Whites Beach — Attraction in Waitākere Ranges

Pretty much the most private beach on the west coast of Auckland. There are a few different access points to this beach and where to park. The most direct way is to park off Anawhata Rd just a few klicks past the Craw campground. There will be a small semicircle parking area with a gate and sign for White’s Beach. From here the track leads down a very steep and long double track driveway, at the bottom where the driveway splits there is a signed trail to the right, this is the Rose Track. This track is steep in sections but has a few good rest options with great views. Another access point, not to be attempted at high tide, would be to park at the lot at the end of North Piha Rd and do the Laird Thomson Track up and over the head. This track is somewhat shorter than the previously described route but can be much more technical with rope railings and extremely steep sections. Finally at low tide you can take the route that skirts along the coast, either from Anawhata or Piha. Water shoes with a sturdy grippy sole are best here and it’s wise to keep an eye on the waves as they often splash onto the rocks even at low tide. You will often meet folks fishing on these routes. It’s important to note that one must be aware of the tide schedule as sections become extremely hazardous as the tide comes in. It’s also wise to check the surf report and avoid the area during large swells.

The beach itself is quite beautiful and usually empty. There is no surf rescue here so you need to determine where to rip is and not to dismiss the strength of these currents, rule of thumb is to not swim when the tide is going out. On the Piha side there are a number of tidal pools which can be only be accessed at low tide where you can find crabs, starfish and brilliantly colored anemones. The Anawhata side has an interesting cave and some nice sandy pools. If you follow the small stream there is a track that heads up the head and affords nice views. Be mindful of nesting oystercatchers as they nest in the rocks and can be very territorial.

Additional notes: there is no toilet here, the closest one is at the end of Anawhata Rd in the parking lot. There is also no water access at this beach or Anawhata so plan ahead. Bring sneakers or hiking shoes for the track. Anawhata rd is mostly unpaved, narrow and...

Amazingly beautiful and isolated beach north of Piha Beach, with surrounding hills and cliffs. There is a large cave at the base of the cliff on the north end of the beach that is great to explore. The beach is a black sand beach, so the sand gets very hot in the sun. Be sure to wear some sandals or shoes and bring a towel to sit on. It’s not an easy beach to access, but there are two ways to get to it from Piha. First, you can take the Marawhawa trail from north Piha road at the northern end of Piha Beach, walk about 10 minutes to the White trail, then it is a 45 minute hike to Whites Beach. Alternatively, you can take Piha road north to Anawhata road (about 10 minutes), turn left on Anawhata road, then drive about 20 minutes to the Rose trail parking area. The walk down to Whites Beach will be all downhill and take about 30 minutes. It’s a little longer and more difficult to do the steep walk back up,...

This is another of the amazing coastal walks in and around Piha - a 45 minute drive from Auckland. Walk through native bush (forest) and get amazing coastal views on your way to the isolated Whites Beach. The best way to access is via a combination of the Marawhara trail (which begins at North Piha near the surf lifesaving club) and Whites Track which will take about 40-60 minutes and does involve some climbing on a well maintained trail. From there its a 30 minute downhill walk to Whites beach. You can return via the Laird Thomson Track which will take you back to North Piha and also includes the Te Waha Point Lookout. This is a dangerous beach with rough surf, strong riptides and hidden rocks so swimming is...