Te Rau-o-te-Huia / Mount Donald McLean is a hidden gem in the Waitākere Ranges on Auckland’s rugged West Coast. At the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over the Waitākere Ranges, Manukau Harbour, and even central Auckland, proving why this track is so popular among Auckland hikers.

You can reach the summit by taking a short walk from Whatipu Road or by hiking a longer, more scenic route through the Karamatura Valley using the Karamatura Track. I recommend the latter. It's challenging but one of the best half-day walks in the city! There are incredible views throughout, and you also get to cool off at Karamatura Falls, a popular and beautiful spot that becomes seriously busy in summer!

Track overview

Difficulty: Moderate/hard, depending on your fitness level

Length: 11.5km

Time: 4 hours return

If you’re up for a challenge, consider combining the Karamatura to Mount Donald McLean Track with the Omanawanui Track for a 21km out-and-back adventure. This route demands a good fitness level with plenty of steep sections and stair climbs, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best coastal views in Auckland. It’s the perfect escape into nature and an epic way to explore Auckland’s stunning west coast!

How to get here

Drive west out of Auckland City towards Titirangi. At the Titirangi roundabout, follow the signs for Huia. In Huia, turn left past the bridge and follow Huia Road for the next 800m until you reach the Karamatura carpark on the righthand side of the road. There's free parking and toilets. But, this carpark gets very busy in the summer months, so I would recommend arriving before 9:30 am to make sure you have a spot.