There’s no doubt about it; the Omanawanui Track is one of the best walks in Auckland.
Auckland City Council recently invested three years in renovating this track with stairs and boards to prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback Disease. Now, it’s open to the public for the first time since the rahui was placed in 2018.
Having visited this hiking track a few times; I can honestly say it’s one of the best views in Auckland. Throughout the entire walk, you’ll get treated to jaw-dropping views over the coastline and out to Manukau Harbour, which are especially good on a good-weather day!
In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about getting to the Omanawanui Track, what to pack for your walk and an overview of the hike so that you know what to expect!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to use the links and make a successful purchase, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for being here ❤
Getting to the Omanawanui Track
The easiest way to the Omanawanui Track is to Google ‘Omanawanui Carpark’ and following the gravel road until you reach the carpark. The carpark at the trailhead is large and has a couple of good long-drop toilets.
Omanawanui Track overview
Once you’ve parked, head through the bushes at the front end of the carpark, and then veer off to the lefthand side to the start of the track. Once you’ve finished your hike, I highly recommend visiting Whatipu Beach and Whatipu Caves!
Follow the track uphill until you reach the first and, in my opinion, the best viewpoint. There’s a small bench here for you to catch your breath!
Carry on walking down the next set of stairs until you rejoin the boardwalk. On this portion of the walk, you’ll clamber over a steeper rock face, but it’s not too difficult to navigate, and there’s a chain if you need extra support.
Then you’ll be in for your next ascent! This is the last uphill climb before you reach the top, but I think it’s the most challenging.
The view at the top is amazing, but I think you’ll see what I mean about the first viewpoint being the best! There’s more boardwalk here, which was lovely to sit on and have our packed lunch before heading back the way we came and down to the carpark.
If you want a longer hike, you could combine the Omanawanui Track with Mount Donald Maclean. From there, you can continue onto Karamatua, and you’d cover about 15km. I haven’t done the whole stretch yet, but it’s on my bucket list!
What to take on your day hike
It’s important to be prepared when you go hiking in New Zealand because the weather can change, and the sun is relentless.
The Omanawanui Track is an easy-to-follow, straight forward track covered in board walks and stairs. if you’re travelling in the winter months (or there’s been a lot of rain), you might get a bit muddy. But generally speaking, you could very easily complete this hike with trainers and activewear.
I always opt for hiking boots and good socks because I find them more comfortable! However, what I would recommend packing is:
- A backpack
- More water than you think and certainly enough for 3 hours. I usually pack a 3L water bladder.
- Snacks or a picnic lunch
- Sunscreen – the sun in New Zealand is relentless (even in the winter!)
- A rain jacket if you think the weather might turn
For more information on what to take when hiking in New Zealand, check out Your New Go-To Day Hike Packing List.
Notes to Home 