Hillary Trail
How to get there
Public transport
To the start
Bus to Titirangi and walk along Scenic Drive to the start of the trail at Exhibition Drive, take the Pipeline Track Road that runs above the Lower Nihotupu Dam until it meets the junction with the Slip Track. From here trampers meet up with the designated Hillary Trail route.
At the end
There is a bus or train service at Swanson. This service is fairly regular during the week, but limited during the weekends. Please check www.maxx.co.nz for details.
There is no public transport at Muriwai.
Driving directions
To Arataki
The Arataki Visitor Centre is on Scenic Drive, 6km from Titirangi. From Auckland City, take State Highway 16 (north western motorway) and head west. Take Exit 2 onto Great North Road and follow signs to Titirangi. Drive through Titirangi Village and at the roundabout, take Scenic Drive. Continue 6km and the visitor centre is on the left. The visitor centre is approximately 25km from the CBD.
To Cascades
Take the Lincoln Road turnoff from the North Western Motorway, travel on Lincoln Road to Universal Drive, then at the roundabout take the second exit to Swanson Road. Travel through the Swanson township, turn into Scenic Drive North and then right into Te Henga Road and about 1.5km down the road continue onto Falls Road and into the Cascade Kauri Park.
To Swanson
Take the Lincoln Road turnoff from the North Western Motorway, travel on Lincoln Road to Universal Drive, then at the roundabout take the second exit to Swanson Road. The train station is 3.4km along Swanson Road. If you are arranging pick up from the end of the Swanson Pipeline Track on Tram Valley Road, travel 300m past the station turn left onto Christian Road and directly right onto Tram Valley Road the track entrance/exit is about 1.8km down the road.
To Muriwai
Follow State Highway 16 to Waimauku. Turn left into Muriwai Rd and travel for approximately 8km before turning right in Motutara Road and continue on to the park. If you are arranging to be picked up from the end of the Te Henga Walkway instead of turning into Motutara Road continue going straight into Oaia Road for 3.4km and turn right in Constable Road, travel approximately 1km to a small parking area to the track entrance/exit.
Drop off and pick up locations
It is ideal for trampers to be dropped off at the Arataki Visitor Centre.
Trampers may choose to arrange their own pick ups at various places along the trail, including at the end of the Te Henga Walkway on Constable Road, the Cascade Kauri Park at the end of Falls Road, or where the Swanson Pipeline Track meets Tram Valley Road.
Parking
There is limited parking available at the Arataki Visitor Centre. If you intend to leave a vehicle at Arataki while you walk the trail you will need to book this. Overnight parking costs $5 a night.
