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Park activities

Bird watching
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Bird watching

In the forest you will find fantail, grey warbler, shining cuckoo, long-tailed cuckoo, tui, morepork, waxeye, fern bird and kereru.

1 out of 10

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Camping - backpack
Dog walking with restrictions
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Dog walking with restrictions

Dogs are allowed on a lead but are prohibited at all times on farm areas.

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Farm Animals - Viewing
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Farm Animals - Viewing

Anawhata Farm runs dry stock animals as part of the regional park framing operations. Feel free to explore the farm area but please leave gates as you find them.

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Fishing
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Fishing

Remember that fishing on the west coast can be dangerous, waves are unpredictable. Always wear a lifejacket.

1 out of 10

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Horse riding
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Horse riding

People with a permit can access Anawhata farm for horse riding. To obtain a permit and for more information please call the Arataki Visitor Centre on 09 817 0077.

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Sightseeing
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Sightseeing

The drive to Anawhata provides beautiful views over the west coast, North Piha and down to Whatipu. From the top of the farm there are stunning views north to Muriwai. Don't forget your camera and drive safe on the gravel road.

10 out of 10

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Surfing
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Surfing

Surf at Anawhata if you're prepared to walk.

6 out of 10

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Swimming
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Swimming

Take care swimming at Anawhata, there are no surf lifesavers at this beach.

1 out of 10

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Walks (1 hour or more)
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Walks (1 hour or more)

Numerous walks are acessible from Anawhata Road. For more information please refer to the tracks section.

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Walks (less than 1 hour)
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Walks (less than 1 hour)

Getting to Anawhata is a walk itself, as this beach is only accessible by foot. However the walk is worth it as the views on the walk down to this private gem are simply inspiring.

8 out of 10

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Tracks

Anawhata Beach Track
1 hour / 0.7 km
Browne Track
< ¼ hour / 0.5 km
Centennial Track
1 ¼ hours / 3 km
Chateau Mosquito Track
1 hour / 2.3 km
Cutty Grass Track
1 ¼ hours / 3.6 km
Hettig Track
< ¼ hour / 0.5 km
Kuataika Track
2 ¼ hours / 5.2 km
McElwain Lookout Track
< ¼ hour / 1 km
Pole Line Track
< ¼ hour / 0.8 km
RGB Track
1 hour / 2 km
Ridge Road Track
1 ½ hours / 3 km
Rose Track
1 hour / 1.2 km
Simla Track
1 hour / 1.7 km
Sisam Track
 ¾ hour / 1.6 km
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Anawhata

Anawhata is a spectacular beach that can only be reached by foot therefore is far less busy than the more accessible beaches in the Waitakeres. 

To get to the beach follow the Anawhata Beach Track, which starts at the end of Anawhata road (1 hour return).

Park facilities

Bach - view details
Beaches
Anawhata is a popular surf beach.
Historic homesteads
Interpretation
Native bush
Parking
Toilet block
Unsealed access road

History

The tangata whenua of the ranges are Te Kawerau a Maki. Their presence in the area dates back to the early 17th century.

Around the 1920's, the beach area became popular for camping and overnight stays. Over time the camping set-ups became more formalised and led to the creation of a number of baches. Many of these baches existed up until quite recently.

Wildlife

In the forest you will find fantail, grey warbler, shining cuckoo, long-tailed cuckoo, tui, morepork, waxeye, fern bird and kereru.

Down on the farm there are paradise shelducks, Australasian harriers, welcome swallows and spur-winged plovers range over the farm.

Along the coastline are nesting sites for Little Blue Penguins.

Native Bush

The coastal vegetation is typical of the exposed west coast. It is mostly low shrubs and flax, with pohutukawa forming a low canopy. Further inland are more established patches of regenerating forest, connected by areas of regenerating kanuka and manuka.

Picture of Anawhata
Put on your walking shoes as this beach can only be reached by foot.

Park opening hours:

Summer:
7:30am - 9:00pm
Winter:
7:30am - 7:30pm

Weekend opening hours:

Summer:
7:30am - 9:00pm
Winter:
7:30am - 7:30pm

Public holiday opening hours:

Summer:
7:30am - 9:00pm
Winter:
7:30am - 7:30pm

How to get to Anawhata

From Auckland City, use SH 16 (North West motorway) Exit at Great North Rd. Follow Great North Rd, Ash St, Rata St, Titirangi Rd to Titirangi Village. At the end of the village, go through roundabout on to Scenic Drive. Follow Scenic Drive until the Piha turnoff is reached. Follow Piha Rd until Anawhata Rd (first road on right hand side). Follow Anawhata Rd until the end(Anawhata Rd is gravel and very narrow and winding – please take care).

Distance from Auckland CBD: 40 km

  
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