Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To finish at Muriwai, take
Houghton Track
, which descends to Lake Wainamu Track.
This track skirts the lake and passes a lovely waterfall before emerging alongside the extens-
ive Wainamu Dunes. Follow the stream around to meet
Bethells Road
.
Cross the road to the start of the
Te Henga Walkway
, which climbs out of Bethells before
skirting behind O'Neills Beach and a steep climb to the top of Raetihinga Point.
From here the walkway follows the clifftops to emerge onto Constable Rd. Watch your
footing as it can be slippery in places, but the views are outstanding. Follow Constable Rd
onto Oaia Rd and then onto Edwin Mitchelson Track. Follow the Lookout and Quarry
Tracks as you descend into Muriwai. The final part of the trail takes in Otakamiro Point and
gannet colony, where hundreds of these majestic birds nest and fledge from August to
March. The official Hillary Trail finish is at the noticeboard opposite the Muriwai beach-
front cafe.
Alternative End: Swanson
7½-8½ HOURS, 18.5KM
At the signposted four-way junction of Kuataika, Smyth Ridge, Houghton and Wainamu
Bush Tracks, continue along Smyth Ridge Track to Long Road Track. Follow
Long Road
Track
until you meet
Upper Kauri Track
, which drops down into
Cascade Kauri
, the re-
gion's largest area of unspoilt kauri forest and home to the 'Ark in the Park' conservation
project, which aims to restore native flora and fauna through pest control.
You are now at Falls Rd, 10km from Craw Campground, where you can finish the track if
you can arrange a pick-up. Otherwise, continue on the
Auckland City Walk
before climbing
steeply out of the valley on
Anderson Track
. Cross Scenic Dr and take
Peripatus Track
steeply downhill to meet
Swanson Pipeline Track
to Tram Valley Rd.
Follow Tram Valley Rd to Christian Rd and then Swanson Rd to reach the Swanson Rail-
way Station.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kauaeranga Kauri Trail
Duration
2 days
Distance
14km (8.7 miles)
Track Standard
Tramping and easy tramping tracks
