Loading...
Muriwai to Bethells Beach
3.6 km
2 hours 12 minutes
170 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you love wild, wind-whipped coastlines, dramatic clifftops, and the raw power of the Tasman Sea, the Te Henga Walkway belongs at the very top of your Auckland hiking bucket list. Historically, this spectacular track formed a key section of the famous Hillary Trail, stretching 10 kilometres from Muriwai to Bethells Beach (Te Henga). While major landslides in 2023 and 2024 have temporarily closed the full route, don't let that deter you! A truly magnificent 3.6-kilometre out-and-back section remains open and ready to explore, starting from the Muriwai end at Constable Road.
This shortened version packs an absolute punch, offering some of the most sensational coastal views in the region. Clocking in at around 2 hours and 10 minutes of total walking time, it is classified as a moderate walk. You’ll tackle an elevation gain of roughly 170 metres, making it a fantastic workout that will get your heart pumping without leaving you completely exhausted.
The journey begins on a high note, descending via steep wooden steps through rolling, green pastureland and pockets of lush native bush. Underfoot, the terrain is varied and characterful. You’ll navigate a well-worn path of clay and dirt that hugs the undulating clifftops. Be prepared for a bit of mud and slippery patches if there has been recent rain—this is the wild west coast, after all, and the clay can get slick!
The open trail leads you directly to a jaw-dropping natural viewpoint before continuing along the clifftops to Tirikohua Point, which serves as the turnaround spot for this section. The sheer drop-offs and vast ocean horizons give you a real sense of solitude and connection to the elements. Because of these steep, unfenced drops, this is a kid-friendly walk best suited for older, sure-footed children, and younger ones will need to be kept close at hand. Please note that to protect the local environment and nesting birdlife, dogs are strictly prohibited.
Even though the full crossing is currently closed, this open northern section contains the absolute crown jewels of the walkway. Here is what you need to keep your eyes peeled for:
* The Ultimate Coastal Viewpoint: About halfway through your walk, you will reach a natural clifftop lookout. Looking north, you’ll get a sweeping view of the endless, mist-veiled sands of Muriwai Beach. Turn your gaze south, and you’ll see the rugged, dark-sand curves of Bethells Beach in the far distance. * Tirikohua Point: This rocky promontory is the turnaround point of the open track and offers a front-row seat to the crashing waves of the Tasman Sea. It’s the perfect place to pause, take a deep breath of salty air, and marvel at the sheer power of the ocean. * Dramatic Geology: The towering volcanic cliffs are a stark reminder of the Auckland region’s fiery past. The contrast of the dark, iron-rich black sand far below against the vibrant green of the coastal scrub is a photographer’s dream. * Sensational Sunset Spots: If you time your walk for the late afternoon, you’ll witness the golden hour lighting up the cliffs in brilliant hues of amber and ochre. There are few better places in Auckland to watch the sun sink directly into the Tasman Sea.
Parking is available on the side of Constable Road, Muriwai, which is a residential street. Look for a designated area with a sign indicating the trailhead. For GPS, use '50 Constable Road, Muriwai, Auckland'.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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 (breeding season Aug-Mar)
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
2.2km away
Located within the historic Muriwai Lodge, this deli offers coffee, sandwiches, toasties, and sweet treats, including famous doughnuts. It's a great spot for post-hike refreshments and also features a bar on Friday and Saturday evenings.
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!
Out and back
The trailhead for this open section is located at the southern end of Muriwai.
To get there, head towards Muriwai Beach and wind your way up Constable Road, which is a quiet, residential street. Keep driving until you see a designated roadside parking area with a Department of Conservation (DOC) signpost indicating the start of the walkway.
For your GPS, use 50 Constable Road, Muriwai, Auckland. Because this is a residential area, please park considerately on the roadside and ensure you don’t block any local driveways or narrow passing bays.
The coastal scrub and adjacent forest are teeming with birdlife, making this a wonderful walk for nature lovers. As you walk, keep your eyes and ears open for these local residents:
* Tākapu (Australasian Gannet): While the famous Muriwai Gannet Colony is located further down on the southern rocks of the main beach, you will constantly see these magnificent, large white birds gliding effortlessly on the thermal updrafts right alongside the clifftops, particularly during their breeding season from August to March. Tūī & Pīwakawaka (New Zealand Fantail): In the pockets of native bush, you’ll hear the clear, metallic chime of the tūī and see the friendly pīwakawaka* flitting from branch to branch right beside the path, catching insects stirred up by your boots. * Variable Oystercatcher (Tōrea Pango): Keep an eye on the rocky shorelines far below; you might spot these chunky, black shorebirds with their bright orange bills foraging near the water's edge. * Yellowhammer: Originally introduced from Europe, these bright, lemon-yellow birds are a common sight flitting through the open gorse and farmland sections of the track year-round.
The Te Henga Walkway is a track for all seasons, with each time of year offering a completely different vibe:
* Summer & Autumn: These are the most popular seasons. The track is generally dry, the coastal clay is firm underfoot, and the sea breezes provide a welcome cooling effect. * Winter & Spring: For those who love drama, the cooler months bring moody, overcast skies, roaring westerly winds, and massive ocean swells that crash spectacularly against the cliffs. However, the track can become exceptionally muddy and slippery, so high-traction hiking boots are highly recommended. * Beat the Heat: There is very little shade on this clifftop route. If you are walking in mid-summer, start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the scorching midday sun. * What to Pack: The west coast weather can change in an instant. Bring a windproof and waterproof jacket, even if it looks sunny when you set out. Don’t forget sunscreen, a sun hat, plenty of drinking water, and some snacks to enjoy at Tirikohua Point. * Check Before You Go: Because of the active nature of the cliffs and the ongoing recovery from past storms, always check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for the latest track updates before setting off.
The land you are walking on is rich in cultural and geological history. Te Henga is the Māori name for Bethells Beach and the surrounding valley, translating to "sand" or "river flats." This entire coastline holds immense spiritual and historical significance to the local iwi (tribe), Te Kawerau ā Maki, who have inhabited these rugged valleys for centuries.
The cliffs themselves are part of the ancient Waitākere Volcano, an enormous marine volcano that erupted some 20 million years ago. Over millennia, the relentless power of the Tasman Sea has carved away the soft rock, leaving behind the dramatic, sheer cliffs and black, iron-rich sands we see today.
As you walk, you will also notice boot-cleaning stations. Please use them! The Waitākere Ranges are highly vulnerable to Kauri Dieback disease, a soil-borne pathogen that is killing our majestic, ancient kauri trees. Cleaning your gear before and after the walk helps ensure these forest giants survive for generations to come.
After tackling the steps and clifftops, you’ll have definitely built up an appetite. Luckily, one of the best local spots is just around the corner.
Make your way down the hill to The Muriwai Deli, located just 2.2 kilometres away from the trailhead. Housed within the historic Muriwai Lodge, this charming, laid-back deli is a favourite among local surfers and hikers alike.
It is the perfect spot to refuel with a top-tier barista coffee, a gourmet loaded toastie, or one of their famous, decadent house-made doughnuts. If you happen to time your walk for a Friday or Saturday afternoon, the deli transforms into a cozy evening bar, offering a selection of local beers, wines, and wood-fired pizzas—the absolute perfect way to toast a successful day on the trails.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Spring-Summer
Haematopus unicolor
Coastal wading bird with a distinctive long orange-red bill. Found on beaches and estuaries around New Zealand.
Best time: Year-round