Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The track emerges at Log Race Rd, which takes you inland. Log Race Rd quickly turns
into Te Ahu Ahu Rd, finishing at a T-junction with the main Piha Rd. Turn right, and cross
the road, onto the grass verge. Piha Rd can be very busy: watch out for cars and stick to the
verge as much as possible.
Just before the junction with Karekare Rd, turn left onto
Ussher Track
, which meets up
with Winstone Track, which you follow to the junction with Kauri Grove Track. Cross onto
the
Connect Track
, head down the hill, and follow
Knutzen Track
to reach the beautiful
Kitekite Falls
.
Cross the stream to the stone steps and carry on to meet Kitekite Track, which leads to
Glen Esk Rd and Wai o Kahu, where there are toilets and water.
Walk to the end of Glen Esk Rd and turn onto Seaview Rd, continuing past the Piha Store
and Piha Cafe. Step onto the beach (near Lion Rock) and head north.
When you see the surf lifesavers tower at United North Piha Surf Club, turn inland
through the dunes to the Les Waygood car park. Follow the road to the right for around
100m to the start of Marawhara Walk. Follow this track to a clearing and take
Whites
Track
. Follow Whites Track until it meets the gravelled
Anawhata Road
, where you turn
right and follow the road gently uphill. Note the signpost to the Kuataika Track, to which
you will return the next day.
To reach Craw Campground, continue along Anawhata Rd and follow the signs.
Day 4: Craw Campground to Muriwai Beach
12 HOURS, 27.5KM
At the time of writing there was no council camping ground at Te Henga (Bethells Beach),
but there were plans to construct one. Check for updates as it is recommended that this final
day be broken at Bethells.
Return to the junction of
Kuataika Track
. The trail takes you across Anawhata Farm be-
fore passing through a gate into the bush. It descends steeply to the beautiful Anawhata
Stream before climbing equally steeply back out. Take time to visit the Kuataika Trig
Lookout, a welcome spot for a break after a steep climb.
Continue to the signposted four-way junction of Kuataika, Smyth Ridge, Houghton and
Wainamu Bush Tracks. Here you can branch off on to the Smyth Ridge Track for a shorter
finish at Swanson, or continue on to Muriwai.
