10 October 2026
Cloud increasing, and showers developing this evening. Northeasterlies.
Loading outdoor place details…
KiwiTools
Search KiwiToolsFind tools, guides and categories in one place.
Loading photo
1 / 21Waitakere South Regional Park
Gibbons Track to Pararaha Campground
Gibbons Track is located in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park near Auckland. 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.
Distance
11 km
Walking time
2 -3 hours each way
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, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, easing to the odd light shower by midday. Scattered rain developing late evening. Northwesterlies.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
13 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Gibbons Track to Pararaha Campground on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Gibbons Track to Pararaha Campground
From the Whatipū Carpark follow the Whatipū Caves Track past the Whatipū Campground onto the Gibbons Track. The track is mainly gravelled with sections of boardwalk, and starts with a steep 250 m climb with lots of stairs from the Whatipū end; however it is mainly flat and level from that point until the junction with Walker Ridge Track/Muir Track - take the left track to follow Muir Track. After turning onto this track, you'll descend to the Pararaha Valley campground. This descent also has steep sections, particularly just before reaching the campsite. Pararaha Valley Campsite is a g rassed campground at the foot of a hill with an open shelter surrounded by the stunning bush of the Pararaha Valley. Bookings are required. From here you can return the way you came, or continue on the track and walk along the beach back to the start on the Gibbons Muir Whatipū Beach Track Loop .
Getting there for Gibbons Track to Pararaha Campground
Starts at Omanawanui Track car park beside the Whatipu Lodge and Campground. Use this location in Google Maps to help find your way there.
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.
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 Track to Pararaha Campground
Prohibited
Before you walk Gibbons Track to Pararaha Campground
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.