📷 Photo by Abdul Hayee on UnsplashAuckland and the wild Waitākere west coast beaches
A two-day circuit from the city centre over the Waitākere Ranges to black-sand beaches and a gannet colony.
- Distance
- 62 km (38 mi)
- Driving
- 0 h 40 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 8
- States
- New Zealand
- Updated
- May 11, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 62 km (38 mi) with 8 stops, from Auckland to Muriwai Gannet Colony. About 0 h 40 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New Zealand
Route description
Begin in central Auckland, where the museum in the Domain gives a good introduction to Māori and Pacific history. Then drive to Maungawhau for the best volcanic view of the city. Traffic is heavy at peak times, so travel outside rush hours. Most motorhome parks and holiday parks lie outside the centre, and street parking for large vehicles is difficult. Book a holiday park on the edge of the city if you need an overnight pitch.
Head west on SH16 to Henderson, then follow Scenic Drive and Waitākere Road up to the Arataki Visitor Centre, about 40 minutes from the city. The centre has carved gateways and a lookout over the forest. Many bush tracks in the ranges are closed to protect kauri, so check the council site and obey signs. The road is narrow with tight bends, so allow extra time and avoid driving it after dark or in heavy rain.
From Arataki, a winding road drops to Piha and Karekare. Piha is the larger and easier of the two beaches, with Lion Rock, a café and a surf club. Karekare has a small car park and a narrow road, so large motorhomes should skip it. On both beaches swim only between the flags, since currents are dangerous. Black sand gets very hot in summer, so carry shoes for the walk down.
Drive back over the ranges and north to Bethells Beach, which has a narrow road for its last kilometres, then continue to Muriwai. The gannet colony is a ten-minute walk from the Muriwai car park, with chicks and adults between about August and March. From Muriwai it is about an hour back to the city by SH16, in busy traffic on Sunday afternoons, so allow extra time before a ferry or flight.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Auckland
New Zealand - 22 km
Auckland War Memorial Museum
HistoryAuckland, New ZealandA large museum on a hill in the Domain, with major collections of Māori and Pacific treasures, natural history and a war memorial hall. Allow half a day. A rooftop view takes in the harbour, and parking is limited, so use public transport where possible.
- 33 km
Maungawhau / Mount Eden
ViewsAuckland, New ZealandThe highest volcanic cone of the isthmus, with a deep crater and the best central view of the skyline and both harbours. Walk up from the base car park, which takes about 15 minutes. Do not enter the crater, and check whether summit road access is open.
- 418 km
Arataki Visitor Centre, Waitākere Ranges
ViewsAuckland, New ZealandA visitor centre on the Scenic Drive with carved pou, a lookout over the harbour and the forest of the Waitākere Ranges. Many bush tracks nearby are closed or restricted to protect kauri, so check the Auckland Council website before walking.
- 517 km
Karekare Beach and Kitekite Falls
NatureAuckland, New ZealandA wild black-sand beach below the Waitākere Ranges, with a waterfall walk nearby. The road is narrow and the car park small, so it does not suit large motorhomes. Swimming is dangerous, since currents are strong beyond the flagged area.
- 65 km
Piha Beach and Lion Rock
NatureAuckland, New ZealandA black-sand surf beach with the Lion Rock outcrop at the middle, on the Tasman coast west of Auckland. A short track leads up for the view. Rips are strong, so swim only between the flags, and the road is winding.
- 79 km
Bethells Beach (Te Henga)
NatureAuckland, New ZealandA wide west-coast beach with dunes and sea stacks and a short walk to the freshwater Lake Wainamu. The road is narrow and winding for its last few kilometres. Swim only where patrolled, and bring layers for the wind.
- 88 km
Muriwai Gannet Colony
NatureAuckland, New ZealandPlatforms above a clifftop colony of Australasian gannets, with nests within a few metres of the path. Birds are present from about August to March, with chicks in summer. The walk from Muriwai Beach car park is short. Keep to the paths.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Auckland → Arataki Visitor Centre, Waitākere Ranges · 23 km · 0 h 15 minOn the way: Auckland War Memorial Museum, Maungawhau / Mount Eden.
- Day 2: Arataki Visitor Centre, Waitākere Ranges → Muriwai Gannet Colony · 39 km · 0 h 25 minOn the way: Karekare Beach and Kitekite Falls, Piha Beach and Lion Rock, Bethells Beach (Te Henga).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, June–September and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Auckland and the wild Waitākere west coast beaches?
2-day road trip of about 62 km (38 mi) with 8 stops, from Auckland to Muriwai Gannet Colony. About 0 h 40 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Auckland and the wild Waitākere west coast beaches?
We suggest 2 days: about 0 h 40 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Auckland and the wild Waitākere west coast beaches start and end?
It starts in Auckland and ends in Muriwai Gannet Colony.
Which states does Auckland and the wild Waitākere west coast beaches pass through?
New Zealand.
When is the best time for Auckland and the wild Waitākere west coast beaches?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, June–September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
