Hillary Trail
FAQ's
What do I need to take?
If staying in the backcountry campgrounds you will need to take a pack with your tent, bedding, spare clothing, and four days' worth of food and cooking items. This will make the pack relatively heavy to carry the distance. A list of what is recommended on the trail is provided in the Hillary Trail booklet, which can be collected from the Arataki Visitor Centre, or downloaded from this website.
How many people can do the trail at one time?
The campgrounds associated with the trail accommodate up to 40 people at a time at each camp. However people may choose to stay in alternate accommodation and therefore at this stage there is no restriction over the number that may be tramping along the route at any one time.
What is the maximum group size that I can I book?
The maximum number of people that can be booked into a campground at one time is 10 people.
Can I do the trail on my own?
This is possible, but the Mountain Safety Council recommends that you don't tramp alone, that you tramp with a minimum of two and preferably in a group of four or more.
Safety?
Your safety on the Hillary Trail is your responsibility. Rangers do not patrol the tracks or campgrounds at specific times.
Leave details of your trip (return date and time, planned route and party member names) with a responsible person, and don't forget to check in with them on your return.
Is there cell phone coverage?
There is very limited coverage in the Waitakere Ranges or on the coast to Muriwai. Reception will depend on your supplier. While it may be gained at some high points it should not be relied upon.
Ranger contact phones are available at the Huia depot at Karamatura, Karekare by the noticeboard, Piha ranger office in Glen Esk Road, the ranger depot in Cascade Kauri Park and the Muriwai ranger office.
There is also a public phone at Piha.
Can I do the trail year round?
It is possible to complete the trail at any time of year, although in winter the short days, cool weather and muddier tracks will make the hike very much more demanding.
The Muriwai stretch would be unachievable in winter due to shorter daylight hours.
The Te Henga Walkway may be closed for lambing between 1 August to 1 October for lambing, trampers will need to confirm this prior to departure.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs are not allowed at Hillary Trail (ARC) campgrounds and on some parts of the trail. Please check this website or speak to a ranger about dog restrictions.
Which beaches are safe for swimming?
West coast beaches have tempting surf, but the currents can be dangerous. Swim only where lifeguards are patrolling. Always swim between the flags.
There are five surf lifesaving clubs along the Hillary Trail route: Karekare, Piha, United North Piha, Bethells Beach and Muriwai Beach. They patrol beaches on weekends and public holidays from Labour Weekend to Easter or Anzac weekend (Piha). There are weekday patrols over the peak summer period. There are no patrols in winter.
For more details of surf lifesaving hours, visit the Surf Lifesaving NZ website.
