Piha

Kitekite Track

Walking track

Kitekite Track is a great introduction to the majestic nature of the Waitakere Ranges. From its beginning at the car park it follows the Glen Esk Stream up to the fantastic Kitekite Falls (a great spot for cooling off during the summer months - pack a towel). Though it has a few hill sections over all the track should be achievable by most people and even has a few seats along the way to allow you to take a breather. The track surface is mostly gravel and level with few roots to trip you up, making the track a great run if you are camping at the Piha campground. The level and wide lower section also makes for a great night walk provided you take a torch. There are numerous glow worms on the stream banks and with luck you may spot an eel or two. The section of the track also combines with the Byers Walk to form a great short loop full of interpretation telling the story of the valley and its flora and fauna.

What to expect:

Walking tracks will:

• have easy to moderate grades with drained surfaces, generally consisting of a compacted and drained surfaces.
• be well sign-posted with directional signs at track entrances and junctions and have safety signs where required.

Walking tracks may:

• have steps on excessively steep areas.
• have timber boardwalks and bridges over permanent wet areas and waterways.
• have seats and maintained views at areas of interest.
• Walking tracks should be suitable for people with reasonable fitness levels.

Distance:

1.8 km

Time:

0.75 hour

Views:

There are great views where the track climbs the valley prior to dropping back down to the base of the falls. There is even a seat so you can take time to soak it all in.

Wheelchair access:

Yes - The first section of Kitekite track is wide with a gravel surface. The track remains mostly flat to the junction with Byers Walk.

Pram access:

Yes - The track is wide with a gravel surface and is suitable for off road pram's until the point where the track splits to follow either side of the Glen Esk Stream. The track on the true right (north side) of the stream is not suitable. The track on the true left (south side) ascends up hill and it may be tough going (but not impossible) from this point.

Cellphone coverage:

Cell phone coverage is patchy at best. Be prepared and for more information read the before you go section of the website. For Vodafone service check, Vodafone coverage map, and for Telecom service check, Telecom coverage map

Toilets:

There are toilets available at the Glen Esk carpark. These toilets are suitable for limited mobility access.

Drinking water:

There is a drinking fountain near the Glen Esk toilet block.

Directions:
An easy, level gravelled track from carpark at end of Glen Esk Road, follows Glen Esk Stream then forks. Track branching right, ascends steep spur, edges around the valley slopes (good views), and descends steps to foot of Kitekite Falls. Track branching left crosses stream then climbs steeply up kauri covered spur with steps to foot of falls.

Before you go:
Please read our advice for planning and enjoying your time in regional parks.

Security:
Theft from vehicles is not common but unfortunately can happen. You should take the same reasonable precautions you take when parking at other locations and remember to lock your vehicle and take your valuables with you.