The Waitakere Ranges are a great place to either meander along short walks or engage in a more serious trek.  Sadly, due to Kauri dieback disease, large sections of the Ranges are closed.  Some tracks are being upgraded and re-opened.  We advice you contact the Arataki Information Centre for up to date track information.  Our popular section, Te Henga to Muriwai, icluding Goldies Bush IS OPEN!

 View from The Hillary Trail

Guests at the Muriwai start of the Hillary Trail

The Hillary Trail

  • This amazing 72 km stretch connects a network of existing regional park tracks and basic backpacker campgrounds.
  • It takes you through the Waitakere Ranges, past the Arataki Visitor Centre, Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Anawhata, and either winding north to Muriwai via the Department of Conservation’s Te Henga Walkway, or through Cascade Kauri Park and onto Swanson.
  • The trail takes trampers through the Waitakere Ranges and is approximately 70 km and can be completed in stages or in four days, three nights. For experienced trampers and those with a high level of fitness.
  • Book by phoning 09 366 2000, visit Arataki Visitor Centre or click here for more
 The Spa

Relaxing after your Walk

  • Once you finish your activities for the day, sit back and relax in our spa with spectacular views of the bush and across the valley
  • “…We thoroughly recommend the Muriwai to Bethells (Te Henga) walk which is so spectacular and peaceful. The swim and coffee atBethells was a perfect finish as was the spa for our weary legs! Thank you formaking our weekend so special and memorable.”  (Kylie and Roger, Feb. 2010)
 The private bushwalk on the property A stroll down the hill

  • Or just take a quiet walk around our property with no need to get into your car.
  • We have 1km of developed track which heads down our land to a small stream.
  • The walk is a mix of metalled track and boardwalk and has 3 bridges.
  • It can be extended from 10 minutes to 40 minutes, and your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views.
  • Coming back up the hill can be more leisurely or used as an aerobic exercise!
  • In the evening, take the lantern or torches, wrap up warmly and visit the glow worms at the stream edges.
  • Stay still for a while, enjoy the sounds of the night bush, the bubbling stream and become as one with nature.
A lookout from Scenic Drive, 15 mins from us

Local Walks and Lookouts

    • The Waitakere Ranges are a great place to either meander along short walks or engage in a more serious trek.
    • We have a good selection of Guide books, maps, etc.
    • Let us know what level you are interested in and we can advise and direct you to suitable links.
    • Click here for the Waitakere Ranges Parks website
    • By Phone (09) 810 9584 (international: 0064 9 810 9584)