Te Henga means ‘the food for a work party’ in Maori, and is one of the most scenic coastal trails around Auckland in my mind. With New Zealand claimed the phrasal victory over COVID 19, the lockdown has been downgraded. We are lucky to have more freedom in nature. Te Henga Walkway is part of the Hillary Trail. Sir Edmund Hillary is a famous New Zealand mountaineer and the first person to conquered Mount Everest in the world.
The entrance to the trail is at Bethells Beach, 46 km from Auckland city centre, in the Waitakere Range, the largest nature reserve in Auckland. The whole walkway is about 10km - medium level for hikers.
The Te Henga trail is the last section of the 80-kilometre Hillary Trail. I have walked through once 4 years ago, and I had to turn back halfway. The main reason is that this walkway is not circular. It takes about four hours to walk over one way. For me, I certainly have no strength to return. Most people who want to complete it need to arrange a car on the other side to drive it back, and it is difficult for them to do it alone. We turned back again this time which is a shame. My son and I want to try it again with full coverage next time.
Black sand beaches are extremely rare in the world. Fortunately, the west coast of Auckland has two. The black sand beach is formed by the deposition of volcanic ash, and the “sand” is black and bright, shining in the sun, and bare feet are very delicate and soft on the wet black sand beach.
Things to remember:
Dogs are not allowed unless it’s a certified guide dog.
The track crosses private land in some area. Stay away from livestock.
Parts of the track may be overgrown with gorse and flax. Some plants have pricks.
Be aware of dangers on the tracks and surrounding areas - wet or slippery. Watch out for cliffs.
The vast and magnificent Western coast scenery and the ancient Kauri jungle trail are waiting for us to explore.
The clear lagoon and the mysterious cave are the adventure paradise for children.
The promotional blurb for NZ tourism has words like this: What you can leave is footprints, what you can take are photos. That’s what we’ve done today.
Fun fact: Shania Twain - Forever and for always (Official Music Video) was filmed here at Bethells Beach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpT-FW_G8-A&feature=youtu.be
. Thanks for sharing. My love and wish for your son. Regards.
