cover photo for Tunnel Point and the Pararaha Valley
Tunnel Point and the Pararaha Valley
Sat, Jul 4, 8:15 PM - Sun, Jul 5, 5:15 AM GMT
Location only visible to confirmed attendees
Video link only visible to confirmed attendees
Hosts
About
Greetings Everyone - Join us on Sunday as walk the Pararaha Valley from Karekare and back along the beach
🟡 Some words to Inspire you: Pararaha Valley is a stunning coastal and bush circuit showcasing the wild beauty of Auckland’s west coast.
For this AGT walk, we’ll head clockwise, giving us fresh perspectives and a more dramatic reveal of the coastline as we descend later in the loop.
The route begins with a steady walk along the beach to the Pararaha Valley for lunch. After lunch a long climb up through regenerating forest and open ridgelines, offering sweeping views across Whatipū, the Manukau Heads, and the rugged cliffs below. The track then curves toward the coast, where expansive black‑sand vistas and rolling dunes come into view.
The final section brings us back down to the valley floor. It’s a rewarding, varied loop with big scenery, great photo spots, and classic west‑coast atmosphere.
Duration: About 4.5-5.5 hours hike including stops. Distance: Approx 15-17 km. Difficulty: 2.5 - 2.75 on our 1-5 scale for day hikes.
Cost for Car Poolers: $10 - Please pay the driver cash at Freemans Bay, otherwise you may not be able to come.
Toilets: At the start. Low Tide: 2:09pm
🟡 How the Grading Works:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17iZoaM7SFaQcuyBF-AecNY8YBZeUpdxIvUmqpPfv1wo/edit?usp=drivesdk
🟡 Post-Hike Gathering (Optional): After our adventure, you're welcome to join us for some well-deserved relaxation and camaraderie at ITI Titirangi.
🟡 PLEASE: No smoking, animals, children or guests.
🟡 First Timers & Regulars:
 We extend a warm welcome to newcomers, and we kindly request a $5 donation from all hikers to support our website and enhance the safety of our group.
 You can pay by cash on the day or directly to our bank account 
 12-3430-0791504-00 - many thanks.
🟡 Important Notes:
 When walking on the beach there is no protection from sun, wind or rain - come prepared.
The last section of the road is gravel - drive carefully.
Swimming is extremely dangerous and is not recommended.
🟡 Health and Safety Information:
 All Auckland Global Trekkers organisers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury, or loss suffered during the events organised.
Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct and well being; recognising that there are hazards in attending group and outdoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk.
🟡 Preparation is the key to having a good day: Check the weather Do you have the correct clothing and shoes?.
 Do you know where the meeting places are?
🟡 Meeting Places:
 Auckland Global Trekkers - 100 Wellington Street Whatipu Beach Carpark - end of the road. iTi, 421 Titirangi Road, Titirangi
🟡 Carpooling:
 Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at Freeman's Bay. Best efforts, no guarantees. Just ANSWER the RSVP question.
🟡 Time Guideline:
 08:15 - A good time to arrive at Wellington Street 08:30 - Car Pooling will be organised and leave.
09:30 - Everyone arrives at Whatipu Beach carpark.
09:45 - Introductions and Hike starts. 12:00 - 12.30 - Lunch at Pararaha Valley campground 15:00 - Hike finishes. 15.15 - Piha RSA 17:45 - Arrive back at Freemans Bay (approx)
🟡 Maps and More Information:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2EuBV9iT6irkKw5U6
https://trampaddicts.weebly.com/gibbons-loop.html
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/auckland/whatipu-gibbons-loop-track
🟡 Walk Description & Directions: We walk from Karekare to Tunnel Point then onto the Pararaha track and have lunch at the camp grounds. If time permits do a bit of the Muir Track (optional) then back along coast
🟡 Capture the Moment: Share your best photos of the day to have a chance to be featured on our Instagram Account.
🟡 What to Bring:
 Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
 Comfortable shoes suitable for a variety of terrains. Sun protection and emergency rain gear. Personal first-aid items
🟡 Additional Notes:
 Safety and togetherness are our priorities. We will make stops at all track junctions to ensure the group stays together.
Punctuality is key, and we will depart on time, so please be prompt.
