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Auckland

The Waitākere Ranges are currently covered by a rāhui — a customary closure that means all tracks are closed.

The rāhui only covers the forest and does not include the roads, beaches, open space land adjacent to beaches, wetlands, lakes, dunes, paddocks, rocks, meadows, grass berms, cafes, the sea, golf courses, houses or surf clubs.

That means there are still many walks you can do.

Our favourite tracks in the area

Bethell's Beach (Te Henga)

Te Henga beach

Credit: Annalily van den Broeke

A joy to visit at any time, but especially in a bit of a westerly when the surf is amazing. A walk along the empty beach is a great restorative and you should get to see some New Zealand dotterel as well. It's best avoided on sunny days if you are after a quiet walk.

Te Henga Walkway

The Te Henga Walkway track goes from Bethell's Beach (Te Henga) to Muriwai and has stunning views over the Tasman Sea. Visit the gannet colony at Muriwai or walk along the black sand beach.

Whatipu Caves

The ballroom cave

The ballroom along the Whatipu Caves Track. Credit: Kathrin and Stefan Marks

This track goes past a significant wetland and features a number of sea caves along the bottom of the cliff. These caves have an interesting history and once hosted formal dances. 

Exhibition Drive in Titirangi

If you’re interested in a night walk, easy to do with the whole family, nothing beats Exhibition Drive in Titirangi.

The lights of the city in the distance are competing with the lights of the glow worms along the bank. Spot the large sheet web spiders and a wētā or two and perhaps you’ll even see a bat on its evening dinner hunt!

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