Discover Anawhata Beach
Anawhata Beach on the west coast of the Waitākere Ranges in Auckland is a secluded coastal treasure. Known for its breathtaking views and relative remoteness, it is an alternative to the busier and more easily accessible Piha and Karekare to the south. The journey to this hidden gem is an adventure in itself, with a scenic drive and a hike from the car park to the beach.
Hike to the Beach
From the car park, the views of the beach are superb. The walk down is steep, dropping 160 metres to the beach, and primarily through regrowth forest. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Don't miss the spectacular viewpoint on the cliffs, about a third of the way down, with stunning vistas of the coastline.
Exploring Anawhata
The beach is a 900-metre-wide black sand surf beach typical of Auckland's east coast. There are cliffs and rock platforms to explore at low tide at both ends of the beach. However, it is incredibly scenic, with a lagoon at the end of the Anawhata Stream and the option to walk to the top of Parera Point in the middle of the beach - a perfect spot for a picnic. Other points of interest include the striking Keyhole rock, just beyond the low tide line at the south end of the beach.
There are no facilities at the beach, but a basic toilet is available at the car park. Swimming is dangerous, and there is no surf patrol.
Accommodation Options
You can't stay on the beach, but near the end of Anawhata Road, you'll find a camping ground. Additionally, two basic houses managed by the Auckland City are available for rent by the beach, providing a more comfortable option with scenic views.
How to Get There
To reach Anawhata Beach from the Scenic Drive, take Piha Road, then Anawhata Road, about halfway to Piha. This picturesque, winding gravel road leads you through native forest and along a high ridge above Whites Beach, culminating at the trailhead.
From Anawhata Road, you can also walk down to Whites Beach and out onto Te Waha Point, with spectacular views of Piha. Another option is to take the White Track and Marawhara Track down to North Piha..
