Mercer Bay Loop is one of the more popular trails in the Waitākere Ranges. It’s easy to understand why. With its incredible views spanning across Piha Beach and the relaxed pace of the walk, it’s truly a standout.
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Not only does it offer glimpses along the Western coastline, but it also serves as a great introduction to New Zealand’s native scenery.
For all the information about this track, look no further—I’ve got you covered below.
Location: Waitākere Ranges, Auckland
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Length: 2.1km | 1.3 miles
Elevation: 154m
Difficulty: Easy
Open: Year-round
Need to have: Water, snacks and sun protection
THE JOURNEY
Mercer Bay Loop track is roughly a 38km or 45 minute drive from Auckland CBD.
After leaving the motorway, your route will take you through Henderson and other suburban areas. Eventually, you’ll turn onto Piha Road, immersing yourself in the lush forests of the Waitākere Ranges. Keep in mind that certain stretches of these roads are narrow, with occasional one-way sections.
MERCER BAY LOOP LOCATION AND PARKING
You can find the entrance to Mercer Bay Loop off Piha Road. Your initial turn will be onto Te Ahuahu, which naturally transitions into Log Race Road. It’s a cul-de-sac type parking lot so you’ll find parking at the roads end. Just be warned that spaces can be quite limited so you may need to make a couple loops or wait for someone to leave.
Also do be careful whilst driving along Log Race Road, especially if your vehicle has a lower clearance. It is a dirt road and there are several potholes to navigate. The road up to the carpark is also one way, so you may need to exercise patience here.
During peak times, the carpark can fill up quickly. If you’re wanting to avoid the crowds, definitely visit earlier in the day or do what I do, and opt for sunset.
MERCER BAY LOOP TRACK
The Mercer Bay Track is one of the shorter trails on the West Coast but that doesn’t mean you sacrifice on views.
Being a loop track, you can start from either end, but I’d suggest going anti-clockwise. That way, you tackle both the stairs and the decline first and deal with the incline on the way back—it’s pretty steep both in and out. I also think the views going this direction are better.
You’ll find plenty of spots to stop and admire the scenery along the way, and the track itself is really well looked after. It’s a fantastic option for families, thanks to all the fencing ensuring safety. Just make sure that you are wary of those sharp drop-offs.
As you walk along the cliff edge, you’ll be exposed to both sun and wind, although on a beautiful day, it won’t really matter. The views sweep across the dramatic cliffs and the lookout points stretch across to Piha, Karekare and Whatipu beaches.
THE WAITĀKERE RANGES
The Waitākere Ranges are a favourite of mine when needing to get out of the city. There’s so many great places to get outdoors, into nature for a walk or even just a sunset mission. Mercer Bay Loop obviously offers great opportunities for both, but if you’re keen on exploring more around the area, I highly recommend checking out the Omanawanui Track. Spend the afternoon walking this trail and follow it up with a sunset at Whatipu beach.
If you’re wanting to explore even more of Aucklands West Coast, here are some of the best locations. If you’re venturing outside of Auckland and up for more walks and hikes, these are my suggestions for the North Island. Alternatively, if you are driven by photography, I’ve written about 18 North Island locations that should be on your list to capture.
MERCER BAY LOOP ACCOMMODATION
Piha is the closest town to Mercer Bay Loop and there is no shortage of campgrounds and batches to choose from. The best way to find these is through either AirBnB (for homes and batches), booking.com or alternatively you can see here where all the current and open campsites are.
In this post, we’ve explored why Mercer Bay Loop is a favourite amongst locals and visitors to the Waitākere Ranges. Offering stunning views of the West Coast and an easy-paced walk, it’s no wonder it stands out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!