Whatipu Caves - 20 Minute Walk from Omanawanui Track Carpark - Waitakere Ranges

On New Years Day we went to Whatipu, located at the end of Waitakere Ranges.

Driving via Titirangi village, the gravel road winds its way along the edge of the Manukau Harbour eventually arriving at the Owanawanui Track carpark.

Three of us walked the stunning Owanawanui Ridge track in the morning before enjoying a picnic lunch together on the valley floor.

Omanawanui Track carpark

After lunch we ventured to the Whatipu Caves, a short 20 minute walk from the carpark.

The track runs under beautiful Pohutukawa trees and overlooks a large natural wetland towards Whatipu Beach. Prehistoric - the landscape looked like something from the past.

After about 10 minutes we arrived at a small cave, which we thought was the 'Whatipu Caves', however there was no sign. Again, we continued on around the next bend to find a larger cave. This cave was bigger and narrower in sections. It was a little spooky and got smaller the further we went in. Again this cave had no sign so we decided to carry on walking around the next bend.

'Whatipu Caves' the sign read. We found it.

Whatipu Caves - this one was sign posted

This cave was wide - the widest cave I have been into. The cave provided coolness from the hot temparature outside and would provide shelter in a storm.

Whatipu Caves is a short 20 minute walk from Omanawanui Track carpark.

Remember, keep walking until you see the sign! 'Whatipu Caves'