare Beach. It’s actually a bit hard to believe that you can get so much scenic variation from a single rock, but we promise that you won’t be disappointed.
To get to the Watchman, drive toward Karekare and then up Watchman Road. Park at the top of the road, then follow the track to the ridge. Instead of going up the ridge on Comans Track, head down across the scrub-covered dunes to the beach – the Watchman is on your left. Wander along the beach, then walk back along the stream to the main car park.
Comans Track
Comans Track begins at the top end of Watchman Road in Karekare, just above the entrance of the Ahu Ahu Track. It heads quite steeply up the ridge towards Farley Point before cutting over to the cliffside walk above Mercer Bay.
There are a number of stunning scenic viewpoints, and several sections of forest regrowth. In spring and early summer, the track is full of flowering manuka, followed by pohutukawa. It takes about an hour to reach the connection with the Ahu Ahu Track, which returns to Karekare. Continuing on takes you to the Mercer Bay Loop and then Piha.
Ahu Ahu Track
The Ahu Ahu Track starts just below the Coman Track and effectively forms a loop with it. It follows the east side of the Mercer Bay ridge and mostly passes through native forest. The loop makes for a nice easy jaunt on the way back down after doing Comans – personally, we much prefer Comans for the uphill leg.
Mercer Bay Loop
The Mercer Bay Loop is a popular ninety minute walk with fantastic views. At various points during the walk you can look back to Piha, down to Mercer Bay and along the southern coast past Karekare towards Whatipu.
The easiest access is from the end of Ahuahu Road, above Piha. There is quite a large parking area at the historic site of a WW2 radar station. From there, head down the westside track and follow the cliff line to a fantastic viewpoint on Te Ahua Point.
Kitekite Falls
Kitekite Falls in Piha is a superb walk through native forest, with large numbers of nikau and kauri rickers (baby trees). There’s a short loop near the start of the walk, then another as you approach the falls – make sure you do both! The best view of the waterfall is from the southern side of the loop to the base of the falls.
Once you hit the base of the waterfall, take the steep walk to the top. There are a couple of pools you can bathe in, including one right on the edge of the cliff. To access the walk, park at the end of Glenesk Road.
Upper Nihotupu Reservoir
The walk at Upper Nihotupu Reservoir is easier than some of the others in the Waitakere – and there are no cliffs unless you count the edge of the reservoir dam. Despite the track following the metal road it’s a lovely walk, taking in three waterfalls, rapids, pretty bush and views across the reservoir.
The track starts as a short bush walk, then follows the metal service road to the dam. Walk for another ten minutes to reach a cleared area below the dam where the bush tram used to run, then follow the rails to the base of the dam.
Want more Auckland trip ideas?
Check out our other hiking and beach suggestions around the Waitakere Ranges, or our blog on the beaches of Manukau Harbour.