Exploring Raeakiaki Point at Te Henga
Raeakiaki Point is situated at the southern end of Te Henga Bethells Beach, located in the Waitākere Ranges in Auckland. It acts as a natural divider from Wigmore Bay. This location is ideal for those keen on exploring intriguing rock formations and enjoying expansive coastal views. The area's distinctive geological features, including a sea cave, make it a compelling destination.
Discovering the Sea Cave and Rock Platform
Begin your walk to Raeakiaki Point from the surf club observation building near the northern access to Te Henga. Walk south along the beach until you reach the prominent Raeakiaki Point. When the tide is low, you can explore a large sea cave located at the beach end of the point.
From the cave, venture onto a rocky platform that wraps around the base of the cliff, leading to the far side of the point. This path presents a modest challenge as you navigate down the rocks to reach the beach at Wigmore Bay.
Rock Pools and Scenic Views
The area around Raeakiaki Point is dotted with rock pools and offers sweeping views both north and south. As you explore the point, you'll come across a small island with a striking rock formation that changes shape depending on your perspective. Additionally, fishing from the rocks can be safely timed with the retreating tide.
How to Get There
To reach Raeakiaki Point, travel to Te Henga Bethells Beach via the west end of Scenic Drive on Te Henga Road, which transitions into Bethells Road. From Downtown Auckland, the drive takes approximately 50 minutes via the western motorway and Swanson. Once you arrive at the car park, it's a 10-minute walk to the beach and the surf club observation building. From there, it's a 20-minute walk to the point. If you head north from Te Henga, you can also visit Waitākere Bay and O'Neill Bay.
