11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, clearing to fine in the morning, but returning at night. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
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1 / 83Waitākere West Regional Park
Mercer Bay Loop Walk
This is a beautiful coastal loop walk, high above Piha's sea cliffs, offering views up and down the west coast and great for a family adventure.
Distance
2.2 km
Walking time
50 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
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 11 Oct 2026, 5:43 am
12 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, becoming widespread for a time in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
A few showers clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
A few showers, some possibly heavy. Northerlies, turning westerly.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Mercer Bay Loop Walk on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Mercer Bay Loop Walk
The Mercer Bay Loop Path starts at the end of Te Ahua Road, above Piha and takes you to Te Ahua headland which was an important Māori pā. This is an important place for Te Kawerau a Maki, the Māori iwi that has authority over this land, so please stay on the track. It's recommended to walk the loop in a clockwise direction, so take the track entrance at the southern side of the car park. You'll begin by heading down through low regenerating forest. At the first junction, turn right which takes you towards the former pā site. Heading left at the junction takes you along Comans Track to Karekare Beach , which is a 2 hour return trip. On reaching the pā, a small lookout platform at the end of the track provides amazing views to the north and south. From here, head back to the trail, and turn left at the junction. The track traverses along the tops of the sea cliffs with more amazing views and wind-swept forest before climbing up to the northern end of the car park.
Kauri protection guide
When 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 Mercer Bay Loop Walk
The walk starts from the end of Log Race 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 Mercer Bay Loop Walk
On-leash
Before you walk Mercer Bay Loop Walk
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.