09 October 2026
Mainly fine, some cloud late morning and afternoon. Easterlies for a time afternoon and early evening.
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1 / 1Tāwharanui Regional Park
Tāwharanui West End Track
Access from Takatu Road end, this easy loop follows blue markers starting at the Sanctuary Hut at Anchor Bay, and heads up the hills towards the pest-proof fence at the western end of the park. You'll get some unique views of the coastline and nearby islands before returning along the white sandy beach to the carpark.
Distance
4.9 km
Walking time
2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
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 9 Oct 2026, 3:39 am
10 October 2026
Cloudy, but becoming fine for a time in the afternoon and evening. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.
11 October 2026
A few showers. Northerlies, turning westerly in the morning.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated with longer fine breaks in the morning. Westerlies, dying out in the morning.
13 October 2026
Mostly cloudy, with isolated showers. Light winds.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Tāwharanui West End Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Tāwharanui West End Track
Access from Takatu Road end, this easy loop follows blue markers starting at the Sanctuary Hut at Anchor Bay, and heads up the hills towards the pest-proof fence at the western end of the park. You'll get some unique views of the coastline and nearby islands before returning along the white sandy beach to the carpark.
Essential information for Tāwharanui West End Track
Animals: Dogs are prohibited. Smokefree regional parks: Our regional parks are smoke-free. Waste: All our regional parks are rubbish free. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave. Outdoor fires: It is illegal to light a fire outside in all public areas in the Auckland region. For more information about the park and track, head to the Auckland Council website .
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.
Huts and campsites
Camp at the Tāwharanui Campground to extend your stay.
Getting there for Tāwharanui West End Track
Head for the township of Matakana and from here follow Leigh Rd for 1.5km and turn right onto Takatu Rd. This leads all the way to the Tāwharanui Marine Reserve where you will find a Taktatu Road carpark, toilet and start of the track. 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 . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive 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 Tāwharanui West End Track
Dogs Prohibited.
Before you walk Tāwharanui West End 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.