This leg-burner rewards with sweeping 360-degree views and connectivity to explore further. 

Both tracks on this route are named after the features they lead to. Kuataika Track delivers you to the 265m hill of the same name, where legend has it a group of kaumātua once met to discuss the matchmaking prospects of a young man of Te Kawerau-ā-Maki iwi. 

Smyth Ridge Track follows a ridge named after the Smyth family, who lived in the area between 1870 and the 1920s and were active in the timber industry.

The route begins at Kuataika Track parking area on Anawhata Road. Cross the stile into Anawhata Farm Regional Park and follow the markers through a large grassy paddock to a kissing gate on the edge of the bush. Keep a lookout for livestock and take a moment to enjoy the expansive scenery with the backdrop of the vast Tasman Sea. 

Once through the gate the track descends to Gentil Stream. This is one of only three streams on the route and the easiest to access if you are of the filtering-and-drinking-freshwater persuasion. If not, continue round the corner to the kauri dieback boot-washing station. We’re in the Waitākere Ranges, so you knew this was coming.

Continue along the relatively flat gravel track then descend steps to Anawhata Stream. Here you will find one of the main attractions of this track’s recent revamp: a springy but sturdy swingbridge.

The track then climbs through the kānuka, ponga and kauri with the help of an impressively long boardwalk with steps, designed to protect the kauri and to safely traverse terrain prone to slips. At one point it crosses a giant and leering slip.

About 1km after the swingbridge the track descends again, briefly, to Kuataika Stream. Cross the new curved bridge and ascend, steeply at times, towards Kuataika trig. A side-quest signposted on the left allows you to clamber up some boulders to the track’s namesake rocky summit. On a clear day you’ll find views north towards Te Henga and Muriwai, and inland across the park’s vast swathes of native rainforest.

Continue along the tightly packed gravel to join Smyth Ridge Track. This 2.2km track winds through mature native bush to Smyth Corner, where it meets Long Road Track – all up, about 3.5km from Kuataika. While less spectacular than Kuataika Track, its reopening offers a wealth of longer walking options. Note that dogs are not permitted beyond Smyth Ridge Track.

Go back the way you came (16km return) or link up with possibilities further afield. Walk to Waitākere Dam and up the road to Scenic Drive, meet some of the ranges’ oldest kauri trees at Cascade Kauri, continue on Long Road to Pae o te Rangi campsite, or exit to Bethells Road.