Whites beach again
I’ve been to Whites Beach several times, but this time it was good to share this gem on Auckland’s west coast with members Mike and Ronald.
On the chain gang
Whites beach from below Te Waha
We started from north Piha with the Marawhara Walk, then up White track to Anawhata Rd before descending to Whites Beach itself. The mid-winter day was perfectly clear and fine, but with temperature registering 9° during the drive over, not exactly warm. Nevertheless, the effort expended in the initial 200m climb warmed us sufficiently to dispense with most, if not all clothing. This on a good track through lovely bush with great views opening up as we went.
Final access to Anawhata Rd is permitted along a private driveway, then after 50m the Rose track (on another private driveway) descends until branching to the right and passing through bush and finally to the totally empty beach. The cool wind was starting to be felt, but a sheltered spot under the cliffs at the southern end was ideal for lunch and a welcome top up of vitamin D in warm sunshine.
On the return, we agreed to ascend to Te Waha point to the south, crossing the rocky foreshore to traverse the rock face fitted with chains to give a secure handhold and then a steep bush track to the headland summit. Magnificent views of the beach below and the rugged coastline towards Muriwai, with a bonus stone bench!
From there, the Laird Thompson track connects back to the Rose track and driveway back up to Anawhata Rd, which I swear (!!!) is twice as long as the descent. Then finally back down to Piha, retracing our route up. All up time was around 3½ hours and well worth the effort. And being a weekday, we only encountered half a dozen (smily) people during the trip, no worries!
Nice to see you guys getting out there and doing it 😊
Good effort and a good post