10 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with the chance of a light shower, mainly at night. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.
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1 / 62Waitakere South Regional Park
Gibbons Muir Whatipū Beach Track Loop
For a great day out, this track links Gibbons Track, Muir Track, the Pararaha Valley Track and the Whatipū coastline as a loop walk.
Distance
15.3 km
Walking time
4 - 5 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Auckland forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 5:00 am
11 October 2026
Occasional rain, clearing for a time in the morning and afternoon. Northerlies, turning westerly in the morning.
12 October 2026
Rain clearing in the afternoon, but remaining cloudy. Northerlies, turning westerly in the morning.
13 October 2026
Mostly cloudy, with a few showers. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Gibbons Muir Whatipū Beach Track Loop on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Gibbons Muir Whatipū Beach Track Loop
Once an old logging road running along the top of the Whatipū coastal cliffs, Gibbons Track is now a great track for views over the Whatipū wetland. The track has a steep climb from the Whatipū end; however it is mainly flat and level from that point. At the end of Gibbons Track, turn left onto Muir Track, which descends to the Pararaha Valley campground. This track has steeper sections, particularly just above the campground. For an overnight stay, Pararaha Campground can be booked through Auckland Council To continue the loop, follow Pararaha Valley Track out to the wetlands and then continue left along the beach along the Whatipū Coast walk. This will take you back to the Whatipū carpark.
Essential information for Gibbons Muir Whatipū Beach Track Loop
Gibbons and Muir tracks are steep in places. Consider taking walking poles. Wear and carry extra sunscreen as there is not a lot of shade on the beach. The sand can be deep along the beach, which will slow down your walking time. Aim to complete this section as close to low tide as possible to reduce this.
Kauri protection guide
Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Campsites
Pararaha Valley Campground is a g rassed campground at the foot of a hill with an open shelter. There is a composting toilet and water is available from the stream. Boil before use. Tunnel Point Campground is a basic grassed campground situated between dune wetlands and coastal cliffs. Whatipu Lodge and Campground is a private lodge and campground. Bookings are required.
Getting there for Gibbons Muir Whatipū Beach Track Loop
The track starts at Whatipu carpark at the end of Whatipu Road. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Gibbons Muir Whatipū Beach Track Loop
Prohibited
Before you walk Gibbons Muir Whatipū Beach Track Loop
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.