Kura Track to Puriri Ridge Track to Omanawanui Track loop in Whatipu, one of the most beautiful tracks in Huia, Waitakere Ranges, takes advantage of Manukau Harbour scenic view. You can commence this track loop from Kura Track which is about 400m draw back from car park on Whatipu Road. The first half of 4km long Kura Track is muddy in winder and have to cross stream three times. Then climb up to 240m high to join Puriri Ridge Track. Turn left continue climb up on Puriri Ridge Track until you meet Donald McLean Track, keep going ahead one minute to the car park. Then take Mt Donald McLean Walk to the summit. Return back on Puriri Ridge Track until meet Whatipu Road, then take Omanawanui Track, go up and down along the beautiful cliff track. Don’t miss the Signal House Track which will show you off a amazing scenic beauty!
Trails: End of Whatipu Road car park – Kura Track – Puriri Ridge Track – Donald McLean Track – Mt Donald McLean Walk – Mt Donald McLean Summit – Return back on Mt Donald McLean Walk – Puriri Ridge Track – Omanawanui Track – Signal House Track – back to Omanawanui Track – car park.
Car Park: Yes. Set “-37° 2′ 22.09″, +174° 30′ 25.88” in your GPS. It’s very end of Whatipu Road, Huia. About 45km and 55 minutes drive from Auckland city center.
Public Toilet: Yes
Weather: Check Weather before you go!
For better map display, click the buttons (Full Screen, Hide/Show Photos and Back to Center) in the top right corner of the map to study the tracks we took or any other tracks. For more information about Whatipu, you may go to Whatipu.
Max elevation: 394 m
Min elevation: 11 m
Total climbing: 995 m
Total descent: -997 m
Average speed: 4.05 km/h
Total time: 04:25:25
Difficulty Rating: 2.70 – M
The “Total Time” is my time in August which includes morning tea time and lunch time. That day was fine and the track was good. If you slow down to average 2.8 km/h plus 60 min stop then the total time will be around 5:45 hrs.
Photos on the map. Click opened photo to close.
Click photos below or go to Gallery to enjoy all photos and videos.
Kura Track, Puriri Ridge Track, Omanawanui Track loop
Please note: Kura Track was just moved to “under investigate” status and will not open in 2021, even not in 2022 I believe. New post ref this one: https://nztramper.com/karamatura-track-puriri-ridge-track-omanawanui-track-2021/
Mar. 2021
Thanks for your post! The trail was super muddy (and you’re right about the river fords…actually, there are four of them). The trails are not very well maintained these days it seems, and there were a couple of places where it wasn’t entirely clear where the trail even was! I had to backtrack a little bit at one point.
You were definitely right about the scenery, though. Even with all the frustration in this hike, I’m super glad I did it and would do it again!
Well done!
The track signposts captured at every intersection are most helpful. Good work.