The Waitakere Ranges, which are on Auckland’s rugged west coast and have black sand beaches, is one of the best day trips from Auckland. Lake Wainamu loop track, a freshwater lake surrounded by native vegetation and a massive sand dune for surfing, is a rare delight.
1. What is interesting about Lake Wainamu?
Beautiful Lake Wainamu is close to Te Henga / Bethells Beach. It is easily accessible from Auckland. Sand Dunes and the Lake Wainamu Loop Track are both lovely hikes where you may enjoy some sandboarding with your friends or kids. As a result, the region is ideal for a day excursion from Auckland.
It is also the largest natural lake in the Waitākere Ranges. Sand driven inland from the shore dammed deep stream valleys to create it. In the area, it is the sole landform of this kind. Wetland surrounds the lake, which can reach depths of up to 12 meters.
2. The origins of the name
The lake was formerly called Roto Wainamu and is located inside Te Kawerau ā Maki’s traditional rohe. The name refers to the mosquitoes or sandflies that were typically present around the lake.
The location of Ōhuhu was discovered on the western banks of the lake, while the fortified fortification of Poutterangi and Te Pae Kākā was to the southeast of the lake. The lake was a part of the larger Te Henga / Bethells Beach and Waitākere River area of towns. An archaeological site called Te Pae Kākā was named after the Kākā parrot. Pakowhatu and Koropōtiki are two stone pā Te Kawerau ā Maki rangatira Kowhatukiteuru erected close to the lake.
3. Lake Wainamu Loop Track
The Lake Wainamu Loop Track is a two-hour hike through the rainforest and big sand dunes near Te Henga (Bethells Beach).
Starting and ending at the car park on Bethells Road, at the bridge over Waiti Stream, there are two ways to the lake: down a track following the shallow stream (30 minutes) or up and across a vast inland dune system (25 minutes).
The dunes drop abruptly to the northwestern end of Lake Wainamu, a long freshwater lake bordered by woodland.
Swim and dune surf here in summer. From here, it’s an hour’s walk around the lake, muddy but manageable for fit people. This part crosses a private easement.
The track crosses Wainamu Stream at an amazing waterfall at the lake’s head. A sculpture of local ancestor and pa builder Kowhatukiteuru watches over the waterfall.
The walk circles the lake’s northern bank, passing spectacular cabbage trees before returning to the dunes. Follow the creek back to the car park or climb the dunes.
4. A beautiful waterfall near the lake
The Wainamu Falls, often referred to as the Waitohi Falls, are a series of smaller waterfalls that are found in close proximity to Bethells Beach. It is one of the most popular beaches. Wainamu Falls is in the perfect location for a day trip thanks to the nearby sand dunes, warm lake, and picturesque hike.
5. Can the dogs be brought to Lake Wainamu?
Unfortunately, not at all. However, Bethells Beach welcomes them.
6. Top tips and advice
- Whether you choose to cross the creek or the sand dunes, it will take you around 30 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the lake.
- Depending on whether you stop halfway at the waterfall for a break, the Lake Wainamu loop course will take you between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- To navigate the sand dunes, put on sturdy shoes. Burnt feet must walk a long distance back to the car across the hot, black sand.
- There isn’t much parking in this area, and in the past, careless parking has caused access issues for emergency vehicles.
- There is just one composting toilet along this pathway; if you must use the restroom, head to the beach parking lot, which is farther up Bethells Road.
- Bring a bodyboard so you can ride it down the dune. Some folks attempted it with cardboard but didn’t make much progress.
