10 October 2026
Cloud increasing, and showers developing this evening. Northeasterlies.
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1 / 27Hunua Ranges Regional Park
Lilburne - Ernie's Loop
This is a popular extended loop walk for those wanting a longer trip, and is how most people walk Ernie's track. A high level of fitness and back country experience is recommended.
Distance
15 km
Walking time
7 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
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
Lilburne - Ernie's Loop on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Lilburne - Ernie's Loop
This is a popular extended loop walk for those wanting a longer trip, and is how most people walk Ernie's track. Starting from the Upper Mangatāwhiri Campground , make your way up to the Mangatāwhiri dam, then follow Waterline Road until reaching the start or Ernie's Track. Walk Ernie's Track until reaching Piggott's Campground , then return along Lilburne Road. It can also be walked in the opposite direction. This is a very long loop with a steep climb in the middle. A high level of fitness and back country experience is recommended, remember to allow plenty of time to complete the walk and check the weather forecast.
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 Lilburne - Ernie's Loop
The walk starts from the Upper Mangatawhiri campsite. This is situated on Waterline Road, at the southern end of the Upper Mangatawhiri Reservoir. 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 Lilburne - Ernie's Loop
Dogs prohibited.
Before you walk Lilburne - Ernie's 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.