Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Auckland > Waitakeres > Raetahinga Point

Raetahinga Point

Location

Take Te Henga Road (Bethells Road), off the northern end of Scenic Drive. At Te Henga/Bethells Beach after the Waiti Stream bridge turn right onto a grass driveway where you will find parking and a DOC track sign.

Description

Coastal views, pohutukawa forest, historic sites.

From the carpark, cross the Waitakere River via a stile and bridge. Turn left after the second stile and follow the orange marker posts through the paddock for 300m. After the third stile you go on an uphill track for 5 mins. The track then flattens and sidles around the western side of the hill. You can then enjoy views of the beach and cave. Continue past Erangi Point and through shady native trees to a paddock above O’Neill Bay.There is a track from here to the beach and another at the northern end of the bay if you want a detour.

The next section of the walk is on open grassy hillside. Climb for 15-20 mins to reach Raetahinga Point and Waerengaroa, a flatland area cultivated by Maori. Views down the coast were called Te Ara Kanohi by pre-European Maori (the pathway of the eye). A narrow path between the fence and clay cliffs follows. – be careful as the cliffs can be unstable. Continue on the walkway as it drops down to the tip of Raetahinga Point. You can now enjoy views to Whatipu, Manukau Bar and Muriwai Beach. Return the way you came.

This walk can be extended up to 16km return trip if you go all the way to Constable Road or make a diversion to O’Neill Bay.

Distance

6.5 km

Duration

2.5 hours

Level

Medium

Amenities

• Birds
• Carpark
• Historical
• Lookouts
• Picnics
• Plant Life
• Toilets
• Tramping

Discussion

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