A day on the West Coast, Auckland

24 hours in West Auckland

Starting off in Auckland visit the La Cigale Markets for a few picnic treats or food to fuel your hikes.

Enjoy the drive out west as you leave the city smoke behind and wind through the rain forest of the Waitakares.

First stop is Mercer Bay Loop, either walk the 40 minute loop around the cliffs, or divert down the Conan Track to Karekare beach, here you can explore a more secluded West coast beach or check out the waterfall just off the road.

When you have returned to the carpark you may be in need of a swim, one of the coolest spots to take the plunge is Kitekite falls. A short 20 minute walk will lead you to the base of the falls, form there you can climb the stairs to the top, where you can dip in to the pools and stare out at the vast forest.

After all that walking and swimming you will be in need of a feed! Head to Piha beach (just 5 minutes down the road from the falls carpark), here you can enjoy some classic fish & chips on the beach in true kiwi style. If you are brave enough to test the waves at Piha make sure to swim between the flags and look for any signs on tides and currents. It is very wild out west! 

Mercer Bay Loop Walk

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one of the best walks out west, see the wild waves roll, walk amongst native bush and down to the black sand beaches

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Kitekite Falls

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Don't miss the walk up to the top for clam pools to swim in while you overlook the forest

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Piha Beach

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Iconic for a reason, this beach is stunning but wild!

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Walks

The West coast often has a lot of rainfall causing landslips or floods, this means its not uncommon for tracks to be closed and a quick change of plans to be made. Below are some other great options:

Cascade Falls 

Area: Bethells/ Waitakere

Distance: 30 minute return walk

A neat hidden waterfall, very private and quiet, surrounded by rocks, need to jump into to get to the waterfall

Te Henga Walkway

Area: Bethells/ Waitakere

Distance: 2 km Bethels to Neills, 4 km to Raetahinga, 10km to Constable Rd

Walk from Bethells Beach to Murawai, insane views across the Waitaks and west coast. To do the whole thing you need to leave one car at each end or just walk to this view point and return via the beach for a nice flat walk back.

Te Henga (Bethells Beach)

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Mokoroa Falls 

Area: Bethell

Distance: 45 min return

This place is magical, seriously like out of a fairytale. Mokoroa is a wide fall at the end of the stream but when you turn around there is another waterfall at the side which has a crazy rock face! the place felt hidden away and almost untouched! One of the best so far!

Beaches

The West Coast is famous for its hot black sand beaches, wild surf and rain forests. With over 250km of walking tracks, endless waterfalls and surf that pumps all year round there is plenty of adventures to be had out west. The sunsets light up the skies here and are best enjoyed with fish and chips in hand. 

Anawhata Beach

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A little local spot, with less crowds you can enjoy more beach to explore and more room to lay down your picnic blanket and sunset snacks.

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Muriwai

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Grab a blanket and enjoy the sunset, even better if you bring along some local fish and chips!

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Karekare Beach

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If you are hiking the Mercer Bay loop, add in a extra walk down the Conan Track to Karekare beach. Here you'll find a vast beach with nothing but sea and sand for miles.

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