Hillary Trail
Trail summary and map
Hillary Trail booklet
If you are planning to do the Hillary Trail download the booklet below to take with you. The file is large in size so may take some time to download.
Below is a trail summary for the four days. More details about each day will added soon.
Day one
The trail starts at the Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive. However for those catching public transport they may walk from Titirangi and meet the trail approximately 1.5km below Arataki. The trail descends into the Nihotupu Valley and onwards to Huia. The first night is spent at the Karamatura campground.
- 11km, 4 - 5 hours from Arataki
- 17km, 5½ - 6½ hours from Titirangi
Day two
Starts with a climb out of the Karamatura Valley and subsequent descent down to the Manukau Heads. Once at Whatipu, the trail heads north above the Whatipu Scientific Reserve to the night's campground in the remote Pararaha Valley.
- 14.5km, 8 - 9 hours
Day three
The third day begins with a steep climb over the ridge and onto Karekare beach. The trail then ascends above Mercer Bay, includes a bit of road walking before dropping into the Piha Valley, passes through the Piha township and along Piha Beach. Another climb up to Anawhata Road and onto the night's stay at the Craw campground.
- 17km, 8 - 9 hours
Day four
The fourth day has two options.
a) Travels further north through Bethells and onto Muriwai by traversing the Anawhata Valley passing Lake Wainamu and following the Waiti Stream to the Te Henga Walkway. The trail here has a longer stretch of road walking. Once in Muriwai the trail takes in the gannet colony at Otakamiro Point and finishes at Motutara Road.
b) Traverse the Anawhata Valley onto a ridge top walk to the Cascade Kauri area. A short climb and then quick descent leads to the rural Tram Valley and Swanson Roads and on to the trail's end at Swanson Railway Station.
- 27km, 11 - 12 hours to Muriwai
- 18.5km, 7½ - 8½ hours to Swanson
