Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Slip Track descends to the historic tramline, which you cross. The track continues to
slope steeply into the junction with Pipeline Track . This 900m section of track is narrower,
and after around 200m you will have to clamber down and up a small gully, crossing a
stream. At the end of Pipeline Track you come to an intersection with the gravelled Lower
Nihotupu Dam Road , which winds for around 1km uphill before coming to the Hamilton
Track . Early on along this track there are some nice waterfalls and a spectacular kauri knoll.
Hamilton Track emerges on to a grassy 4WD track named Crusher Pipe Track and after
100m you hit gravelled Smiths Road. Cross the bridge over the dam and then a short climb
to join the wider gravel road, Huia Dam Road . Follow this all the way past Lower Huia
Dam towards Huia Beach. There are some toilets on the left of the road, a little more than
100m from the bottom of the dam. The track then meets a road junction between Huia Dam
Rd and Huia Rd.
If the tide is low, go straight ahead at this junction along a grassy track and down concrete
stairs to Huia Beach . Follow the coastline towards the stream in the distance. Cross the
stream and follow it inland through the trees. You will soon reach the Huia Settlers Museum
car park. Cross the road and go up the driveway to the Karamatura car park, where you will
pick up the start of Karamatura Track ; follow the markers to the Karamatura Campground.
If the tide is high, turn right and follow Huia Rd up the hill to the driveway for the Kara-
matura Farm. Follow this gravel driveway up the hill to the top to Barn Paddock Camp-
ground or continue across the farm to Karamatura Campground.
Day 2: Karamatura Campground to Pararaha Valley Campground
8-9 HOURS, 15KM, 862M ASCENT, 789M DESCENT
Follow the Karamatura Track alongside the stream and up the valley, climbing very steeply
to Karamatura Forks. Take Donald McLean Track onward towards Mt Donald McLean
(389m), one of the highest points in the area. It is worth a short 15-minute detour to the
summit for sweeping views of the area. The trail then follows Puriri Ridge Track , which
has stunning views of the Whatipu Valley along its 2km stretch.
Cross Whatipu Rd to the start of Omanawanui Track . This track, which is steep at times
and can be slippery after rain, is perhaps one of the most dramatic and stunning stretches on
the trail. Halfway along, the track skirts the edge of the cliffs (watch your footing) and
you're rewarded with more views, each better than the last. Pause at the top of Oman-
awanui Trig ; to the south you'll see the towering cliffs of the South Head of the Awhitu
Peninsula, while to the north and east is the rugged interior of the Waitakere Ranges.
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