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Park Activities

Beaches
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Beaches

Anawhata is a popular surf beach.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Horse Riding
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Horse Riding

A permit is required for Horse Riding in the Waitakere Ranges.

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Dogs
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Dogs

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

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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.

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Tracks

Anawhata Beach Track
60 minutes / 2 km
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Anawhata Beach Track

Walk
Time: 60 minutes
Distance: 2 km

The only way to get to Anawhata is by foot. From the car park at the end of Anawhata road go past the wooden gate. Look out for the sign halfway down the driveway on the right for the beach track. You have made it to one of the least developed beaches in the Waitakere Ranges. Please respect private property which is found everywhere above the high tide mark.

Pram friendly: No

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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).

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:

Opens:
7:30am
Closes:
7:30pm (winter)
9pm (summer)

How to get there

From Auckland City head along the north-western motorway. Take the Lincoln Road exit. At the end of Lincoln Road turn into Great North Road.

At first set of lights turn right into Henderson Valley Road. At the roundabout take Forest Hill Road and drive to end. Turn right into West Coast Road.

At end of West Coast Road turn right into Scenic Drive. Take Piha Road at junction 200 m on. Anawhata is signposted off Piha Road. This road is about 10-12 km long and is a windy metal road. Follow the road to the Anawhata car park.

Distance from Auckland:
50 minutes
  
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