There are so many great walks in West Auckland, and every time I explore the area I find a new walk that tops the list for me…let me introduce you to the Mercer Bay Loop Walk…a new favourite! You can’t go wrong with any of the West Coast walks; Kitekite Falls is pretty spectacular.
This short walk is perfect if you have a free morning or afternoon…it takes no longer than an hour depending on your walking speed and the views are pretty choice.
If you’ve just started to do some walks then this is a good one to add to your list…views, some steps and the inclines aren’t too bad either.
As this West Auckland Walk is a loop, you can start at either one of the two entrances that can be found at the car park….make sure you clean your shoes to protect the Kauri trees at the entrance. On entering, we had a quick walk through the bush…not as dense as you’ll find at Hunua Ranges…
…and then it opens up…
…to some pretty glorious West Coast views that the area is famous for!
We found a nice little park bench to stop and take in the surroundings…make sure you stop to enjoy the views…
…while it’s great to try and break every walking record that was ever created…the joys of being outside is to take in the fresh air and the surroundings.
There are a few inclines…but nothing that makes you scream…make it stoppppppp NOWWWWWW…
…and there are a few steps…these ones aren’t anything to write home about…
…these are mild mannered steps…the steps at Taranaki Falls on the other hand, I’m pretty sure they gave me a haemorrhoid…I really wish I was kidding!
The Mercer Bay Loop is quite open to the elements so just make sure you are prepared with a rain coat and warm top layer as the wind can be pretty strong on the West Coast.
Coming home to New Zealand in 2018 has really made me appreciate the natural beauty of our country and also the flora which is so unique to New Zealand…the shapes of our trees and ferns…
…you just know you’re in New Zealand. I have a gorgeous print from Ellen Giggenbach which I purchased last year and I love as it has a number of my favourite NZ trees…it hangs proudly in my lounge art gallery…which currently consists of five pieces of art.
We made it to the viewing platforms overlooking the West Auckland coastline…
…it’s a pretty long way down if you decide to fall off the edge of the cliff!
Finding a friend…
…I love reading and learning about local Maori stories and yes we should be embracing our culture here in New Zealand.
The weather decided to turn…it is New Zealand remember…four seasons in one day! We managed to walk back to the carpark as the weather was turning gloomy…thankfully it wasn’t a “Run Forest Run” moment…
…it actually made for some wonderful photos I think…the West Coast coastline looks more stunning with angry clouds (they didn’t look too angry at this stage…I look more angry when someone steals my chocolate bar!)…
…every time I visit this area of Auckland, I know I will venture back…
…arriving home, googling my next walk in the Waitakere Ranges.
What is your favourite West Auckland walk in New Zealand? Let me know what your favourite walk is in your own country please.
Travel Tips for the Mercer Bay Loop Walk, West Auckland
- There is quite a bit of parking…you have to go down a long bumpy drive to the main car park.
- The Mercer Bay Loop walk starts and finishes at the car park
- There is a toilet in the car park…always have a roll of toilet paper handy in your car…and obviously something to clean your hands with!
- The walk takes approximately 50 minutes and is great for someone just starting out doing longer walks or if you’re looking at taking some friends and family for a walk in the Auckland Region…this would be perfect.
- Walking boots aren’t required for this walk…I just wore my usual walking shoes from Merrell who I swear by if you have wider feet like me.
- Remember to take some water, a rain coat and a warm jumper…yes I sound like a total nana!
- You can find more information about the 2.2 km Mercer Bay Loop Walk
xx
If you liked this post on Mercer Bay Loop Walk: The Best West Auckland Walk? then why not come and join me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest – I won’t bite!
