Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The final section of Omanawanui Track takes you on a quick descent to
Whatipu
. You
will pass a signposted junction for the Signal House Track; it is a 20-minute return walk
along the ridge to the site of
Signalman's House
above Paratutae Island and a great view of
the mouth of Manukau Harbour. In 1863 this wild and treacherous harbour claimed 259
lives when the HMS
Orpheus
hit the Manukau bar and sank, resulting in NZ's worst mari-
time tragedy.
In the late 1800s Whatipu was a booming timber centre and the terminus for Piha Tram-
ways. Today, it is as wild and remote a place as any in the greater Auckland area. Historic
Whatipu Lodge
includes many heritage buildings from this era.
The Hillary Trail continues along
Gibbons Track
, which begins by climbing in earnest
with only occasional relief but rewarding trampers with sweeping views of the extensive
and precious
Whatipu Scientific Reserve
. After 3.5km the track reaches a junction with
Muir and Walker Ridge Tracks. Take
Muir Track
, which starts flat then descends more
steeply towards the Pararaha Valley.
After a decent descent, including a brief rock scramble, the track reaches a clearing and
the Pararaha Campground. The Pararaha Stream is around 300m further down the hill.
Day 3: Pararaha Valley Campground to Craw Campground
8-9 HOURS, 21KM, 869M ASCENT, 1099M DESCENT
Head down the valley and cross Pararaha Stream. The trail includes a section of boardwalk
through wetlands, which can be submerged at times.
Follow the markers through the extensive sand dunes that form part of the Whatipu
Scientific Reserve and enjoy the area's unique flora and fauna.
You will soon come to the
Old Railway Tunnel
, the site of Tunnel Point Campground
.
The track continues, emerging at the beach. Follow the wild black sandy coastline until you
reach the cliffs at the southern end of
Karekare Beach
and head inland via the
Pohutukawa
Glade Walk
. Once on Karekare Rd, cross the wooden bridge and pass alongside the beach
reserve, where you'll find toilets and a picnic area. Turn onto Watchman Rd and get back
onto the trail at Comans Track. This section climbs along the cliff edge, looking down on
the beach known the world over due to the movie
The Piano
.
After the summit the track drops to the junction with
Ahu Ahu Track
; turn left and head
along this track for a few minutes to the junction with
Mercer Bay Loop Walk.
This is a
nice wide track through flax bushes with views from atop the highest sea cliffs in Auckland
down into Mercer Bay and along the full sweep of the west coast.
