Te Henga Walkway
Track category
Walking track
Description
This track is now part of the Hillary Trail which connects a network of existing tracks and basic backpacker campgrounds in the Waitakere Ranges.
It takes trampers through the Waitakere Ranges, past the Arataki Visitor Centre, Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Anawhata, and either winding north to Muriwai via the Te Henga Walkway, or through Cascade Kauri Park and onto Swanson.
Trampers can also choose a public transport option, beginning their journey at Titirangi and connecting with the train at Swanson.
Time and distance:
- Bethells Rd to Constable Rd: 8 km or 3 - 4 hr one way
- Bethells Rd to O'Neill's Bay: 2 km or 45 min one way
The track follows coastal cliffs and is rutted and steep in sections. It becomes slippery after periods of rain, take care around old slip sites.
From Bethells Rd the Te Henga Walkway crosses the Waitakere River by footbridge, rising along a graded section, to superb views of lagoons, dunes and the west coast surf down to O'Neill's Bay, where you can return along Bethells Beach.
To continue along Te Henga Walkway, the track climbs steeply then follows along the cliff-top where you may see gannets diving for fish. The track exits, through a farm valley and another steep climb, to Constable Rd. Care is needed on this track, which traverses coastal cliffs and is uneven and muddy in places (an upgrade is planned).
Getting there
From Bethells Beach (Te Henga), the track is sign-posted near a bridge 1 km before the end of Bethells Rd opposite Lake Wainamu carpark. The northern entrance is from Constable Rd, off Oaia Rd, 10 km down the Muriwai Beach turnoff from Waimauku, SH 16.
Plan and prepare
- Dogs are not permitted on the tracks because of the threat they pose to stock and wildlife. Exceptions include certified guide dogs and permitted hunting dogs.
- Track crosses private land be careful around stock and keep to the track.
- Parts of the track are overgrown with gorse and flax. Ongoing vegetation trimming is opening the track up substantially for walkers.
Guides and commercial tourism providers