Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Auckland > West Auckland > Gibbons track to Pararaha - Whatipu

Gibbons track to Pararaha - Whatipu

Location
From Titirangi follow Woodlands Park Road, Huia Road and Whatipu Road to the Whatipu Beach parking area at the road end.
Description

Whatipu is a spectacular area of coastal dunes and wetlands. It is also the breeding ground for endangered species such as the New Zealand Dotterel.

This walk from Whatipu to Pararahas is demanding but well worth the effort to enjoy the coastal forest, experience the Pararaha gorge, and explore the dunes and swampland of this remote and beautiful surf beach.

Tramping boots are required for Gibbons Track.

Follow the fenceline around the campground towards the headlands, where Gibbons Track starts. The sign advises you will be at Pararaha in 2 ¾ hrs, but if conditions are good this time is shortened. After the footbridge, at the sign, a rough track heads straight up the hill – ignore this and go to the left until you come to another junction. The left-hand option allows you to view the caves and the right and uphill is Gibbons Track. After 10-15 mins of moderate climbing along Gibbons Track you arrive at open headland.

Views to Mt Taranaki, wetlands, the beach, Manukau Bar and out to sea. Continue the climb on rough track for 15-20 mins until you reach the junction with Walker Ridge Track and Muir Track. Turn left onto Muir Track, which drops steeply to the valley floor. There are plenty of native trees and you will pass under a old karaka tree as the lower Pararaha gorge opens out. Just below this is a rocky step that faces north, an ideal place to stop and view the historic Pararaha valley.It is a short and steep descent to a grassy area around Pararaha Stream. At the track junction go right to get to the camping area, where there is a large shelter and toilet, or left down Pararaha Valley Track to continue to the beach.

From here if you are an experienced tramper, go past the warning signs and walk further up the Pararaha Stream for 30-40 mins to a large pool beneath a rocky drop where huge kauri logs remain jammed from milling days. If you want to go further up the valley prepare to get your feet wet. On the main walk , after 15-20 mins Buck Taylor Track goes to the right, and it is another 10 mins down Pararaha Valley Track to the beach. A boardwalk crosses the swamp. Climb to the top of the black-sand dune to enjoy the rock bluffs. On the way down the beach back to Whatipu avoid the pingao-covered dunes that are home to the dotterels that nest here. Walk out to the tideline and from there onto the firm sand to avoid getting wet and muddy in the swamps. At the southern end of the beach, curve around past Ninepin Rock to Paratutae Island, where, on the northern side, it is possible to make out where the wharf was. From here follow the footprints back to the access track that returns you through the dunes to the carpark.

Distance
11.0 km
Duration
6.0 hours
Level
Hard
Amenities
  • Carpark
  • Historical
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
Discussion
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