Hike challenging rainforest and clifftop trails Karekare Beach Auckland New Zealand

Cave Rock lookout

Hikers follow the walking trail uphill to a spectacular vantage point which dwarfs the 200 foot high Karekare Beach falls in the valley below. Enjoy the complete panorama of Karekare Beach front from a lookout notorious in native Maori history as the site of a massacre of the local tribe.

The Watchman from
Karekare Beach Lodge

Watchman ascent

Challenging uphill trek through rainforest then rocky pathway to awesome narrow knife edge viewing point. Walk the ancient historic fortified position site of desperate to hand to hand combat during Maori intertribal conflicts. This extreme walking trail, although short, demands of careful hikers a good sense of balance and a head for heights.

Trek the timber trail

Dependent on tide, trek along a discovery trail of the historic Kauri railway. Through the rainforest glade to cross Karekare surf beach then follow the trails south over the rocky point to emerge onto the sand dune landscape with wetlands flanked by towering volcanic cliffs and the surf of the ocean. Walk the trail quietly through his natural wonderland to observe native birdlife in this designated nature sanctuary. A hand hewn rock tunnel provides access through another headland near the mouth of the Paraha stream. Return via either the surfer beach or over the rainforest cliffs via Mount Zion for the really fit.

Thanks to Bob Harvey for the use of photos from his private collection and from the books 'Rolling Thunder' & 'Untamed Coast'.

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