10 October 2026
Cloud increasing, and showers developing this evening. Northeasterlies.
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1 / 6Hunua Ranges Regional Park
Lilburne - Twin Rocks - Ernie's Loop
This route takes the Ernie's Track loop walk and adds on the Upper Mangatawhiri, Mangatangi Ridge and Rata Ridge tracks to create a huge back country walk that takes in the best of the remote Hunua Ranges bush, reaching the peak of Kohukohunui mid-way through. Suitable for those with advanced level of fitness and tramping experience.
Distance
23.7 km
Walking time
15 hours
Difficulty
Advanced
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
Lilburne - Twin Rocks - 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 - Twin Rocks - Ernie's Loop
This route takes the Ernie's Track loop walk and adds on the Upper Mangatawhiri, Mangatangi Ridge and Rata Ridge tracks to create a huge back country walk that takes in the best of the remote Hunua Ranges bush, reaching the peak of Kohukohunui mid-way through. Suitable for those with advanced level of fitness and tramping experience. Please note that dogs are not allowed on Lilburne Road past the Pukapuka Track junction.
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.
Campsites
You can camp overnight at Piggott's Campground if you wish to make this an overnight trip. There is no vehicle access to this campground.
Getting there for Lilburne - Twin Rocks - 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 - Twin Rocks - Ernie's Loop
On-leash
Before you walk Lilburne - Twin Rocks - 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.