Muriwai Beach

Take in the beauty of Muriwai’s rugged landscape and visit the famous cliff-top gannet colony, where around 1200 pairs of gannets nest from August to April. The viewing platforms give you sweeping views far over the Tasman Sea. Stroll along the boardwalk that hugs the coastline and breathe in the crisp sea air, alongside the wild waves and rolling black sand dunes. Keen to get active? Take a lesson at the local surf school or hire blokarts, kites, mountain bikes or surfboards, or play a round of golf at the nearby course.

Te Henga (Bethells Beach)

Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is more sheltered than some of the other west coast beaches, making it a great place to visit. Walk along the beach, go sliding down the sand dunes at Lake Wainamu or take the four-hour walk between Muriwai and Te Henga.

Karekare Beach

Karekare’s remote, dramatic landscapes have inspired filmmakers, writers and photographers, most notably in Jane Campion’s The Piano. The beautiful Karekare Falls is just the short walk from the main beach.

Whatipu Beach

The striking black-sand beach of Whatipu is located amongst an area of sand dunes, rocky cliffs, caves, and wetlands. Venture onto the Whatipu Caves Track to pass by numerous old sea caves for a 45 minute return hike.

Karioitahi Beach

Just an hour south from the city centre, Karioitahi is something of a hidden gem, even to many Aucklanders. There’s so much to do here – horse riding, surfing, blokarting, paragliding, hang gliding and four-wheel driving. If you’d rather relax, take a walk and leave the action behind, or go fishing with the locals. On your way there or back, explore nearby Waiuku Forest, with a range of tracks, trails and recreational activities, or drive to the end of Awhitu Peninsula  and climb the Manukau Heads Lighthouse.

Help protect our Kauri from Kauri dieback disease

Kauri dieback disease is killing Kauri trees in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The closure of some tracks and creating protection zones helps prevent the spread of this disease but those using the park can also help. Please respect the following guidelines when visiting:

  • Make sure shoes, tyres and equipment are cleaned to remove all visible soil and plant material before and after visiting kauri forest
  • Please use cleaning stations installed on major tracks
  • Stay on the track and off kauri roots
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times

For further information about Kauri dieback please click here.

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Muriwai Beach

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Piha Beach

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Te Henga (Bethells Beach)

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Lake Wainamu

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Karekare Beach

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Awhitu Peninsula

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Karioitahi Beach

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Waiuku Forest

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Manukau Heads Lighthouse

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