30min return, 1.2km

Follow the yellow markers from the northern end of the main carpark, on the left before the campgrounds. Follow the track through open pasture to a short, sharp climb through regenerating native bush. Catch your breath and enjoy the stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf before returning via the road and heading back through open pasture dotted with majestic pohutukawa and totara.

How to get there

Mahurangi West: 51km (50 minutes) from downtown Auckland. Drive north on SH1 via the northern gateway toll road. Turn right into Mahurangi West Road (approximately 5km north of tunnel) then right into Ngarewa Drive and follow to the end of the road.

Photo Credit: NZ Tramper