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Description
Whatipu is a remote and windy coastal site at North Manukau Head, where a beautiful black sand beach meets coastal wetland backed by forested Waitakere hills.
A trail runs behind the wetland leading to caves worth exploring and from which you get some views onto the wetland. The wetland scrub is excellent for listening to Dunnock song, along with the distinctive calls of Mātātā (New Zealand Fernbird). There might even be Australasian Bittern! While there are usually some geese and swans on the lakes, views from the path can be obstructed.
You can walk along the beach northward all the way to Karekare, passing the small lakes at Pararaha Valley where views of waterfowl may be better. New Zealand Pipit can be found on the beach and dunes, Variable Oystercatcher stroll along the water's edge, and sometimes also New Zealand Dotterel. Offshore, Australasian Gannet, gulls, and terns hunt over the water. During the breeding season (June to January), you meay hear Ōi (Grey-faced Petrel) calling when coming in at night.
Whatipu is simply a good place to escape the city for a day, enjoy the wind duneland, and spot some birds along the way.
Details
Access
Whatipu is located approximately 40 minutes from Titirangi, where the last stretch is via an unsealed road. There is no public transport to the site.
A campsite at the road end provides parking and toilet facilities. The beach is about 1 km from the carpark. The cave track is approximately 3 km and can be partially quite wet. You can also go up to Wing Head to enjoy the view over the mouth of the Manukau Harbour.
Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.