About | Te Henga Walkway
The Te Henga Walkway goes along the coastline from Muriwai to Bethells, then down to O’Neill Bay and through native forest. It’s a stunning walk with amazing views the whole way.
The walk takes 2.5 – 3hours from Muriwai to Bethells. Although it can be walked either way, the best way to walk it is starting at Muriwai and ending at Bethells – there’s a steep hill and it’s better to walk down it than up it. Note: a bridge has been washed away at the entrance of the track at Bethells, but the creek can easily be walked through (ankle deep), it’s actually quite refreshing to wade through it after a good walk.
You’ll need to organise someone to drop you off or pick you up if you’re going to do the whole length of it. Or you can do a return trip and go back the way you came or just do part of it.
If you’re just going to do part of it, the Bethells side is great because you can stop off at O’Neill Bay. You’ll probably find a few surfers catching the waves there. Walk around the rocks for a little explore or have a play in the sand or water.
If you choose to go further, the view from the top of the cliff over O’Neill Bay is pretty awesome but it’s a grilling walk up. If you do make it up, have a rest at the top and take the time to check out those stunning views. You can see out to Bethells Beach, O’Neill Bay and inland is Lake Wainamu and the sand dunes. This is also a great spot to bring out some lunch. You deserve it.
Muriwai side: the track is a bit overgrown with gorse and flax, especially on the Muriwai end and along the coast. The track is also very uneven in places and it can get very muddy in winter. Take care around the cliffs. The Bethells end is better maintained.
Dogs not allowed.
Nearby
Lake Wainamu (giant sand dunes, walk around the lake and waterfall)
Location
Te Henga Walkway can be walked from either Muriwai or Bethells:
- Muriwai: from Constable Road.
- Bethells: along Bethells Road, by the bridge after Tasman View Road. Turn into the parking on the right side, the track starts from there.
Photos
We found this and another horse in a paddock on the Bethell’s side of the Te Henga Walkway. They were friendly so we gave them a little pat. This one liked the flavoured drink Sam was carrying and followed us! The kids loved it!
We walked through the paddock then came out the other end and into native bush. The kids couldn’t resist a climb.
5-minute detour to O’Neill Bay. Play in the sand, walk along the rocks or just sit and watch the waves come in – it’s a nice place.
The walk could do with some maintenance, it can get muddy in areas (we did the walk in autumn) and there’s plenty of gorse. Watch your step, we tripped up on the flax leaves more than a couple of times!
Fanatic spot for a picnic!
