The Te Henga Walkway is the coastal track that connects Muriwai in the north to Bethells Beach (Te Henga) in the south. Tourism pages list the route at about 8 km, and describe a longer return walk to the Raetahinga Point end. The Department of Conservation warns that it can no longer be walked in its entirety. The section from Tirikohua Point south to Bethells is closed because major sections of the cliffs collapsed.
What is open from Muriwai
Auckland Tourism’s guide describes the Muriwai end as an out-and-back walk of 1.8 km and about 65 minutes one way to Tirikohua Point, with a viewpoint about halfway. That makes a one to two hour walk. We could not confirm the figure on a DOC page, so treat it as approximate and check the status before you set out.
Before you go
- Check DOC’s current notice for the Te Henga Walkway.
- Check the weather and wind: the track is on an exposed headland.
- Stay on the track and well back from the edge; the cliffs are unstable where they have collapsed.
- Tell someone where you are going. Mobile coverage along the coast is something we have not checked.
Bethells Beach is a separate trip
Bethells Beach (Te Henga) lies south of Muriwai and is reached through the Waitakere Ranges, not along the coast. See Piha, Bethells and Muriwai compared. The two beaches are different drives of about 35 and 45 minutes from the city according to travel guides.
Combine it with
- The gannet colony and Maori Bay at the start of the walk.
- A horse trek or the sunset afterwards.
Beaches below the track are not safe for swimming. Read the beach safety page before you get in the water.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk from Muriwai to Bethells Beach?
Not at present, according to DOC: the section south of Tirikohua Point to Bethells Beach is closed after major cliff collapses, so the full route cannot be walked.
How long is the Te Henga Walkway?
Tourism pages list about 8 km between Bethells and Muriwai. From Muriwai, Auckland Tourism's guide gives 1.8 km and about 65 minutes one way to Tirikohua Point, walked as an out and back.
Is the Te Henga Walkway at Muriwai safe?
It follows exposed coastal cliffs. Stay on the track, check DOC's closures, and keep away from the cliff edge and wet rocks.
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