Get your walking boots ready, Aucklanders! After a few years of essential closures to prevent the spread of kauri dieback, three incredible tracks in the mighty Waitākere Ranges Regional Park have reopened, just in time for epic winter walking adventures.
This is a big moment for explorers of West Auckland, as these tracks – Zion Hill Track, Kuataika Track and Smyth Ridge Track – have been closed since 2017 to protect our precious ngahere (forest) from kauri dieback. Thanks to careful kauri protection upgrades, we can once again step back onto these iconic trails and rediscover the magic of the Waitākere Ranges.
Renewed access to these three key tracks doesn’t just mean a few more kilometres of walking, it paves the way for exhilarating experiences in nature. As you traverse these restored trails, take in the views, embrace the sounds of native wildlife and enjoy.
1. Zion Hill Track Loop (Karekare) - 4.5hrs
Prepare for a true west coast adventure. The Zion Hill Track Loop delivers four and a half hours of rugged beauty, with dramatic climbs, sweeping vistas and a grand finale on the black sands of Karekare beach.
Your journey begins with a short stroll from the Karekare car park to Pōhutukawa Glade before the track rises sharply into regenerating coastal forest. As you climb toward Mount Zion, take in the views of raw cliffs, rolling headlands, and the Tasman Sea stretching endlessly to the horizon. Beyond the summit, the trail keeps delivering with wetland panoramas, glimpses of the old tramway threading through dunes, and cool, sheltered gullies filled with nikau palms.
Once you pass the kauri dieback cleaning station, the track meets Pararaha Valley Track. Dog walkers can enjoy Zion Hill Track on-lead, but must return the way they came from this point, as the loop section through the dunes crosses a scientific reserve. For everyone else, turning toward the beach leads you to Tunnel Point Campground and the iconic tunnel itself.
From here, follow the historic tramway route, wander the length of Karekare Beach, then cut back through the dunes beneath towering cliffs to return to Pōhutukawa Glade. It’s a demanding journey with steep climbs and soft-sand trudges, but the reward is a full immersion into one of the west coast’s most dramatic landscapes.
Thinking bigger? Make it an overnighter. Pararaha and Tunnel Point campgrounds offer tent-only, no-power backcountry escapes perfect for those craving an overnight adventure under the stars.
2. Kuataika Track – 1.5hrs or 3hrs return
If you love a track that offers a bit of everything - farmland, forest, ridges, streams and grand views - Kuataika Track is a must. This point-to-point trail takes around 1.5 hours one way, or a rewarding 3 hour return from Anawhata Farm, which is the recommended option.
This track allows dogs-on-lead, and begins with a gentle walk through Anawhata Farm, following orange markers toward the bush edge. Once you enter the forest, the adventure hits its stride: a descent to Gentle Stream, a ridge climb, and the airy sway of a suspension bridge crossing Anawhata Stream.
From there, the real leg-burner begins. The track climbs steeply on platformed steps, lifting you high above the valleys for spectacular forest views. A final descent and stream crossing lead you into the last push toward Kuataika Trig, where a rocky outcrop provides the perfect lunch spot with expansive views toward Te Henga and the Tasman Sea.
It’s a physically demanding trail, steep and vigorous, but incredibly rewarding and ideal for walkers wanting a challenge without committing to a full-day hike.
3. Smyth Ridge Track – adds 1hr to the above Kuataika Track time
For those hungry for more after reaching Kuataika Trig, Smyth Ridge Track extends the journey even deeper into the Waitākere Ranges. Note this is not a standalone track, this one-hour, undulating trail links Kuataika Trig to Long Road Track, offering a wealth of longer walking options. Dogs are not permitted beyond Smyth Ridge Track onto Long Road Track.
Once you reach Long Road Track, the possibilities open wide. Enter Cascade Kauri Park and head north toward Pae o te Rangi Farm, or continue along the Montane Heritage Trail toward Waitākere Dam and Te Piringa (Falls Road car park).
For the true long-haul explorer, Smyth Ridge helps complete one of the region’s most iconic connections: the ability to walk from Huia all the way to Cascade Kauri. It’s a demanding but unforgettable west coast experience, weaving through dense forest, ridge lines and some of the most dramatic terrain in the regional park.
Cascade Kauri.
These restored trails offer the perfect chance to reconnect with our majestic ngahere out west, marvel at the vibrant native birdlife, and be challenged with long-distance hikes. No more waiting! You can now make this your next winter adventure out at the Waitākere Ranges.
These tracks are very popular so it's recommended to visit outside peak visitor times and to carpool if doing the walk with large groups. Remember to protect the kauri, bring the necessary gear, dress for the elements, and enjoy as you step back into the wild heart of West Auckland.