Te Waha Point Walk

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undeniable crown jewel of this hike is Te Waha Point itself. Perched high on the rugged cliffs, this headland feels like the edge of the world. Standing here, you are treated to a sensational 270-degree panoramic view of the Tasman Sea crashing against the dark, volcanic rocks below.

To the north, the coastline curves dramatically to reveal the pristine, untouched sands of Whites Beach—a secluded paradise bordered by steep, verdant cliffs. To the south, if you look past the rugged headlands, you can spot the iconic outline of Lion Rock guarding the shoreline of Piha Beach.

For the shutterbugs, Te Waha Point is an absolute dream. The contrast between the deep blue ocean, the white-foamed swells, the dark iron-sand beaches, and the vibrant green cliffs provides endless photographic opportunities. If you time your visit for late afternoon, you will be treated to a legendary West Coast sunset, where the sinking sun paints the entire sky and sea in shades of brilliant gold, pink, and amber.

Getting There

To reach the trailhead, drive towards Anawhata in the western hills of Auckland. The start of the track is located along Anawhata Road, approximately 40 minutes from Titirangi. Please be aware that the final stretch of Anawhata Road is an unsealed, narrow, and winding gravel road. Drive carefully and be prepared to pull over for oncoming traffic.

There is a small, unofficial gravel car park at the trailhead (near 236 Anawhata Road) that can only accommodate about five to six vehicles. Because parking is highly limited, it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends and holidays.

Local Tip: If the main trailhead parking is full, do not park on the roadside where you might block residents or emergency vehicles. Instead, drive further down Anawhata Road to the larger Anawhata Beach trailhead parking area. From there, you can walk an additional 15 minutes back along the road to connect with the start of the Te Waha Point track.

Wildlife Spotting

The Waitākere Ranges are a haven for native biodiversity, and the Te Waha Point Walk offers fantastic opportunities for birdwatching.

• Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon): These large, heavy birds with metallic green and bronze feathers are a common sight year-round. You will often hear the loud, heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before you see them.
• Tūī: Famous for their iridescent blue-black plumage, white throat tufts, and complex, melodic calls, tūī can be seen darting through the flax bushes and canopy year-round.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly, inquisitive little birds will often flutter right alongside you on the trail, using the disturbance of your footsteps to catch small insects.
• Kākā (Bush Parrot): Keep an ear out for a loud, harsh screech high in the trees. These large, charismatic forest parrots are occasional visitors to the area.
• Ōi (Grey-faced Petrel): These fascinating seabirds nest in burrows around the coastal clay cliffs of Te Waha Point during the spring and summer breeding season. Because they nest on the ground, they are highly vulnerable to introduced predators and roaming pets—which is the primary reason why dogs are not allowed on this track.
• Kororā (Little Penguin): Though rarely seen up close, these tiny penguins occasionally nest around the rocky shoreline below the cliffs during autumn and winter.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring & Summer: The weather is warm, the coastal wildflowers are in bloom, and the sea breezes are incredibly refreshing. This is also the best time of year to potentially spot nesting seabirds.
• Autumn & Winter: The west coast is famously moody during the cooler months. You will get to experience dramatic, roaring swells, misty rain rolling off the Tasman Sea, and fewer crowds on the trail.

When to start: To experience the trail at its absolute best, aim to start your walk about an hour before sunset. This gives you plenty of time to descend to the point, find a comfortable spot on the grass, and watch the sun melt into the ocean before walking back in the twilight.

• Sturdy footwear: While short, the clay track can become quite slippery after rain, and the uphill return requires decent grip.
• Windproof jacket: Te Waha Point is completely exposed to the prevailing westerly winds blowing off the Tasman Sea. Even on a warm day, the wind can feel quite chilly.
• Water and snacks: There are no drinking water facilities on this trail, so bring a bottle to stay hydrated, especially for the climb back up.
• Sun protection: Slip, slop, slap, and wrap! The clifftops offer zero shade from the fierce New Zealand sun.

Biosecurity Warning: The Waitākere Ranges are home to majestic, ancient kauri trees, which are currently threatened by a soil-borne disease called kauri dieback. To help protect these forest giants, always use the footwear cleaning stations at the trailhead. Scrub all dirt off your shoes and spray them thoroughly both before you enter and when you exit the track.

Local & Regional Context

The land around Anawhata and the Waitākere Ranges holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Known in te reo Māori as Te Ngahere o Tiriwa (The Forest of Tiriwa), this entire region is the ancestral homeland of the Te Kawerau ā Maki iwi (tribe), who have lived here for centuries.

The name Te Waha translates to "the mouth" or "the gateway," a fitting description for a headland that stands sentinel over the Tasman Sea. The coastal cliffs are rich in iron-sand, a geological signature of ancient volcanic activity from the Taranaki region, which was carried north by ocean currents over millions of years to form the dramatic black beaches we see today.

By walking this trail, you are stepping into a landscape shaped by powerful volcanic forces, rich cultural heritage, and ongoing conservation efforts to preserve Aotearoa's unique coastal ecosystems.

After the Walk

After tackling the uphill climb back to your car, you will have worked up an appetite. Fortunately, the vibrant coastal village of Piha is just a short 20-minute drive (approx. 12km) away, offering some fantastic spots to refuel:

• Aryeh: If you are looking for a premium dining experience to reward yourself, head to this stunning modern New Zealand restaurant. Known for its hyper-seasonal set menus, Aryeh showcases locally sourced ingredients and premium meats, all enjoyed alongside spectacular views of the surrounding native forest.
• Surfside Bites & Brew (Piha Surf Club Restaurant): For a relaxed, classic Kiwi beach vibe, you can’t beat this spot located right inside the iconic Piha Surf Life Saving Club. Grab a table on the deck, soak in the panoramic ocean views, and enjoy a menu featuring hearty burgers, fresh tacos, and cold craft beers.
• Piha RSA Morepork Kitchen: If you want to mingle with the locals, this friendly community hub is the place to go. They offer excellent, reasonably priced pub-style meals and have a great outdoor deck overlooking the river and the mighty Lion Rock.

12km away

A friendly local community club in Piha offering a bar and restaurant with reasonably priced meals and an outdoor deck overlooking the river and Lion Rock.