Otamanewa Island to Awhitu Park - Manakau Heads

Greetings Everyone - Join us this Sunday as we walk from Otamanewa Island to Awhitu Regional Park and return.

● Some words to Inspire you:
Walking from Ōtāmanewa Island to Awhitu Regional Park is a journey through wild coastal beauty, rolling farmland, and serene native bush. Starting at the island, accessible at low tide, you’ll make your way along the rugged coastline, where dramatic cliffs meet the Tasman Sea. The walk takes you through local parks and reserves, offering a mix of sandy shores, grassy headlands, and winding bush trails.

Along the way, you’ll pass through tranquil spots like Matakawau and Big Bay, where you can stop to take in the views or enjoy a picnic. The final stretch into Awhitu Regional Park rewards you with sweeping vistas over Manukau Harbour, golden beaches, and peaceful wetlands. This walk is perfect for those who love solitude, coastal landscapes, and the chance to experience an untouched side of Auckland’s west coast.

End your journey with a refreshing swim or a quiet moment enjoying the park’s natural beauty.

Duration: About 3-4 hours hike including stops.
Distance: Approx 12-14 km.
Difficulty: 2.5 on our 1-5 scale for day hikes.
What the scale means

Cost: $20 cash for Car Pooling People. If you do not bring cash, then you may not be able to attend.
Toilets: At the cafe stop and Matakawau Park/Reserve
Low Tide: 12:50

● Post-Hike Gathering (Optional): After our adventure, you're welcome to join us for some well-deserved relaxation and camaraderie at The Kentish Hotel in Waiuku.

● PLEASE: No smoking, animals, children or guests.

● First Timers & Regulars:
We extend a warm welcome to newcomers, and we kindly request a gold coin donation ($2) to support our website and enhance the safety of our group.
You can also contribute directly to our bank account
Auckland Global Trekkers 12-3430-0791504-00 - Many Thanks

● Important Notes:
Care must be taken when walking along the coast. There will be some beach mud on this walk.

● Health and Safety Information:
All Auckland Global Trekkers organisers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury, or loss suffered during the events organised. Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct and well being; recognising that there are hazards in attending group and outdoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk.

● Preparation is the key to having a good day:

• Check the weather
• Do you have the correct clothing and shoes?.
• Bring Food for your Lunch.
• Do you know where the meeting places are?

● Meeting Places:

• New World Victoria Park - Scotland Street
• Mugs and Muffins Cafe, 26/30 Constable Road, Waiuku
• 468 Matakawau Road, Āwhitu - Look for the car park and toilets.
• The Kentish - 5 Queen Street Waiuku

● Carpooling:

• Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at New World.
• Just ANSWER the RSVP question.

● Time Guidelines:
08:15 - Good time to arrive at New World
08:30 - Car pooling organised and leave
09:30 - Everyone arrive at Mugs and Muffins. Coffee and Toilets

10:00 - Leave Mugs and Muffins
10:30 - All arrive at 468 Matakawau Road Park.
10:40 - Introductions and start walking

15:00 Finish (approx)

15:30 - Arrive The Kentish Hotel - (Optional)
16:30 - Leave The Kentish
17:30 - Arrive CBD.

● Maps and More Information:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ggbHfgs312mdL6Yx6

● Hike Description & Directions:
From the park we will check out Otamanewa Island before continuing along the coastline to a track which takes us to the Matakawau Reserve, from there we use the road to Sergeants Park. Along the coast line to the Hattons Road track and into Awhitu Regional Park. Will decide on the day what we do in the park before returning roughly the same way

● Capture the Moment:
Share your best photos of the day for a chance to be featured on our Instagram Account.

● What to Bring:

• Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
• Packed picnic lunch.
• Comfortable hiking shoes suitable for a variety of terrains.
• Sun protection and emergency rain gear.
• Swimwear - (Optional)
• Personal first-aid items.

● Additional Notes:

• Safety and togetherness are our priorities. We will make stops at all track junctions to ensure the group stays together.
• Punctuality is key, and we will depart on time, so please be prompt.

We can't wait to explore the great outdoors with you this Sunday - Chris and the Team