Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.arc.govt.nz/hillarytrail
)
Arataki Vistor Centre is the starting point for this challenging
70km trail honouring Everest-conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary. It can be tackled in stages
or in its four-day entirety, staying at campsites along the way. Walkers head to the coast
at Huia, then continue past Whatipu, Karekare, Piha and Anawhata. From here continue
up the coast to Te Henga and Muriwai, or head through bush to the Cascades Kauri to
end at Swanson train station.
Other noted walks in the park include the Kitekite Track (1.8km, 30 minutes one way),
the Fairy Falls Track (5.6km, 2½-hour loop) and the Auckland City Walk (1.5km, one-
hour loop).
Rain Forest Express
RAILWAY
( 09-302 8028;
www.watercare.co.nz
; 280 Scenic Dr; 2½hr trip adult/child $25/12)
Departs
from Jacobsons' Depot and follows an old logging track through several tunnels deep in-
to the bush. You'll need to book well ahead; check the website for the schedule. Less reg-
ular are the 3½-hour twilight trips (adult/child $28/14), offering glimpses of glowworms
and cave weta.
Waitakere Tramline Society
RAILWAY
( 09-818 4946;
www.waitakeretramline.org.nz
;
adult/child $15/5)
Runs four scenic trips
every Sunday that pass through a glowworm tunnel en route to the Waitakere Falls and
Dam. Trips start from the end of Christian Rd, which runs south of Swanson station.
Closed temporarily at the time of writing; check the website for the latest.
AWOL Canyoning Adventures
CANYONING
( 09-834 0501;
www.awoladventures.co.nz
;
half-/full day $160/195)
Offers plenty of slip-
pery, slidey, wet fun in Piha Canyon and the Blue Canyon, including glowworm-illumin-
ated night trips ($185); transfers from Auckland are included.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Karekare
Few stretches of sand have more personality than Karekare. Those prone to metaphysical
musings inevitably settle on descriptions such as 'spiritual' and 'brooding'. Perhaps his-
tory has left its imprint: in 1825 it was the site of a ruthless massacre of the local
Kawerau
iwi
by Ngapuhi invaders. Wild and gorgeously undeveloped, this famous beach
has been the setting for onscreen moments both high- and lowbrow, from Oscar-winner
The Piano
, to
Xena, Warrior Princess
.
