Auckland
Mercer Bay Loop: west-coast cliffs without an all-day hike
About this guide: Researched by ReGear using the official sources linked below. This is a planning guide, not a firsthand trip report. Check the land manager’s latest notices before travelling.
Mercer Bay is a strong choice for dramatic west-coast scenery in a short walk. The route drops through low forest to Te Ahua headland, then climbs back with sea views beside you.
| Route | About 2.2 km loop |
|---|---|
| Walking time | About 50 minutes; allow longer at the lookouts |
| Effort | Moderate descent and climb; exposed coastal headland |
| Start | Road-end car park at the former radio station, Te Ahuahu Road above Piha |
Where it is
Road-end car park at the former radio station, Te Ahuahu Road above Piha.
Follow the route
- Start at the cleaning station on the southern side of the road-end car park and walk clockwise.
- Descend through regenerating forest. At the Comans Track junction, keep right towards the pā site and lookout.
- Visit the headland platform, then rejoin the loop and climb the coastal side back to the northern end of the car park.
Route map
The highlighted loop includes the headland lookout spur; it does not include the longer Comans Track descent. Tap the map to enlarge it.
What to expect
You lose height before earning it back on the return. The clifftop outlooks are the main attraction, but this is an exposed walk: leave it for another day in strong wind. Stay on the track around Te Ahua, an important site for Te Kawerau a Maki.
Getting ready
Council lists a public toilet. Bring drinking water and check current Waitākere track notices before driving out. Use the footwear cleaning station on arrival and departure.
Before you go: Stay behind barriers and well back from cliff edges. The Comans Track branch leads towards Karekare and adds a much longer climb back.
What to bring
I’d choose grippy shoes and carry a windproof raincoat, water and a small snack. A phone with the map saved is useful at the junction. I’d keep the outing to the loop unless I had deliberately planned a longer Karekare walk.
Sorting footwear? Our hiking-boot fit guide explains what to check before buying.
Choosing gear for this walk
For the exposed headland, choose a rain shell that closes comfortably over a warm layer. Check the hood stays in place when you turn your head and that the zip works smoothly. Shoes need tread for the descent as well as a comfortable fit for the climb back; a waterproof label alone does not tell you how well they grip.
Use our New Zealand day-walk gear guide to check your kit, and our used outdoor gear checklist before buying. If you need a replacement, browse current hiking gear; check the measurements and condition of the individual item.
Sources and credits
Sources checked 26 September 2026. Official walking information and map; Current park notices.
Aerial imagery: LINZ and Imagery Basemap contributors, CC BY 4.0. Track overlay: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Photo credits
Mercer Bay.jpg — Avenue. CC BY-SA 3.0.
