10 October 2026
Cloud increasing, and showers developing this evening. Northeasterlies.
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1 / 21Waitakere South Regional Park
Karamatura - Omanawanui Track
With a wide variety of experiences including native bush, streams, gushing waterfalls, and stunning views along the way, this is one of Auckland's best daywalks.
Distance
12 km
Walking time
4 1/2 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
On-lead only
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
Karamatura - Omanawanui Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Karamatura - Omanawanui Track
Start by following the Karamatura River up the valley to Karamatura Falls, which is a 5-minute detour off the track, before climbing steeply to meet the Donald McLean Track. The gradient flattens out at this point and continues gently until reaching the summit of Mount Donald McLean, from where you'll have expansive views on a nice day. From here, descend back to Donald McLean carpark and then continue along Puriri Ridge Track for half an hour until coming out of the bush at Whatip ū Road. After carefully crossing to the other side, Ōmanawanui Track leads along the ridgeline to Whatip ū Beach. Either return the same way, or have someone collect you from the end. For your safety, do not walk along Whatip ū Road.
Campsites
Karamatura Valley campground is a beautiful grassed campground area near Karamatura Stream surrounded by beautiful bush. Bookings are required year round. The campground provides great access to Karamatura Falls and Karamatura Track. Note: The 10-minute walk to the campground includes a river crossing. Barn Paddock (Karamatura Farm) If you wish to bring your car to camp, then book into Barn Paddock. It's then a short walk through a number of paddocks to Karamatura Valley Campground, and from there you can make your way to Karamatura Track. Bookings are required. Whatipū Campground contains numerous spacious, flat campsites. In peak camping periods they do get busy but as there are no allocated camping sites, the campground operates on a 1st in, best spot, basis. The campground facilities are simple. There is no electricity or hot water. There are three composting toilets, two cold showers and several water taps. Bookings are required.
Kauri protection guide
Visiting areas with healthy kauri trees Please make sure you follow these steps: 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.
Getting there for Karamatura - Omanawanui Track
The walks starts from the Karamatura carpark, along Huia Road. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. It ends at Whatip ū carpark, at the end of Whatipū 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 Karamatura - Omanawanui Track
On leash
Before you walk Karamatura - Omanawanui Track
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.