Introduction

Whatipu

Whatipu is an amazing exposed stretch of coastline that borders the northern edge of the Manukau Harbour and the Wild West coast. The beach itself is over a kilometre wide and the area boasts some good walks and some interesting caves. A trip to Whatipu is about as remote as one can get within an hour of Auckland.
 
Get out of town!

Take the north western motorway (highway 16) west before taking the Great North Road off ramp (11). Follow Great North Road and then Titirangi Road until you reach Titirangi shops. At the major roundabout turn left down Huia Road. Follow this road (it eventually becomes Whatipu Road) all the way along the coast to Whatipu. The last part of the road is gravel. Huia shop is the last refreshment stop before reaching the beach.

Travel Times

It will take you an hour to get to Whatipu. The drive itself is dramatic and takes you through some interesting coastal scenery.

What to DO

 
Must do!

Whatipu beach is wonderful because it is such a long stretch of wild, exposed coastline, and you can walk miles without seeing anyone else. Take advantage of this by doing a coastal walk in the morning and spending the afternoon checking out the caves and hanging out on the beach.






Walks and Caves at Whatipu

• If you aren’t going to do one of the longer walks then do the Signal House track. Believe it or not the local harbour master used to have a house here.
  
• Check out the caves. From the carpark follow the fence line around the campground towards the headland. Here you will pick up a low-level track, which takes you to a number of large caves (15 minutes). The largest of these has a wooden floor and was used for dancing in the 1920s. The dance floor is now buried beneath the sand but it is an interesting place. There is also a camping ground beside the caves. Contact the ARC for permisson to camp here.
  
• There is a good, albeit long, hike which climbs up high above the beach and then follows the ridge for 5 km or so before dropping down into Pararaha Valley. You can then return along the beach. There are some good views from the ridge track and the walk along the beach is pretty cool. This loop track (Gibbons, Muir and Parahara Valley tracks) would realistically take you 4-5 hours. If you are interested the track starts near the turnoff to the cave – take a map.
  
• A shorter and probably more interesting 3 hour walk begins just before the small road bridge as you approach the road end at Whatipu. The Kura track follows farmland briefly before plunging into a cool Nikau Palm forest. After a few stream crossings the track climbs steeply through young Kauri trees before reaching the top of the ridge. Cross the road and join the Omanawanui track for the return loop. This steep track climbs up and down along the ridge and provides spectacular views of the Manukau Harbour and Heads. There is a seat on route which provides a nice spot to contemplate your achievements before you drop down to Whatipu again.

Stay/Eat/Drink

Stay

Whatipu Lodge is a historic building which has been providing visitor accommodation since the turn of the century. It is a funky collection of buildings with a variety of rooms. There is also a camping ground nearby. You can also camp down near the caves - you will need permission form the ARC to do this. Please respect their requests and do not camp in the caves. The chance of rock fall makes these rather dangerous sleeping spots. 

Food and drink

Take food and drink with you - there are no shops at Whatipu. There is a good little shop at Huia which provides tasty treats for the return journey. Titirangi, which you pass through on the way, has a number of good cafes and a small supermarket.
 

Images

Visitor Comments