Last updated November 2026
The Zion Hill Track loop is a demanding coastal walk from Karekare on Auckland’s west coast, in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. It climbs from Pōhutukawa Glade over Mount Zion, drops to the Pararaha Valley, passes through the old tramway tunnel at Tunnel Point and finishes along the black sand of Karekare Beach.
Auckland Council gives about four and a half hours for the loop and warns of steep climbs and soft-sand trudges. The track was closed from 2017 to protect the forest from kauri dieback and reopened in May 2026 after upgrades.
Practical Information
- Start
- Karekare car park, Karekare Road
- Distance from the city
- About 30 km from Auckland
- Walking time
- About 4.5 hours for the loop (Auckland Council)
- Track length
- About 10 km, with about 265 m of climbing (Free Walks NZ)
- Difficulty
- Demanding: steep climbs and soft sand
- Dogs
- On a lead on Zion Hill Track only; turn back at the Pararaha Valley Track junction, as the dune loop crosses a scientific reserve
- Kauri protection
- Cleaning stations on the route; use them
- Campgrounds
- Pararaha and Tunnel Point, tent only, no power
- Managed by
- Auckland Council (Waitākere Ranges Regional Park)
- Status
- Check Auckland Council’s open and closed tracks map before you go.
About Zion Hill Track
The loop starts quietly. From the Karekare car park you walk a short way back along the road, over the bridge and into Pōhutukawa Glade, a grassy reserve in the middle of Karekare. From there the track rises sharply into regenerating coastal forest and keeps climbing to Mount Zion, where the view opens out over the Tasman Sea.
On the far side the track descends past wetlands and gullies of nīkau, with glimpses of the old tramway route threading through the dunes below. After a kauri dieback cleaning station it meets the Pararaha Valley Track.
Turning towards the coast takes you to Tunnel Point Campground and the tunnel itself, cut through the rock for the old tramway. The route then follows the line of the historic tramway around the coast onto Karekare Beach.
The last stretch is the long walk north along the black sand, then back through the dunes to Pōhutukawa Glade. Free Walks NZ calls the dune section the hardest going of the whole walk, so leave some energy for it.
This is a walk for fit, well-prepared people who want a full half-day out. The council describes it as a demanding journey, and the reward is a loop that takes in bush, ridge, valley, tunnel and surf beach in one go.
Kauri Protection and the Reopening
Zion Hill Track was one of several Waitākere Ranges tracks closed from 2017 to help stop the spread of kauri dieback. Before reopening it, the council upgraded the track to a dry-foot standard, which it says reduces the risk of spreading the disease.
The 2023 storms played a part too: Pōhutukawa Glade was used to store slip debris, and in October 2025 the council said it aimed to reopen the track once the glade had been remediated.
Clean your boots, gaiters and poles at every cleaning station. Free Walks NZ notes stations at the start and at the Pararaha Valley Track junction. Stay on the track, as the closures were there to protect the ngahere, the forest.
Dogs, Tides and Conditions
Dogs are allowed on a lead on Zion Hill Track, but the council says dog walkers must turn back at the Pararaha Valley Track junction, because the loop through the dunes crosses a scientific reserve. With a dog, this is an out-and-back walk to that junction, not the full loop.
Free Walks NZ says the beach section is easier at low tide, so check tide times before you set out. It also warns that stream crossings can leave you with wet feet after rain, the bush track gets slippery on the descent, and there is no mobile coverage.
Toilets are at the Karekare car park and Tunnel Point Campground, but there is no drinking water at Tunnel Point. Carry enough water and food for the whole loop and tell someone your plans.
The nearby Zion Ridge Track is a different track from Zion Hill Track, so make sure you follow the right signs.
The council also says these tracks are very popular, so try to visit outside peak times and share cars if you are coming in a big group.
Where to Learn More
OurAuckland: The Waitākere Ranges are calling: the council’s description of the Zion Hill loop, dog rules and campgrounds after the reopening.
OurAuckland: Bringing Pōhutukawa Glade back to life: the storm clean-up at the start of the track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Zion Hill Track loop take?
Auckland Council gives about four and a half hours. Free Walks NZ puts the loop at about 10 km with about 265 m of climbing.
Where does it start?
At the Karekare car park on Karekare Road. You walk back along the road and over the bridge to Pōhutukawa Glade, where the climb begins.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check Auckland Council’s open and closed tracks map before you go.
How hard is it?
It is demanding, with steep climbs, a slippery descent after rain and a tiring walk through soft sand at the end.
Can I take my dog?
Only on Zion Hill Track itself, on a lead. Dog walkers must turn back at the Pararaha Valley Track junction because the dune loop crosses a scientific reserve.
Can I camp on the way?
Yes. Pararaha and Tunnel Point campgrounds are tent only with no power, and Free Walks NZ says bookings are made through Auckland Council.
When should I go?
Pick a time near low tide for the beach section, and the council suggests avoiding peak times because the track is popular.
Is Zion Ridge Track the same walk?
No. Zion Ridge Track is a separate track.
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