Omanawanui Track

One of the best short half day tracks around Auckland with breath taking views but a lot of stairs. After the walk, you can have a swim at the nearby beach, do a bit surf casting or explore the nearby caves. There is also a campground if you want to explore more of the region

Very nice track with a decent incline. Not too hard at all.

Not easy to get here, last 5.5 km unsealed road is annoying. Be prepared to wash your car after this trip. Car park is big but full of cars for those to beach, tracks and campsite. Stairs up were not easy, we didn’t finish all. Seems who finishes the track goes back on the unsealed road sharing with cars. The view is just as expected, not worth the effort. Go check Mercer Bay loop walk which I would recommend more than this one.

Probably the most scenic track in the Waitakeres.

Last 20min of driving to this place can be quite challenging due to narrow roads and blind spots. Otherwise, it’s a awesome hiking area with great views of the beach.

We voted the most difficult challenges of Omanawanui Track are:No.1: the stairsNo.2: rocks climbingNo.3: driving through the narrow mountain road to the carpark

Don’t miss out this walk, nice science spot an hour drive from Auckland CBD, gravel road for last 7 km. Nice camp ground with beautiful views around.

Amazing view of the mountains and coastlines. We are so blessed! Do lock your car. Always wear a hat.

The Omanawanui Track is easily my favourite bush walk in the Auckland Region. It only takes around an hour to get here from the CBD, and it is like visiting a new world.The walk is incredibly long, but you have the option of starting at Donald Mclean, Whatipu Beach at the opposite end or park your car on the dirt road at one of the entry points in between.You do not need to complete the entire walk which would take hours, but rather go according to what you are wanting to see. There are heaps of view points that are within 15 minutes of most entry points (only the Don McLean carpark entry is unaccounted for by us). You will see views of the Manukau Harbour, Tasman Sea past Whatipu and the Manukau Heads on the other side. It is absolutely sensational and worth the visit!As this walk is a bit far from the city and is quiet, I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good walk or fantastic views. Though, I would suggest visiting on a weekday as weekends can get extremely busy. This is due to Kauri Dieback closing most other tracks in the Waitakere Ranges.

It’s not a long track but lots of steps and steep ascend to keep you challenged throughout, very rewarding with absolutely stunning views! You can do there and back or make it a loop if you come back via Whatipu Rd.