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 / 156Waitakere South Regional Park
Ōmanawanui Track
With fantastic views of Manukau Harbour, Awhitu Peninsula and Whatipū Beach, Ōmanawanui might just be the best track in the Waitakere Ranges.
Distance
4 km
Walking time
2 ¼ hours
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 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
Ōmanawanui Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Ōmanawanui Track
If you’re just walking one way, starting at the top of Whatipū Road will mean that the view will always be in front of you. But if you’re choosing to do only a section of it and coming back, it’s really up to you. Starting off at the top of Whatipu Road, the track follows a gently undulating ridge until rejoining the road about 10 minutes later. The track then continues along the rocky ridge, passing some steep drops and climbing over a couple of high points. Be prepared for a few steep climbs, particularly after the summit of Ōmanawanui (241m above sea level). From the last high point there’s a little detour, if you have a spare 15-20 minutes, taking you along Signal House Track. This is well worth the extra walk for the views overlooking the wild and majestic Whatipū Beach. Return back up this track and then continue to follow the track towards the north and down to Whatipū. Either return the same way, or have someone collect you from the end, the road is not safe to walk along.
Essential information for Ōmanawanui Track
Be prepared for a lot of steps and steeper sections. 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 , which leads to Ōmanawanui . 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
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 Ōmanawanui Track
The walks starts from the Puriri Ridge carpark, at the top of Whatip ū 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 Ōmanawanui Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Ōmanawanui 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.