The Nikau Track in Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke Island is an easy, pretty walk through nikau palms and regenerating native forest. It is also a section of Te Ara Hura.
The track starts at the Sculpture Car Park off Gordon Road, crosses over the road, and heads northeast into the park. It follows a shallow gully for a while before climbing up to a ridge, where it connects with the Tarata Track. You can head west on the Tarata Track, take the Kowahi Track and Dotties Lane to complete a loop or head east to connect with the Cascades Loop Track.
After the Cascades, you can return the same way or take the Central Track to Gordons Road, further east of the track entrance. Allow about an hour for the roundtrip.
The track is a wonderful example of a nikau forest, and during the season, you may also spot some unusual fungi.
