Tunnel Point and the Pararaha Valley
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About
Greetings Everyone - Join us on Sunday as walk the Pararaha Valley from Karekare and back along the Zion Hill Track.
🟡 Some words to Inspire you:
We'll begin by stepping onto the dramatic, wind-swept black sands of the coast, tracking an ancient logging tramway through a historic rock-hewn tunnel. The coastal dunes quickly give way to the vibrant green of the Pararaha Valley, where brand-new boardwalks glide effortlessly over pristine, freshwater wetlands and winding streams.
We then climb into the lush canopy of the Muir Track, rising high above the valley floor to a breathtaking ridge lookout. Here, you'll be treated to 360-degree vistas stretching across the vast wilderness, Taranaki Bay, and the roaring Tasman Sea.
Our journey home winds gently downward through the native kauri and nikau palm groves of the Zion Hill Track, culminating in a spectacular grand finale—the thundering, 30-metre cascade of Karekare Falls dropping into its deep, forested pool.
Duration: About 4 -5 hours hike including stops.
Distance: Approx 12 - 14 km.
Difficulty: 3.0 - 3.25 on our 1-5 scale for day hikes.
Toilets: At the start and at the campground
Low Tide: 9:47am
🧭 Meeting Places:
Auckland Global Trekkers - 100 Wellington Street
Karekare Beach car park, 1 Karekare Road, Karekare
Piha Memorial RSA, 3 Beach Valley Road, Piha
🚗 Carpooling:
Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at Freeman's Bay. Best efforts, no guarantees.
Just ANSWER the RSVP question.
Cost for Car Poolers: $10 - Please pay the driver cash at Freemans Bay, otherwise you may not be able to come.
⏱️ 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 Karekare main carpark.
09:40 - 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/6ruCfwBZpMYyPXL89
🟡 Post-Hike Gathering (Optional):
After our adventure, you're welcome to join us for some well-deserved relaxation and camaraderie at the Piha RSA.
🟡 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.
🟡 Capture the Moment:
Share your best photos of the day to have a chance to be featured on our Instagram & Facebook Accounts.
🟡 Important Notes:
When walking on the beach there is no protection from sun, wind or rain - come prepared.
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.
🟡 How the Grading Works:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17iZoaM7SFaQcuyBF-AecNY8YBZeUpdxIvUmqpPfv1wo/edit?usp=drivesdk
🟡 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?
🟡 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
🧭 Walk Description & Directions:
Start at the car park, cross the bridge, and head south following the flat terrain along the base of the cliffs, tracking the old, raised logging tramway alignment then passing through the train tunnel to enter Tunnel Point Campground. From here, step onto the boardwalks that guide you through the Pararaha Valley wetlands and over the curved stream bridge.
From the camp, step onto the Muir Track climbing steadily alongside the Muir Stream up onto the forested ridge. Upon reaching the junction with the Gibbons Track follow it a short distance to access one of its elevated lookout points. Take a moment to catch your breath and absorb the jaw-dropping, 360-degree vistas stretching across the vast wetlands, Taranaki Bay, and the wild Tasman Sea.
Use this high point to soak in the remote west-coast for lunch before starting the loop back.
Retrace your steps back down to the valley floor junction via the Muir Track (descending here keeps the hike much gentler than climbing up the notorious, steep stairs of Zion Hill. Once at the valley junction, cross over to the newly upgraded Zion Hill Track. Follow the well-maintained gravel path and wooden boardwalks back down to Pōhutukawa Glade near the coast.
Before hopping back in the car stroll just across the road from the main car park to Karekare Falls.
🟡 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 - Peter, Mike and the AGT Team.
www.aucklandglobaltrekkers.co.nz
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs
Tunnel Point and the Pararaha Valley
past
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 Zion Hill Track.
🟡 Some words to Inspire you:
We'll begin by stepping onto the dramatic, wind-swept black sands of the coast, tracking an ancient logging tramway through a historic rock-hewn tunnel. The coastal dunes quickly give way to the vibrant green of the Pararaha Valley, where brand-new boardwalks glide effortlessly over pristine, freshwater wetlands and winding streams.
We then climb into the lush canopy of the Muir Track, rising high above the valley floor to a breathtaking ridge lookout. Here, you'll be treated to 360-degree vistas stretching across the vast wilderness, Taranaki Bay, and the roaring Tasman Sea.
Our journey home winds gently downward through the native kauri and nikau palm groves of the Zion Hill Track, culminating in a spectacular grand finale—the thundering, 30-metre cascade of Karekare Falls dropping into its deep, forested pool.
Duration: About 4 -5 hours hike including stops.
Distance: Approx 12 - 14 km.
Difficulty: 3.0 - 3.25 on our 1-5 scale for day hikes.
Toilets: At the start and at the campground
Low Tide: 9:47am
🧭 Meeting Places:
Auckland Global Trekkers - 100 Wellington Street
Karekare Beach car park, 1 Karekare Road, Karekare
Piha Memorial RSA, 3 Beach Valley Road, Piha
🚗 Carpooling:
Carpooling will be arranged for everyone meeting at Freeman's Bay. Best efforts, no guarantees.
Just ANSWER the RSVP question.
Cost for Car Poolers: $10 - Please pay the driver cash at Freemans Bay, otherwise you may not be able to come.
⏱️ 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 Karekare main carpark.
09:40 - 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/6ruCfwBZpMYyPXL89
🟡 Post-Hike Gathering (Optional):
After our adventure, you're welcome to join us for some well-deserved relaxation and camaraderie at the Piha RSA.
🟡 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.
🟡 Capture the Moment:
Share your best photos of the day to have a chance to be featured on our Instagram & Facebook Accounts.
🟡 Important Notes:
When walking on the beach there is no protection from sun, wind or rain - come prepared.
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.
🟡 How the Grading Works:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17iZoaM7SFaQcuyBF-AecNY8YBZeUpdxIvUmqpPfv1wo/edit?usp=drivesdk
🟡 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?
🟡 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
🧭 Walk Description & Directions:
Start at the car park, cross the bridge, and head south following the flat terrain along the base of the cliffs, tracking the old, raised logging tramway alignment then passing through the train tunnel to enter Tunnel Point Campground. From here, step onto the boardwalks that guide you through the Pararaha Valley wetlands and over the curved stream bridge.
From the camp, step onto the Muir Track climbing steadily alongside the Muir Stream up onto the forested ridge. Upon reaching the junction with the Gibbons Track follow it a short distance to access one of its elevated lookout points. Take a moment to catch your breath and absorb the jaw-dropping, 360-degree vistas stretching across the vast wetlands, Taranaki Bay, and the wild Tasman Sea.
Use this high point to soak in the remote west-coast for lunch before starting the loop back.
Retrace your steps back down to the valley floor junction via the Muir Track (descending here keeps the hike much gentler than climbing up the notorious, steep stairs of Zion Hill. Once at the valley junction, cross over to the newly upgraded Zion Hill Track. Follow the well-maintained gravel path and wooden boardwalks back down to Pōhutukawa Glade near the coast.
Before hopping back in the car stroll just across the road from the main car park to Karekare Falls.
🟡 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 - Peter, Mike and the AGT Team.
www.aucklandglobaltrekkers.co.nz
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs