Last updated October 2026
Exhibition Drive and the Beveridge Track together make a gravel route through native bush from Titirangi to the Arataki Visitor Centre, the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.
Exhibition Drive began life as a tramway for laying the water pipeline from the Upper Nihotupu Dam, and today it is a fairly flat, compacted gravel track starting at the corner of Woodlands Park Road and Scenic Drive.
Auckland Council gives the Beveridge to Arataki Track as 3.5 km and about 60 minutes from 26 Exhibition Drive, mostly gently graded with a few steep sections. Along the way you pass the Monkey Drive Tunnel and get views over the Manukau Harbour and Lower Nihotupu Reservoir.
Practical Information
- Start
- Exhibition Drive Track: corner of Woodlands Park Road and Scenic Drive, Titirangi, beside the Watercare reservoir. Beveridge to Arataki Track: 26 Exhibition Drive.
- Finish
- Arataki Visitor Centre, 300 Scenic Drive
- Distance from the city
- About 17 km from Auckland
- Walking time
- Beveridge to Arataki Track about 60 minutes one way (about 40 minutes by bike)
- Track length
- Beveridge to Arataki Track 3.5 km
- Terrain
- Gravel; Exhibition Drive fairly flat, the Beveridge Track mostly gentle with a few steep sections
- Shared use
- Walkers and cyclists
- Facilities
- Public toilet listed by the council; Arataki Visitor Centre open 9am to 5pm daily except Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- Parking
- At the Exhibition Drive start, but the council warns it can fill up quickly
- Status
- Check Auckland Council’s open and closed tracks map before you go.
About Exhibition Drive and Beveridge Track
Exhibition Drive has a working past. The council explains that it was first a tramway used to lay the pipeline carrying water from the Upper Nihotupu Dam to the city. It was later widened to the width of a road, opening up the Waitākere Ranges for scenic drives, picnics and walks.
Today the former road is a compacted gravel track used by walkers, runners and cyclists, with information posts along the way pointing out features that are easy to miss.
The Exhibition Drive Track runs to a turnaround point with views over the Lower Nihotupu Reservoir and the Manukau Harbour. You can turn back from there, or follow the council’s suggestion and carry on along the Beveridge Track to Arataki.
The Beveridge to Arataki Track is a gravel path through native bush, signposted with Beveridge Track markers. It is mostly gently graded, though a few steep pinches mean cyclists may need to get off and push.
The highlight is the Monkey Drive Tunnel, built in 1901 to house a pipe taking water from the Upper Nihotupu Dam to a pump station at Western Springs. Further on there are views of the Manukau Harbour and the Lower Nihotupu Dam before the track reaches the Arataki Visitor Centre.
The council describes the combined route as suitable for walking and family cycling.
Arataki and the Tracks Beyond
At the finish, park rangers at the Arataki Visitor Centre can give track and weather updates. The centre is open from 9am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Council’s track map also shows the Slip Track, Pipeline Track and Pipeline Road in this part of the park.
Kauri Dieback and Track Closures
The council’s Beveridge to Arataki page notes that kauri dieback disease affects kauri trees and asks walkers to check which tracks are open or closed before setting out. Stick to open tracks, and remember that closures in this area can change.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council: Beveridge to Arataki Track: route, time, the Monkey Drive Tunnel and the visitor centre.
Auckland Council: Exhibition Drive Track: start point, surface, parking and the history of the drive.
Auckland Council: Arataki, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park: visitor centre address, opening hours and park rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the walk start?
The Exhibition Drive Track starts at the corner of Woodlands Park Road and Scenic Drive in Titirangi. The council gives the Beveridge to Arataki Track’s start as 26 Exhibition Drive.
How long does it take?
The Beveridge to Arataki Track is 3.5 km and takes about 60 minutes to walk one way, or about 40 minutes by bike.
Is it a hard walk?
No. Exhibition Drive is fairly flat, and the Beveridge Track is mostly gentle with a few steep sections.
Can I cycle it?
Yes. Both tracks are shared by walkers and cyclists. Riders should watch for walkers and may need to dismount on the steeper bits.
What is the Monkey Drive Tunnel?
A tunnel built in 1901 to house a pipe carrying water from the Upper Nihotupu Dam to a pump station at Western Springs.
Can I bring my dog?
The council’s pages for these tracks don’t state a dog rule. Check Auckland Council’s dog walking rules for the Waitākere Ranges before you go.
Is there parking?
Yes, at the Exhibition Drive start, but the council warns the car park can fill up quickly.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check Auckland Council’s open and closed tracks map before you go.
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