We can't wait to go trekking with you on Sunday - Steve and the AGT Team
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs
Tunnel Point and the Pararaha Valley
Sat, Jul 4, 8:15 PM - Sun, Jul 5, 5:15 AM GMT
Location only visible to confirmed attendees
Video link only visible to confirmed attendees
Hosts
About
Greetings Everyone - Join us on Sunday as walk the Pararaha Valley from Karekare and back along the beach
🟡 Some words to Inspire you: Pararaha Valley is a stunning coastal and bush circuit showcasing the wild beauty of Auckland’s west coast.
For this AGT walk, we’ll head clockwise, giving us fresh perspectives and a more dramatic reveal of the coastline as we descend later in the loop.
The route begins with a steady walk along the beach to the Pararaha Valley for lunch. After lunch a long climb up through regenerating forest and open ridgelines, offering sweeping views across Whatipū, the Manukau Heads, and the rugged cliffs below. The track then curves toward the coast, where expansive black‑sand vistas and rolling dunes come into view.
The final section brings us back down to the valley floor. It’s a rewarding, varied loop with big scenery, great photo spots, and classic west‑coast atmosphere.
Duration: About 4.5-5.5 hours hike including stops. Distance: Approx 15-17 km. Difficulty: 2.5 - 2.75 on our 1-5 scale for day hikes.
Cost for Car Poolers: $10 - Please pay the driver cash at Freemans Bay, otherwise you may not be able to come.
Toilets: At the start. Low Tide: 2:09pm
🟡 How the Grading Works:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17iZoaM7SFaQcuyBF-AecNY8YBZeUpdxIvUmqpPfv1wo/edit?usp=drivesdk
🟡 Post-Hike Gathering (Optional): After our adventure, you're welcome to join us for some well-deserved relaxation and camaraderie at ITI Titirangi.
🟡 PLEASE: No smoking, animals, children or guests.
🟡 First Timers & Regulars:
 We extend a warm welcome to newcomers, and we kindly request a $5 donation from all hikers to support our website and enhance the safety of our group.
 You can pay by cash on the day or directly to our bank account 
 12-3430-0791504-00 - many thanks.
🟡 Important Notes:
 When walking on the beach there is no protection from sun, wind or rain - come prepared.
The last section of the road is gravel - drive carefully.
Swimming is extremely dangerous and is not recommended.
🟡 Health and Safety Information:
 All Auckland Global Trekkers organisers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury, or loss suffered during the events organised.
Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct and well being; recognising that there are hazards in attending group and outdoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk.
🟡 Preparation is the key to having a good day: Check the weather Do you have the correct clothing and shoes?.
 Do you know where the meeting places are?
🟡 Meeting Places:
 Auckland Global Trekkers - 100 Wellington Street Whatipu Beach Carpark - end of the road. iTi, 421 Titirangi Road, Titirangi
🟡 Carpooling:
 Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at Freeman's Bay. Best efforts, no guarantees. Just ANSWER the RSVP question.
🟡 Time Guideline:
 08:15 - A good time to arrive at Wellington Street 08:30 - Car Pooling will be organised and leave.
09:30 - Everyone arrives at Whatipu Beach carpark.
09:45 - Introductions and Hike starts. 12:00 - 12.30 - Lunch at Pararaha Valley campground 15:00 - Hike finishes. 15.15 - Piha RSA 17:45 - Arrive back at Freemans Bay (approx)
🟡 Maps and More Information:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2EuBV9iT6irkKw5U6
https://trampaddicts.weebly.com/gibbons-loop.html
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/auckland/whatipu-gibbons-loop-track
🟡 Walk Description & Directions: We walk from Karekare to Tunnel Point then onto the Pararaha track and have lunch at the camp grounds. If time permits do a bit of the Muir Track (optional) then back along coast
🟡 Capture the Moment: Share your best photos of the day to have a chance to be featured on our Instagram Account.
🟡 What to Bring:
 Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
 Comfortable shoes suitable for a variety of terrains. Sun protection and emergency rain gear. Personal first-aid items
🟡 Additional Notes:
 Safety and togetherness are our priorities. We will make stops at all track junctions to ensure the group stays together.
Punctuality is key, and we will depart on time, so please be prompt.
We can't wait to go trekking with you on Sunday - Steve and the AGT Team
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs