Takatū Loop Track at Tāwharanui
Located at the eastern end of the North Coast and South Coast Tracks in Tāwharanui Regional Park in northern Auckland, the Takatū Loop Track leads you to Takatū Point, with views over the Hauraki Gulf. This track meanders through a regrowth forest dominated by mānuka and kānuka trees. It's particularly enchanting when the mānuka is in bloom.
Scenic Viewpoints and Unique Flora
The track begins with a 500-metre walk through a regenerating forest, and then forks left and right to form the loop. Taking the left-hand fork will guide you to a fenced viewpoint at the tip of the point, offering sweeping views of Te Hauturu O Toi (Little Barrier Island) and extending back to Cape Rodney.
Continuing along the loop track, you'll be sheltered by pōhutukawa trees as you reach a second, more informal viewpoint. This dramatic spot features a short, steep descent to a small point overlooking a tiny bay dotted with striking rocks emerging from the surf. Walking onto the top of this point provides an ideal vantage for capturing photos.
As you explore this area, you'll encounter the unusual prostrated mānuka, a rare ground-hugging bush found in only a few places across New Zealand. This unique plant is especially captivating when in bloom. As you leave the coast on the loop, observe the layered appearance of the mānuka across the gully, creating an intriguing visual effect.
Wildlife Encounters
Tāwharanui Regional Park is not only a haven for native birds and unique forms of mānuka but also home to rare skinks and geckos. You might even spot a green and white spotted native skink, typically found in mānuka and kānuka scrubland. Keep your eyes peeled for these elusive creatures during your walk.
How to Get There
To reach the Takatū Loop Track, head to Tāwharanui Regional Park, located on the Tāwharanui Peninsula. The park is approximately 80 kilometres north of Auckland. Once there, follow the North Coast and South Coast Tracks to the eastern end, where you'll find the entrance to the Takatū Loop Track.
Nearby, you can also explore other attractions within the park, such as beautiful Anchor Bay and the Ecology Trail forest walk.
