This walkway uses the Kapuni to Auckland gas pipeline route for 14 km. The laying of the pipeline involved an immense amount of heavy construction work and these operations opened up walking access to the dramatic forest and coastal country of the region. The entire walkway is across private land.

There are three walking options along the Whitecliffs Walkway:

• Pukearuhe to Wai Pingao Stream, returning to Pukearuhe via the beach (low tide only): 3 - 4 hr / 6.5 km
• Pukearuhe to Mt Messenger (at State Highway 3): 6 - 7 hr / 11 km
• Pukearuhe to Tongaporutu: 5 hr / 14 km

The walkway crosses open farmland to Mt Davidson, where it enters Ngati Tama land. It then follows the pipeline route along the ridge tops before descending to the Wai Pingao Stream. 

Here you can divert from the main track and return to Pukearuhe by following the stream to the coast and walking south along the beach (tide permitting).

The walkway continues across the Wai Pingao Stream bridge before climbing to the Parininihi Ridge high point and descending to the junction with the Mt Messenger Track.

Turn right to climb toward the summit of Mt Messenger before descending to the track exit at State Highway 3.  

The Whitecliffs Walkway continues on to cross farmland, following Clifton Rd through to the sealed road at Tongaporutu.

Respect private land, use the stiles and keep to the track. 

Warning
The beach between the Wai Pingao Stream mouth and Pukearuhe is accessible only at low tide. If you have planned a walk along the beach as part of your trip, please check tide times beforehand. For your own safety do not attempt the walk unless you can reach Pukearuhe while the tide is still on its way out.

• Be prepared for changes in the weather. Get local advice on track and weather conditions before setting out.
• Take warm clothes, including hat and gloves and waterproof raincoat.
• Keep to the track

• Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

Location map

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Related links:

• Whitecliffs Walkway brochure (PDF, 198K)
• Parininihi Marine Reserve

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