Being an Auckland local and having explored many spots in the Waitākere Ranges, Te Henga Walkway has always been one of my favourites. It’s not only a great trail with beautiful scenery but also the perfect spot to enjoy a West Coast sunset.
Unfortunately, a large part of the trail is currently closed. However, a small section remains open, allowing you to experience a part of it.
If you’d like to learn more and see what you’re in for on this trail, I’ve got you covered below.
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The Te Henga walkway is located in the Waitākere Ranges, west of Auckland City in New Zealand.
HOW TO GET TO TE HENGA WALKWAY
If travelling from Auckland city, drive west on State Highway 16, then take the exit for Waimauku. Follow the signs toward Muriwai Beach, turning onto Oaia Road and eventually Constable Road.
Part of Constable Road is gravel, however no need to worry, it is accessible for all vehicles.
Parking tips
There isn’t a dedicated carpark for the Te Henga walkway per se. You’re essentially just parking on the side of the road, which is also a residential street. However, there is a designated area with a sign to indicate the trailhead.
If you’d like the exact location for the trailhead/parking click here.
KEY INSIGHTS FOR HIKING TE HENGA
Distance: 3.7 km | 2.2 miles
Elevation: 170 meters
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: There-and-back
Open: Year-round
Previously, the Te Henga Walkway connected Bethells and Muriwai beaches, forming a key section of the iconic Hillary Trail. However, the full track remains closed after large slips in 2023 and again in 2024. A small section remains open though, offering breathtaking coastline views toward Muriwai Beach.
Starting from Constable Road, the trail descends via multiple stairs through farmland and native bush. The trail is well worn, making navigation easy, though we did pass some sections that were muddy and slippery from rain.
Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning ocean views, cliffs, and the rugged landscape stretching north. The scenery along this coastline is quite beautiful and despite the closures, this remains one of my favourite short trails so I highly recommend adding this to your list when you visit the Waitākere Ranges.
The trail ends just before the slip which is now signposted. From here you’ll head back along the same route.
If you’d like to keep updated on track conditions and closures, it’s best to refer to Department of Conservation.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Te Henga Walkway is accessible year-round, but I would highly suggest a summer visit. It offers the best conditions with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. It’s also the perfect time to tie in with a swim at Muriwai beach, or just a beach day in general!
In terms of time of day, if you can, aim for an afternoon or sunset hike. The soft, golden light at that time brings out the best views and highlights the incredible scenery.
HOW CROWDED IS IT
Due to the track closures, Te Henga Walkway is much quieter than when you could walk the full trail. We visited on a warm, Saturday evening in the summer and only passed three others. If you enjoy solitude, this is a great, short trail to escape the crowds.
IS IT SAFE TO WALK SOLO
This trail is quite secluded, and the most recent closure has made it even quieter than before. While I would feel comfortable hiking alone, I would make sure to be back at my vehicle before dark and to inform others of my plans.
PHOTOGRAPHING TE HENGA WALKWAY
Since Te Henga Walkway sits on the west coast, the best time to photograph is late afternoon, golden hour, or sunset. The soft, warm light makes the landscape even more striking, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch an epic sunset.
With coastal cliffs, rolling farmland, and plenty of scenic spots along the way, there’s no shortage of photo opportunities. Native flora and fauna also line the track (depending on the season), so if you love capturing natural details, you’ll have plenty to work with.
If you’re planning to make this a photography mission, give yourself plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views along the way. Some of the best spots aren’t just at the obvious lookout points.
MURIWAI BEACH AND LOOKOUT
If you’d like to extend your adventure from the Te Henga walkway, consider visiting Muriwai Beach for sunset. There is plenty to see there. The gannet colony is one–especially between August and March when the birds are nesting. If you have a 4WD and the right permit, you can also drive onto the beach, giving you easier access to more of the remote areas. Alternatively, if you’d like to enjoy the sunset from your car, there is an epic lookout on the way to Muriwai. Make sure to get here early though as spaces do tend to fill up fast.
THE WAITĀKERE RANGES
The Waitākere Ranges, a lush expanse of forested hills and rugged coastline, is one of Auckland’s natural gems. Spanning over 16,000 hectares, the ranges boast an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including ancient kauri trees and native birds. This regional park is also steeped in history.
As you probably now know, the ranges are also renowned for its coastal landscapes, offering countless hikes and lookouts. I’ve written a lot about this area, all of which you can find here, in my list of ultimate New Zealand destinations.
SUMMARY
In this post, we’ve explored Te Henga Walkway in Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges. From rugged coastal cliffs to breathtaking sunsets, this trail offers a lot of incredible scenery.
Whether you’re after a peaceful walk, stunning photography spots, or a quiet escape from the city, this short hike is a must-visit. I also must say that despite the closures, the remaining section still showcases an amazing outlook of the west coast.
Looking for more inspo? Check out my comprehensive travel guides for even more insider travel tips.