The Puriri Ridge Track, part of Te Ara Tūhura Hillary Trail in the Waitakere Ranges, starts out feeling like little more than a necessary connection between Te Rau o te Huia Mt Don McLean and the spectacular Omanawanui Track. But after a flat section through forest regrowth, there is a local peak and then a short sharp drop through an open section of ancient volcanic rock with an excellent view down the Whatipu valley towards the beach. On the day, rātā were flowering around this section of the track as an added bonus.
After the drop, the track re-enters another pretty section of the forest with many steps down to Whatipu Road. Allow about 40 minutes to walk the track from Mt Don McLean to the road, with the Omanawanui Track starting immediately on the opposite side.
As you can see from the photos, the drop is a good spot for capturing sunsets, and it’s an easy return walk from the Te Rau o te Huia Mt Don McLean car park as a shorter option.
