23 December 2017 | Press Release
To celebrate Christmas Te Kawerau ā Maki have released a clarification on the area covered by the Waitākere Rāhui to make it clear to residents and visitors that it only covers the forest, but that within the forest all tracks are closed by the rāhui.
Executive Manager Edward Ashby said “We’d like the public to celebrate and enjoy all the beautiful parts of the park not covered in trees, so we thought we’d release a quick update.”
“Just to be clear that the forest does not include: the roads, beaches, open space land adjacent to beaches, wetlands, lakes, dunes, paddocks, rocks, meadows, grass berms, cafes, the sea, golf courses, houses or surf clubs.”
Celebrate “living on the edge” by visiting spectacular lookouts such as the Spragg Monument at Cornwallis and the Tasman Lookout Track at Piha.
Enjoy “views and vistas” by climbing to the bench seat at Pukehuhu at Whatipu to look out over the Manukau Heads or by visiting the Huia Lookout where you can see the whole Manukau Harbour.
“Dive into it” by walking round the north side of Lake Wainamu at Te Henga from the carpark to the waterfalls and cool off with a dip in the swimming holes. Just don’t continue round the lake in the forest but go back the way you came.
“Climb the cliffs” on the Te Henga Walkway and enjoy spectacular views across the Tasman.
Enjoy “lunch and a latte” after you’ve walked Exhibition Drive in Titirangi or visit the Huia Store after a hike along the Huia Dam Road.
Of course all the beaches remain open and “walking the dog” is still possible along the Kakamatua track to the beach, but please keep dogs on a lead until you reach the beach and always scrub and spray your shoes.
“We wish everyone a happy and restful Christmas and New Year and look forward to a better future for kauri in 2018” said Edward.
Tracks outside the Waitākere Rāhui area that are open include:
Titirangi:
- Exhibition Drive
Cornwallis:
- Monument Track
- Track to Spragg monument
- Kakamatua Beach Walk
Huia:
- Huia Dam Road
- Tracks at Hinge Bay beach
- Huia Lookout Track
Whatipu:
- Track to beach
- Whatipu Caves Track
- Track to bench seat at Pukehuhu only (do not continue along Omanawanui Track)
- Signal House Track
- Whatipu Coast Walk
Karekare:
- Pohutukawa Glade Walk
- Track down stream to beach
- Tunnel Point track
Piha:
- Tasman Lookout Track
- Lion Rock Track
- Rose Track to Whites Beach
- Laird Thompson Track over Te Waha Point from North Piha
Anawhata:
- Anawhata Beach Track from end of road
Te Henga:
- Track to beach from carpark
- Lake Wainamu Track north side only to waterfalls
- Te Henga Walkway