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Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
75 km
96 hours
3300 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a true test of grit, determination, and a deep connection with nature, look no further than Auckland’s wild backyard. Named in honour of New Zealand’s most famous mountaineer, Sir Edmund Hillary, the Hillary Trail (Te Ara o Hillary) is a magnificent, demanding point-to-point tramp that stretches across the rugged Waitākere Ranges.
Spanning 75 kilometres of raw, untamed terrain, this expert-grade trail is not for the faint-hearted. It serves up a spectacular mix of dense, primeval rainforest, hidden waterfalls, and jaw-dropping coastal cliffs. For seasoned trampers, it promises an unforgettable multi-day journey of self-discovery, located just a stone's throw from the country's largest city.
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Stepping onto the Hillary Trail feels like entering another world. Over the course of approximately 96 hours, you will cover 75 kilometres of incredibly varied and punishing terrain, boasting a massive cumulative elevation gain of 3300 metres. The sheer scale and steepness of the trail easily earn it an expert difficulty rating.
Your journey begins at the Arataki Visitor Centre, immediately plunging you into towering native forest. The track underfoot is notoriously technical and physically demanding. You will navigate slippery clay slopes, scramble over tangled networks of tree roots, wade through cool stream crossings, and trudge through thick mud—especially after a classic Kiwi downpour.
But the physical struggle is constantly rewarded. As you push westward, the dense canopy of ancient kauri and regenerating rainforest suddenly peels back to reveal dizzying views of the Tasman Sea and the dramatic, windswept black-sand beaches of the west coast. The transition from the silent, damp forest interior to the roaring, salty coastal cliffs is nothing short of breathtaking.
Please note that due to the extreme terrain, long distances, and delicate environments, this trail is not dog-friendly and not suitable for children. It is a pure wilderness challenge designed for experienced, self-sufficient backcountry hikers.
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Ample free parking is available at the Arataki Visitor Centre (the trailhead). Other parking options exist at various access points and campgrounds along the trail, but transport arrangements for point-to-point walks are essential.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.2km away
A Mediterranean restaurant in Titirangi offering stunning Waitākere views, hearty meals including breakfast and vegan options, and a dog-friendly deck. It's the last restaurant before Piha Beach.
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Point to point
The Hillary Trail is a highlight reel of Auckland’s finest natural wonders. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the region's most famous cascading waterfalls, including the spectacular Kitekite Falls, the multi-tiered Fairy Falls, and the moody Karekare Falls. These lush oasis spots are perfect for a quick rest to soothe your tired feet.
For photographers, the coastal vistas are unmatched. The towering cliffs overlooking the vast Tasman Sea provide epic panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Watching the wild surf roll onto the iconic black sands of Piha and Karekare from high above is a spiritual experience.
Another major highlight is walking among the surviving giant kauri trees. Standing in the presence of these ancient forest giants, some of which have stood for hundreds of years, is incredibly humbling and reminds you exactly why this landscape is so fiercely protected.
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As a point-to-point trail, the Hillary Trail requires some forward planning regarding transport.
The official trailhead is located at the Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive, where you’ll find ample free parking. This is a great place to pop in, chat with the rangers, grab a map, and use the clean facilities before setting off.
Because the trail ends 75 kilometres away at Muriwai Beach, you will need to arrange a vehicle shuttle, have a very generous friend drop you off, or organise private transport to collect you at the northern end. There are various access points and campgrounds along the route, allowing for section hiking if you don't wish to tackle the full distance in one go.
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The Waitākere Ranges are a haven for native New Zealand birdlife. As you quieten your mind and walk deeper into the bush, keep your eyes and ears open for the local residents.
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The best seasons to tackle the Hillary Trail are Spring, Summer, and Autumn. During these months, the daylight hours are much longer, and the tracks—while still muddy in places—are generally drier and safer to traverse.
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The Waitākere Ranges hold immense cultural and spiritual significance. Known to Māori as Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa (The Great Forest of Tiriwa), this land is the ancestral home of the Te Kawerau ā Maki iwi (tribe). As you walk, you are traversing land steeped in centuries of indigenous history, storytelling, and connection to the earth.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the forest was heavily exploited for kauri logging. You can still spot historical remnants of old timber dams and tramlines along some of the tracks, serving as a reminder of the area’s colonial past and the incredible resilience of the regenerating forest today.
Of course, the trail also honors Sir Edmund Hillary. This rugged coastline and steep forest was Sir Ed's personal training ground. He spent countless hours exploring these hills to build the immense stamina and mental toughness that eventually took him to the summit of Mount Everest. Walking here allows you to tread the very same paths that inspired a legend.
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After conquering 75 kilometres of punishing climbs and wild coastlines, your body will be screaming for a hearty meal and a cold drink.
Make your way to The Olive Kitchen & Bar in nearby Titirangi. Located just a short drive from the Arataki end of the trail, this lovely Mediterranean restaurant offers spectacular views back over the Waitākere Ranges. It’s the perfect place to refuel with a massive, hearty breakfast, a gourmet burger, or one of their excellent vegan options. They have a wonderful, sun-drenched deck where you can sit back, relax, and swap stories of your epic journey over a well-deserved beverage.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Todiramphus sanctus
Known for its vibrant blue-green plumage and spectacular dive-bombing hunting technique to catch prey.
Best time: Year-round
Morus serrator
These impressive large seabirds are renowned for their spectacular plunge-diving technique, hitting the water at high speeds to catch fish.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round