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Mercer Bay Loop Track Auckland

4.8

A stunning coastal walk in Auckland's Waitākere Ranges, offering dramatic views of rugged cliffs, black sand beaches, and the Tasman Sea.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow

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Mercer Bay Loop Track Auckland

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning coastal walk in Auckland's Waitākere Ranges, offering dramatic views of rugged cliffs, black sand beaches, and the Tasman Sea.

4.8

(1k reviews)

"Absolutely recommend. The views are incredible and the loop itself isn’t hard, just some incline and decline."

TIP

🚗 Parking Tips

Arrive by 10:30 AM on weekends to secure a parking spot. 🚗

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The track is gravel and dirt with inclines; wear sturdy shoes. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 1,322 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Address

Log Race Road, Piha 0772, New Zealand

Website

aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/get-outdoors/aklpaths/Pages/path-detail.aspx?ItemId=380

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Vistas

Breathtaking views of the rugged west coast, Tasman Sea, and Piha Beach. A photographer's dream!

Historic Te Ahua Headland

Explore the site of an important Māori pā (fortified village) with significant cultural history.

Sunset Spectacle

Witness an unforgettable sunset over the ocean, making it a prime spot for golden hour photography.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Parking

Parking at Mercer Bay Loop Track can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early, ideally before 10:30 AM, or consider visiting on a weekday to secure a spot and enjoy the views without the crowds.

Safety First on the Coast

While many find the track safe, some reviews mention concerns about personal safety, particularly for solo female travelers. It's wise to research the area and consider going with a companion, especially if visiting during less busy times.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, better parking

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoon

Why

Golden hour for photos

Crowd

Medium

When

Summer mornings

Why

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best sunset spot in Auckland. 16/100 things to do in Aotearoa! 🤩😍

@travelphotoskiwi_

22.7K likes • 386.4K views

🚗 Parking Tips

Arrive by 10:30 AM on weekends to secure a parking spot. 🚗

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The track is gravel and dirt with inclines; wear sturdy shoes. :athletic_shoe:

This place in New Zealand offers extraordinary views of Sunset. You have to add this to your NZ must do list. . Location 📍Mercer Bay Loop Track, Auckland. . . Remember to follow along @barbiesharmarj for more travel adventures :) . . . #newzealand #newzealandbeauty #aucklandnz #northlandnz #nzmustdo #nzmustsee #nztravel #travelnewzealand #travelgram #travelingram #travelinspiration #travelreels #t...

barbiesharmarj

267 likes • 4.1K views

📍Mercer Bay Loop Track Experience this 1.3-mile loop trail near Piha, Auckland. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hour to complete. The Mercer Bay Loop Track starts high up above Piha and takes you to Te Ahua headland, the site of an important Māori pā (fortified village), with great views up and down the west coast. The track works best in a clockwise ...

_aotearoa_life_

85 likes • 1.4K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Spectacular views mean you might have to wait for photo spots. Go midweek if possible.

🐶 Pet-Friendly (Leashed)

Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, but be mindful of drop-offs.

1/6/25, Sunday Day 2 in Auckland New Zealand ✅Hiking area in Piha The Mercer Bay Loop Track start up above Piha & takes us to Te Ahua headland, the site of an important Māori pa (fortified village), with great views up and down the west coast.

azlina_abdolgani

9 likes • 335 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Tips

Arrive by 10:30 AM on weekends to secure a parking spot. 🚗

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The track is gravel and dirt with inclines; wear sturdy shoes. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Opportunities

Spectacular views mean you might have to wait for photo spots. Go midweek if possible.

🐶 Pet-Friendly (Leashed)

Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, but be mindful of drop-offs.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially on warmer days, as the track can be exposed to the sun.

What Travellers Say

4.8

(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the absolutely breathtaking and stunning coastal views from Mercer Bay Loop Track, calling it a must-do for its picturesque scenery and sunset potential. While the loop is manageable, some note the challenging inclines and the need for sturdy footwear. Parking can be an issue on busy days, and a few reviews mention safety concerns, advising caution for solo visitors.

"Visited this morning and spent 2-3 hours doing the loop (probably only takes 30 mins) but was took my time taking pictures and picking my jaw off the floor from the views. The loop does loop around to and from the car park. I saw a review suggesting women don’t go alone but I did and felt safe on the trail. The views are incredible and the loop itself isn’t hard, just some incline and decline. Had service the whole loop, it was clean and beautiful! Absolutely recommend."

Taylor Newton

"Great walk, the views are stunning and worth the drive. I’d recommend getting there by 10:30 for car parking. We did go on Mother’s Day so others days might be better. There is a restroom at the car park. Suitable for most ages over preschoolers. Not stroller friendly"

Leah Hawthorn

"Views can’t compare to anything else ! But fair warning there a plenty of women who have had instances with men on the track even “woman hunts “ where groups of men watch women park at the track and chase them down, to do god knows what ?! Not to mention as well as other cases involving both male & female in Piha missing without a trace :( There are missing person cases that back from over 20 years ago who have never been found please do your research and watch The Black Coast Vanishings. Other than that it’s such a beautiful walk but a shame we can’t go alone at any hour - please don’t come here alone especially as a woman !

FYI this track only has one way in and one way out e.g. you’ll be trapped once you’re at the car park & at the end of the trail, if someone is to follow you .

❤️ stay safe ❤️"

Kiana Burgess

What People Like

Incredible coastal views

Spectacular sunset spot

Well-maintained track

What People Dislike

Limited parking

Safety concerns raised

Not stroller-friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by car, taking about 45-60 minutes. Public transport is possible but involves a long walk from the bus stop (around 5 hours).

While technically possible, it's not practical. The nearest bus stops require a very long walk, making a car or ride-share the recommended option.

Yes! Many visitors combine it with Comans Track for a longer hike or explore Kitekite Falls and Lion Rock at Piha Beach. +1

Yes, there's a car park, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays. +1

Driving is the most convenient. The track starts high above Piha, with a dedicated car park. +1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Mercer Bay Loop Track is a free public access area, making it a great budget-friendly option.

The track is generally open from dawn till dusk. There are no official opening or closing times posted.

No booking is required as it's a free, open-access hiking trail.

Most of the time, yes. It's noted as one of the tracks that remained open after recent weather events, though it's always good to check local park advisories.

The main restriction is to keep dogs on a leash due to the cliff edges. Otherwise, it's open to the public.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The loop itself takes about 1 hour to complete, but many visitors spend 2-3 hours enjoying the views and taking photos.

It's considered moderately challenging, with inclines and declines. The hike back up can be challenging for some.

There is one long-drop toilet located at the car park, but no facilities on the trail itself.

No, the track is not stroller-friendly due to its gravel and dirt surface with inclines and declines.

Yes, most visitors report having mobile service throughout the loop.

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon for golden hour and sunset is highly recommended for stunning light.

Expect dramatic coastal landscapes, ocean views, rugged cliffs, and beautiful sunsets. +1

Yes, there are several lookouts along the track offering picturesque scenes. The main lookout near the car park is a popular spot.

It can get crowded, especially at popular viewpoints. Visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours can help.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots.