Comans track, located in the Waitākere Ranges is a popular walk and it’s easy to see why. From walking through lush, native New Zealand forest to incredible lookouts along the West Coast, I really can’t fault it.
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If you’re keen on discovering this firsthand, all the details you need are below.
KEY INSIGHTS
Location: Waitākere Ranges, Auckland
Duration: 2 hours
Length: 7.2km | 4.5 miles
Elevation: 490m
Difficulty: Easy – medium
Open: Year-round
Need to have: Water, snacks and sun protection
THE COMANS TRACK JOURNEY
From Auckland CBD, Comans track is roughly a 39km drive. If there’s no traffic you can expect to spend approximately 50 minutes on the road in order to get to the trailhead.
Once you exit the motorway, the drive will lead you through Henderson and weave you through some smaller suburbs. You’ll eventually veer onto Piha Road and into the lush forest of Waitākere Ranges. It’s worth noting that certain stretches of these roads are narrow, with occasional one-way sections.
LOCATION AND PARKING
There are two entrances to this track. The first is via the Mercer Bay Loop entrance from Piha Road, leading onto Te Ahuahu and eventually Log Race Road. Parking is available at the road’s end. Additionally, there’s parking accessible via Watchmans Road, the official trail entrance. This requires a longer drive along Piha Road than the Mercer Bay Loop entrance but the drive itself will take you roughly the same amount of time.
Your choice of parking spot depends on the direction you would like to walk in. Starting from Watchmans brings you closer to Karekare Beach, while Mercer Bay Loop puts you at the lookouts overseeing Karekare and Whatipu beaches. Unfortunately, the Te Ahuahu section of the walk, usually linked to Comans Track, remains closed due to slips.
I have for the most part, always started at Mercer Bay Loop as this is also where I like to end my journey.
COMANS TRACK
I’ve been lucky to walk the Comans track a few times now.
This is a trail that if you want to integrate Mercer Bay, it will be a mix of loop alongside an out-and-back.
When you’re on your walk, you’ll notice that Comans Track winds through native New Zealand bush, offering stunning vistas of both the north and south coastlines. From certain viewpoints, you can see across Whatipu Beach and other secluded ones too. While the trail includes a few staircases and varied terrain, I think the breathtaking views make the steps worthwhile.
Most New Zealand trails are well looked after and this is no exception. Also with being one of only a handful of walks currently open along the West Coast, I’ve found it can get busy during the day. To avoid the crowds I always opt for a late afternoon start. Ultimately means there is also a great opportunity to catch sunset.
WAITĀKERE RANGES
The Waitākere Ranges is one of my favourite places to explore in Auckland. There are many beautiful spots to soak in a sunset or walks to capture the coastline. Comans track is obviously a great place for both of these but if you are interested in experiencing other walks in the area, I can highly suggest Omanawanui. This is a walk that is also close by to Whatipu which is an amazing beach.
If you’re venturing outside of Auckland and you do love walking and hiking here are my suggestions, alongside options for other amazing locations along Aucklands West Coast. Additionally if you’re interested in photography, I have 18 North Island locations that should be on your capture list.
COMANS TRACK ACCOMMODATION
There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation around Comans track. With the township of Piha not far from here there are mostly campgrounds and batches.
The best way to find these is through either AirBnB, booking.com or alternatively here is where you can see all the current and open campsites.
Comans Track in the Waitākere Ranges has a great blend of native bush and coastal views. No matter where you start the track from and despite its popularity, it’s a perfect trail to explore. Try it out for a late afternoon walk and for sunset views. I hope you enjoy this walk as much as I have.