Hiking Omanawanui Track: A Must-Do Auckland Hike
Omanawanui track is one of the best day hikes in Auckland, loved for its sweeping 360 degree views from native land to rough seas making it one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Auckland.
This Omanawanui track hiking guide will give you all the reason why you should add this Auckland hiking trail to your to do list; grab your supportive walking shoes, a water bottle and your camera and embark on one of the best hikes in Auckland.
About Omanawanui Track
If you’re looking for a hike in the Waitakere ranges then you have come to the right place. Omanawanui is one of the most instagrammable hiking tracks in Auckland which just proves how incredible the views are. With the highest point sitting 241 meters above sea level; with great views comes a great deal of effort, and this Auckland hiking trail is also well known for its thigh burning ascent up 2,420 stairs making it an intermediate to challenging hiking track due to the continuous steep climb. is a key coastal section of the Hillary trail.
Where to Park to hike Omanawanui Track
Omanawanui track is a point-to-point hiking trail with a car park at either end, so you can leave your car at one carpark and hike to the opposite end. There are many hikers who adopt the ‘2-car’ hiking strategy as they want to walk the full 3km hike but aren’t to keen on the return; Park one car at the Whatipu beach carpark and one car at the Puriri Ridge carpark; that way you can start at one end and drive back to the other car once you complete the hike.
Whatipu Beach Carpark
Whatipu beach carpark is the most popular carpark to start your Omanawanui hike. With plenty of parking, toilets and an information hut with a map, it is a better location for first time hikes. Whatipu beach also has plenty of other walking trails you can explore once you have completed the ridge. Just don’t go swimming as the waves are extremely dangerous with strong currents and there are no life guards.
Puriri Ridge Carpark
Puriri Ridge carpark is a very small carpark which only fits about 4 cars and doesn’t have any amenities. So you’ll want to get in early or hike during the off season or during the weekday if you want to secure yourself a carpark.
Hiking Omanawanui Track
This hiking trail in the Waitakere ranges is only 3km long, but the climb up the stairs and variation in elevation along the ridge make it feel so much more than that. I am yet to hike the full 3km, each time I have completed the Omanawanui track I have parked at Whatipu beach carpark and hiked as far as the trig station (that’s about as far as my legs can take me).
How Long is the Omanawanui Track?
Omanawanui track is a 7.7km ‘there and back’ day hike in Auckland. moderate – hard hiking trail, this hike is listed as difficult primarily because of the steep upward stair climb
Dogs on Omanawanui Track
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Omanawanui track, due to wildlife and native plant protection from Kauri dieback disease. If you are specifically looking for great places to take your dog then check out this list of the best off-leash dog parks in Auckland.
Other Great Day Hikes in Auckland
If you want to fill your season with outdoor adventures then check this list of the best day hikes in Auckland. From amazing west Auckland waterfalls to some of the best hiking trails to take your dog. These west Auckland hikes will leave you coming back for more every summer.
Hillary Trail
Omanawanui track is a key coastal section of the Hillary trail, which is a multi-day hike that spans approximately 70 to 75 kilometers of native bush and incredible coastal walkways in West Auckland. If you’re keen to see the views and rugged coastlines of Aucklands west coast you can either challenge yourself to complete the Hillary Trail or do it in the sections listed on the Auckland Council website.
Whatipu Heritage Walk
Distance: 2km (40 minutes return)
Difficulty: Easy
Whatipu Gibbons Loop Track
Distance: 10.5km (5 – 5.5 hour)
Difficulty: Hard
This track starts with a steep climb for about 1.5km before descending
Whatipu Caves and Coastal Walk
Distance: 8km (3-4 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate
West Auckland Waterfalls
Don’t like the beach but need to cool off during the summer months? These waterfalls in Auckland are the perfect swimming locations to cool off this summer, and they are all dog friendly hiking tracks!
