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Off the Beaten Track to... Waitakere Ranges

Getting off the beaten track Edmund-Hillary style is not for the faint-hearted, the unfit hiker or the recreational Sunday walker. Make no bones about it—the Hillary Track is a challenging four-day and three-night hike (even more so in muddy winter conditions). However, for those hikers looking for a challenge, then this could be it!

About the Trail

The Hillary Trail, Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand

The trail is located 6 kilometres from Titirangi and about 25 kilometres from Auckland's city centre. It can be completed at any time of year, but in winter, the short days, cool weather and muddy tracks make the hike much more demanding. It is likely to rain for at least some of your trip, so if wet weather hiking is not your thing, don't do this one! Many tracks are steep, muddy and slippery and you may well find that you are up to your ankles in mud or in streams with water over your knees. The days are long, you will be up and down hills and you will have to carry a heavy pack with a tent, sleeping bag, extra clothing and at least four days' worth of food. If this still sounds like fun to you, read on...

Highlights

  • The Hillary Trail crosses the eastern slopes of a massive volcano, the Waitakere Volcano, that first erupted from the sea floor 22 million years ago.
  • Black sand dune systems with lakes, swampland and forests on the West coast beaches such as Piha and Karekare (location used in Jane Campion's film, The Piano).
  • More than 50 species of native birds living in the park, many of them rare or endangered.
  • Large areas of coastal forest and remnants of original-growth kauri forest.

Precautions

  • In winter there is a high chance of rain every day. The weather can change quickly. The coastal sections of the trail are exposed to prevailing westerly winds, especially the Te Henga Walkway.
  • During each day on the Hillary Trail you will have to cover long distances on sometimes rough trails. Be realistic about your walking speed and set out early enough to get to the campground before dark. This is particularly important in winter when daylight hours are shorter. (Day four, from Craw to Muriwai, is difficult to complete during winter daylight hours. Seriously consider the alternative finish at Swanson).
  • Your safety on the Hillary Trail is your responsibility. Rangers do not patrol the tracks or the campgrounds at specific times. Leave details of your trip with a responsible person.
  • There are unbridged stream crossings on this trail. If it is raining and you come to a river that is running high and fast, do not attempt to cross. Just wait. The rivers are steep and short – they rise quickly when it rains and drop quickly when it stops.
  • West coast beaches have tempting surf but the currents can be dangerous. Swim only where and when lifeguards are patrolling.

More Information

To find out more about the Hillary Trail and the Waitakere Ranges, we highly recommend that you view the Hillary Trail booklet. It includes extremely useful safety tips and is full of information about what gear you need to take, accommodation options, transport links and more.

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The largest range of escorted & small group tours

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