Loading...
Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, Piha
2.2 km
1 hour
165 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
Perched high on the rugged clifftops of Auckland's wild west coast, the Mercer Bay Loop Walk is a spectacular 2.2-kilometre track that packs an incredible punch for its short distance. Located within the magnificent Waitākere Ranges Regional Park near Piha, this walk is a favourite for locals and tourists alike, offering a true taste of New Zealand’s raw, windswept beauty without requiring a full-day commitment.
The loop takes about an hour to complete, but you will definitely want to factor in extra time to stop, breathe in the salty sea air, and take plenty of photos. As you set off from the carpark, the well-formed path gently guides you through regenerating native coastal forest. Here, hardy pōhutukawa trees cling to the hillsides, and thick stands of coastal flax (harakeke) rustle in the breeze.
While the track is officially rated as moderate, it is a highly accessible adventure for most fitness levels. However, don't let the short distance fool you—with an elevation gain of 165 metres, there are some steep sections and plenty of stairs to tackle, particularly on the climb back up.
To get the absolute best out of your journey, we highly recommend walking the loop in an anti-clockwise direction. By tackling the steepest sections and steps early on, you get the hardest work out of the way first. This direction also allows the dramatic coastal vistas to unfold naturally in front of you as you descend toward the cliffs, saving the most breathtaking views for the second half of your walk.
This is a fantastic family-friendly and dog-friendly track (just make sure your four-legged friends remain on a lead at all times). However, because the trail hugs sheer, unfenced clifftops that plunge directly into the churning ocean below, keeping a very close eye on children and pets is absolutely essential.
The undeniable crown jewel of the Mercer Bay Loop Walk is the sheer drama of its coastal viewpoints. Standing on the edge of these towering cliffs—some of the highest in the Auckland region—you will enjoy sweeping, panoramic views across the Tasman Sea. On a clear day, you can look north to the iconic black sands of Piha Beach and south to the rugged shores of Karekare and the distant, moody dunes of Whatipū.
Free but limited parking is available at the cul-de-sac style carpark at the end of Log Race Road. During busy periods, especially on weekends and around sunset, the carpark can fill up quickly, so arriving early (before 9 am or 10:30 am) is recommended. Basic long-drop toilets are located near the start of the track. Visitors must use the kauri dieback cleaning stations before and after the walk to protect native trees.
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
2.8km away
A local institution offering coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and essential groceries, perfect for a post-hike refuel.
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Loop
Aside from the natural splendour, the trail is rich in local history. As you walk, you will reach the majestic Te Ahua headland. This spectacular outcrop was once the site of an important Māori pā (fortified village). Today, it stands as a poignant place of reflection, marked by a beautiful pou whenua (carved wooden land post) that connects visitors to the deep spiritual heritage of the area.
Further along, history buffs will enjoy discovering the site of a former World War II radar station. The trail features excellent interpretive signs that bring these stories to life, offering fascinating glimpses into how this rugged coastline has been utilized, defended, and treasured over the centuries.
If you can, time your walk for the late afternoon. The clifftops of Mercer Bay are arguably one of the best sunset spots in Auckland. Watching the golden sun sink below the endless horizon of the Tasman Sea, bathing the dark cliffs in a warm, amber glow, is an experience you won't quickly forget.
To reach the trailhead, drive toward Piha and turn onto Scenic Drive, then follow Piha Road before turning left onto Te Ahuahu Road. From there, take Log Race Road all the way to the end.
At the end of Log Race Road, you will find a cul-de-sac style carpark. Parking here is completely free, but spaces are limited. Because this walk is so popular, the carpark can fill up incredibly fast on weekends, public holidays, and in the hours leading up to sunset. To secure a park without the stress, we recommend arriving early in the morning—ideally before 9:00 am or 10:30 am.
At the trailhead, you will find basic long-drop toilet facilities. Crucially, you will also pass through a kauri dieback cleaning station. Kauri dieback is a devastating, incurable disease threatening New Zealand’s ancient, native kauri trees. It is spread through soil, so please play your part in protecting these forest giants: thoroughly scrub and spray your shoes both before you start and after you finish the walk.
The coastal forest of the Waitākere Ranges is teeming with native birdlife, making this walk a treat for birdwatchers. As you wander through the native bush, keep your ears open for the beautiful, clear chiming of the tūī. These boisterous, dark-feathered birds are highly common year-round and are easily spotted flitting among the flax flowers.
You might also hear the heavy, distinctive whoosh-whoosh of wings overhead, signaling the presence of a kererū (New Zealand woodpigeon). These large, iridescent green and white birds occasionally visit the coastal canopy to feed on native berries.
Throughout the year, the sweet, delicate song of the riroriro (grey warbler) can be heard echoing from the dense foliage, though these tiny birds are notoriously difficult to spot. Down on the open clifftops during spring and summer, look up to see welcome swallows putting on an aerobatic display, swooping and diving through the coastal updrafts with incredible agility.
Because a large portion of this track traverses exposed clifftops, you will be highly vulnerable to the elements. There is very little shade, meaning the summer sun can be fierce, and the westerly winds coming off the sea can be biting and incredibly strong.
The Waitākere Ranges, known in te reo Māori as Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa (The Great Forest of Tiriwa), hold immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The traditional guardians of this land are the iwi (tribe) Te Kawerau ā Maki. For hundreds of years, the coastal forests and abundant waters of the west coast sustained thriving communities.
The headland at Te Ahua is a sacred site that served as a natural fortress, offering panoramic views of the coast to spot approaching visitors or rivals. Today, local conservation efforts are heavily focused on preserving this unique landscape, protecting the native wildlife, and halting the spread of kauri dieback. Walking the Mercer Bay Loop is not just a scenic exercise; it is an opportunity to walk through a living museum of cultural heritage and environmental preservation.
After working up an appetite on the stairs, head down the hill to the vibrant beachside community of Piha (just a 2.8km drive away) to refuel. There are some fantastic local spots to choose from:
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Hirundo neoxena
A small, agile passerine bird with metallic blue-black plumage and a forked tail, known for its swift, darting flight while catching insects.
Best time: Spring-Summer
2.8km away
A charming beachside spot with a relaxed atmosphere, known for its Mexican and Polynesian-inspired fare, great coffee, and cool drinks.
2.8km away
Located upstairs at the iconic Piha Surf Life Saving Club, offering craft beers, authentic low-and-slow BBQ, and stunning ocean views, with a dog and child-friendly atmosphere.
2.8km away
A casual, family-friendly community hub with a bar and restaurant (Coastal Beach Diner), offering a relaxed atmosphere with bowls, food, and drinks.
2.8km away
Piha's friendly local community club with a bar and kitchen, offering good value and tasty meals, including blackboard specials and takeaway options.