Description
A challenging longer walk (7 hrs) through regenerating native forest that is also part of Te Araroa, The Long Pathway.
The track begins at the Dome carpark, and takes you first to the lookout and Dome summit.
The track continues along the ridgeline through attractive forest with glimpses of the surrounding countryside and coast then descends through pines to a 4WD clay road. Turn left down the road to meet Waiwhiu Valley Rd (a private forest road). Here you turn right and take the road for 200 m to a sign pointing left to the Waiwhiu Stream crossing.
Once over the stream, follow the bush track along the river to the right for 1.6 km to reach the Totara Peak Scenic Reserve. The track here climbs steeply up to a ridge with enjoyable views. At the junction of Conical Peak Rd (clay 4WD track), turn right and follow this road northwards until it meets Govan Wilson Rd.
Note: The track to Totara Peak Scenic Reserve crosses private land in the Waiwhiu Valley so please keep to the track or forest road.
Getting there
The main area is 68km from downtown Auckland, and 10km from Warkworth.
Know before you go
The Waiwhiu Stream may be unsafe to cross after heavy rain.