Whatipu Beach - Gibbons Track to Pararaha Valley & Coastal Hike Loop

Greetings All- Whatipu Beach is famous for being at the mouth of the Manakau Harbour and edge of the mighty Tasman Sea at the bottom end of the Southern Waitakere Ranges. It's here where many people climb up the challenging and popular Omanawhanui Track to hug the coastline of the Manakau Harbour.

Today's hike with Auckland Trailblazers Hiking Group goes the opposite direction, walking North towards Karekare Beach, we will visit the stunning hidden Pararaha Valley , which has a Campground, and a type of river/big stream which has some deeper pools up stream from the Campground, where depending on interest we will enjoy a cool down dip in the fresh water here, while others not swimming can relax at the shelter here, under trees.

Whatipu Beach and Pararaha Valley was the site of large Saw Mills , after huge Kauri Trees here were cut down all along the coast, many people lived at Whatipu Beach, they had a school, hotels and accommodation here in the 1860s. A popular destination for new immigrants wanting to make their fortune..

One enterprising family , the Gibbons, came all the way from Novia Scotia, bringing their own ship and saw mill.

Today's long and demanding walk from Whatipu to Pararaha Valley, starts off on the Gibbons Track, climbing up some steeper sections of the Waitakere Ranges here for our first hour..then levels out as we hike north towards the Pararaha Valley, south of Karekare Beach.

Gibbons Track is one of the best Coastal Tracks for exceptional views initially in this Coastal Forest, then out towards the Tasman Sea, before we drop down more tracks into the Pararaha Valley for our extended lunch break, swimming opportunities and shaded trees here and toilets.

A lush hidden valley I describe like being in the Grand Canyon in America, it's breathtakingly beautiful, remote and wild, isolated, a fabulous destination to camp overnight, I first visited here many decades as a teenager scout. There was a hut here, and we spent many years exploring the waterfalls up stream, so expect to be inspired by the beauty here too.

After a long lunch break, we walk out to the entrance to the Pararaha Valley, to see the large sand dunes, and then we walk south along the black sand beach, back to Whatipu, alongside the Tasman Sea.

Before we head up into the wilderness area and hill, we will visit a huge Cave here, where in former years , formal dancing was held on a Saturday night...the floor of the cave had a Kauri Dancing Area...its a fabulous opportunity to see, and imagine socializing here in the 1880s and beyond ..nowadays that dance floor is buried under the sand. We sometimes gather here for Christmas...do Secret Santa and eat .

At a Glance -

Track Length About 14km Loop.

Walking Time - 6 hours approx.

Track Quality- Gibbons and Muir and Pararaha, Excellent. Firm and professionally engineered for the new Kauri Tree Die Back Standards.

Walk Difficulty - Moderate..Good fitness required and strong grippy walking shoes for the Days Activities here.

Highlights- Wilderness seashore, Coastal Bush, Rainforest, Open stream valley. Coastal views north and south..Historical interest. Swimming opportunities option.

WHEN - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22nd. 2025.

Meet and Greet is 9.00am.

Where Meeting - End of Whatipu Road...Beach Parking here and Toilets..

We will expect to be back at the Cars between 4 and 5pm depending on numbers and overall group fitness.

On Auckland Trailblazers Hiking Group we stop lots to rest and take pictures and talk about the things we see along the way..Not suitable for fast-paced walkers and anyone not interested in photography or historical interest. Please choose another group.

Bring along everything you need to keep yourself warm and happy and fed and hydrated for today's long time Hiking and Exercising.

Wear strong walking shoes or boots and carry everything in a small to medium backpack..Swimming stuff, sunscreen. Extra drinking water is available today at The Pararaha Valley Campground area.

No dogs or Smokers or Children today please.

We will have a Gold Coin or Donation Collection before we hike towards the Website and putting on these events for your pleasure and socializing interests.

Carpooling - Transportation..Organise this amongst yourselves prior to the Event..Add your Mobile number and Area where you live and contact each other. I suggest you give your Driver at least $20..

Plan on being at a popular Destination for Aucklanders, so allow Extra travel time other than what Google Map link here shows..In fairness to others who plan their route, we cannot wait for anyone late today.

Hiking pole, one or two is highly recommended today.

This is a slower-paced bush walking and coastal adventure with Auckland Trailblazers.

PM me if you need help with Carpooling etc.

You do not need to be a Meet Up plus member.

Keep checking here for updates.

Summer Season is coming.

Cheers Stephen French.
Mob 0274 779495
Auckland Trailblazers Hiking Group Organiser.