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Auckland

Highlights

  • Waterfalls
  • Hiking, walking
  • Black-sand beaches

Proximity

Wander through 16,000 hectares of native rainforest and coastline, only a short ride from city lights.

Before you go...

A number of tracks in the Waitākere Ranges are still temporarily closed, due to kauri dieback. For more updates, see the Auckland Council map(opens in new window).

Auckland
Walking in the Waitākere Ranges, Auckland

By Tourism New Zealand

The Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is a place where pristine bush, thriving native wildlife and rugged black sand surf beaches come together. Only a 40-minute drive from the Auckland city centre, this spectacular park is great year-round destination.

A great starting point

The Arataki Visitor Centre(opens in new window) in Oratia is a great place to start your wilderness adventure out west. Learn more about the many hiking tracks. Catch nature activities as well as art exhibitions. And add to your photo gallery inside one of Auckland’s iconic golden frames(opens in new window).

Over 250 kilometres of walking tracks

Auckland
Bethalls Beach Te Henga, Auckland

By Credit Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

With over 250 kilometres of walking tracks, the ranges are a wonderful place to explore on foot. Some of the most popular walks include…

  • Lion Rock – a short but punchy climb above Piha beach, for nature lovers and bird watchers alike.
  • Upper Huia Reservoir – 17 kilometres of trail complete with an abandoned mine, two dams, and nikau palms unique to New Zealand.
  • Kitekite Falls – famed for its old kauri trunk at the start and 40 metre waterfall at the end.
  • Mercer Bay – for amazing coastal views from the highest coastal slopes in Auckland.
  • Whatipu Caves – where young people came to dance for nearly a century.

Protect Kauri for generations to come

Kauri are one of the longest-living tree species in the world, living between 1000-2000 years. But they need your help to survive, due to the spread of a natural pathogen in recent years. Please remember to:

  • Remove visible soil and plant material from shoes, tyres, and equipment before and after you visit.
  • Use the hygiene stations installed on major tracks.
  • Stay on tracks so you’re not touching the forest floor. 
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times or leave them at home.

Find out more about Kauri dieback(opens in new window).

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Piha

Auckland's west coast beaches

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