Whatipu Beach And Caves

I was truly excited to visit Whatipu Beach because I have been to so many of our West Auckland beach favourites, but I had not experienced this wonder.
Upon arrival I was off with my family to walk the 20 minute/1.5km track to the Whatipu Caves. On the walk to the biggest cave you pass smaller old sea caves along the track, they are really fun to walk into for some exploring. The big cave was very impressive; I really enjoyed walking around and hearing my voice bounce around its walls.
I made sure I listened to the department of conservation– and sprayed a disinfectant on the bottoms of my shoes before and after entering the walk; this would help prevent the deadly Kauri collar rot which is easily passed from soiled footwear to trees.
After the cave walk, I headed to the beach for a bite of lunch and a chance to soak in the scenery, hardly a sole to see. Picturesque waves rolled in to the shore, while in the distance the Manukau bar dramatically splashed up almost to say check me out I’m dangerous.
I will be back Whatipu I promised as I departed this afternoon– you are a mysterious beauty.

Over Christmas my husband and I knew we wanted to go camping but also wanted some quietude, so we looked somewhere close to home, the Waitakere ranges were it, and Whatipu Lodge camp grounds looked quite remote but interesting. It took quite a windy drive to get to, passing very close to the oceans edge and down some narrow curly passes but with just a mild case of nausea (for me) we eventually got there.
The space was very open and had one other camper nearby, a family tenting. We have a van decked out, which was ideal as the place was very windy and wet. It rained the whole time, but I liked it none the less, it wasn’t cold and a bit of rain is no drama in my world.
The hike up the big hill was easy and gave amazing views of the coast that we had walked along earlier in the day. The wind up on the cliffs did mean we had to keep our wits about us, and no rock climbing. We tried to get to the caves but it wasn’t really possible without more serious wet weather gear, we got soggy shoes and socks even through the mere attempt to get at them.
I recently read about all the ghost sightings in this place, we saw, nor felt, none, but it did give off a rather haunting feel. But that could also be because it felt like such an isolated environment and was so wet and windy. We did, however, see a lot of bird life. Bird watching is not a hobby of mine but it was kind of cool to see so many and all their antics.
The lodge caretakers came over to the car and collected the $ 15 (per night, per car) and had a brief chat soon after we had arrived. Bookings are essential before you arrive.

I first became fascinated by Whatipu when I saw it featured on the home-​grown TV show Ghost Hunt. Apparently the original part of the lodge is haunted by its historic female mistress.
It is indeed a remote spot, typical of Auckland’s wild West Coast and the last part of its approach is by metal road, usually accompanied by at least one lunatic in a ute trying to overtake at ridiculous speed.
The beach itself is stunningly beautiful but the surf fairly violent, however further inland there is a small lagoon of paddling pool depth that is usually warm and relaxing. You can camp here either in the campground or the lodge itself which sleeps 37.
A friend of mine hired the whole place last year for her husband’s 40^th and while I couldn’t make it, I was in awe at such a magnificent plan. I also only recently found out about Whatipu’s caves — one of which apparently had a dancefloor installed in the early 20^th century. This place holds many secrets and mysteries and it will take many visits before they all unfold. Beautiful.

I went to Whatipu Beach on Waitangi Day this year with my boyfriend. He told me we where going to a surprise location and after driving down a narrow and dusty road for about 15 minutes I was getting frustrated. The idea of being in the middle of no one thrilled me but at the same time scared me, besides narrow roads just ain’t my thing.
After all the anxiety of driving down this road, we finally reached our destination and parked the car. We started walking towards the beach, I loved the scenery. We where completely surrounded by hills, green grass and interesting plants. When we walked from the car park we started walking in the soft black sand will we reached the beach. It was one of those I have to take off my shoes to enjoy the softness of this sand, it was like getting a massage from invisible sources!
We walked for about 10 minutes and then we came to the the beach, it said no swimming so we only dipped out feet into the ice cold water. The water was perfect for the day and we continue exploring nearby sand dunes and caves. I attempted to climb one of the rock formations, unfortunately I just couldn’t get to the top.
After making sand angels on the sand we decided to walk down the beach and man I started singing the beach that never ends, it surely looked like it just went on and on. We finally decided we wouldn’t walk too far but instead stroll back to the car.
Whatipu is an amazing place, that looks like it hasn’t been touched by technology. The fact that you have to walk to the beach on a path that is just in the sand and not tar was the high light of my Whatipu beach experience.