Regional parks

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Remember to be a tidy Kiwi!

All our regional parks are rubbish free. Whether you call it rubbish, trash or garbage, please bag it all up and recycle it or throw it away when you return home.

Important notice

Track closures:

Following the decision by the Environment and Community Committee to close a number of tracks and implement a further programme of high and medium risk track closures, staff and rangers have been working hard to identify more tracks for closure.

A rāhui has been placed over the Waitākere Ranges by iwi Te Kawerau a Maki. This cultural restriction by the mana whenua of the area urges people to stay away from the ranges to allow the forest to heal. The council supports the principles of the rāhui and recommends alternative walking and tramping tracks across the Auckland region.

The list below includes additional tracks identified since the committee meeting on 5 December.

Long-term closures are in place for the following tracks:

  • Andersons Track –Cascade Kauri
  • Lower Kauri Track – Cascade Kauri
  • Pukematekeo Track – Cascade Kauri
  • Wainamu Bush Track – Cascade Kauri
  • Waitakere Tramline Walk (Partial) –Cascade
  • Kauri West Tunnel Mouth Track – Cascade Kauri
  • Waitoru Reserve Track – Bethells Rd
  • Ferndown – Track – Opanuku
  • Sharp Bush Track – Opanuku

The following tracks, which have been temporarily closed for more than five years, are now permanently closed and will be decommissioned.

  • Robinson Ridge – Cascade Kauri

If visiting open areas of the ranges, or any kauri forest:

  • Clean all soil off your footwear and other gear every time you enter or leave a forest area with native trees and at every cleaning station 
  • Use disinfectant after you have removed all the soil
  • Stay on track and off kauri roots.
For more information about kauri dieback disease click here.
 
 
About
Park facilities
Park activities
Tracks
History

About Cascade Kauri

Cascade Kauri, Lake Wainamu and Fairy Falls are located in the northern part of the Waitakere Ranges and offer great places to explore. Walk through ancient forests, along streams and see giant Kauri trees, huge sand dunes and spectacular waterfalls.

Park information

Pedestrian access: Open 24 hours
Summer gate opening hours:
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Daylight savings)
Winter gate opening hours:
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Non daylight savings)
Distance from CBD: 50 km
Park map: Click here to download a park map

Dog walking is prohibited

Dog walking prohibited

Dogs are prohibited from the following tracks

  • Anderson Track
  • Auckland City Walk
  • Cascade Track
  • Lower Kauri Track
  • Upper Kauri Track
  • Robinson Ridge Track
  • Waitakere Tramline Walk
  • West Tunnel Mouth Track
  • Fence Line Track
  • Pukematekeo Track
  • Whatitiri Track (Ark in the Park SMZ) 
  • Lake Wainamu Track (Lake Wainamu SMZ)

Click here for information about which regional parks prohibit dog walking

How to get to Cascade Kauri

Head along Scenic Drive. Fairy Falls are located on the eastern slopes of the Waitakere Ranges about 15 km north of the Arataki Visitor Centre. Cascade Kauri and Lake Wainamu are on Bethells Road. Take Falls Road to Cascade/Kauri.

View larger map

Maps

Download park map
Auckland Council GIS viewer
Get directions with Google Maps

Park facilities

Camping
Camping Opanuku Pipeline Campground Pae o te Rangi Campground
SCC campgrounds and designated parking areas
SCC campgrounds and designated parking areas Cascade Kauri SCC parking area
Interpretation
Interpretation
Mobility access (partial)
Mobility access (partial)
Native bush
Native bush
Notice board
Notice board
Parking
Parking
Picnic tables
Picnic tables

There are some great casual picnic sites in the area such as Falls Road at Cascades, Lake Wainamu, Pae O Te Rangi Farm and Pukematekeo.

Pram access
Pram access

Take your pram on the Auckland City Walk.

Ranger contact phone
Ranger contact phone
Ranger office
Ranger office
Security gates
Security gates
Security surveillance
Security surveillance
Toilet block
Toilet block
Toilets
Toilets
Unsealed access road
Unsealed access road

Park activities

Camping - back country
Camping - back country
Dog walking prohibited
Dog walking prohibited

Dogs are prohibited from the following tracks

  • Anderson Track
  • Auckland City Walk
  • Cascade Track
  • Lower Kauri Track
  • Upper Kauri Track
  • Robinson Ridge Track
  • Waitakere Tramline Walk
  • West Tunnel Mouth Track
  • Fence Line Track
  • Pukematekeo Track
  • Whatitiri Track (Ark in the Park SMZ) 
  • Lake Wainamu Track (Lake Wainamu SMZ)
Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Click here to obatin rules and guidelines for flying UAVs and drones.  In particular pay attention to the code of conduct.

Farm animals - viewing
Farm animals - viewing
Picnics
Picnics
There are some great casual picnic sites in the area such as Falls Rd at Cascades, Lake Wainamu, Pae O Te Rangi Farm and Pukematekeo.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Swimming
Swimming
You can swim at Cascade Falls.
Volunteering
Volunteering

For Volunteering at 'Ark in the Park', see www.arkinthepark.org.nz or contact us on (09) 810 7014.

Walks (1 hour or more)
Walks (1 hour or more)

Numerous tracks link to those at the Cascades giving you numerous options if you are wanting a longer tramp. Try the Waitakere Dam Circuit or the iconic Montana Heritage trail. Click on links below to access track information:

Walks (less than 1 hour)
Walks (less than 1 hour)

The Auckland City walk is a good walk for the family; take in the native trees and check out Cascade Falls. Click on the link below for track information:

Wedding or civil union
Wedding or civil union
If you are looking for an inspiring location for your relationship ceremony then the Cascades may be it. With numerous locations available and the possiblity to combine your event with services provided by the golf club you can be sure your guests will be impressed. A permit must be obtained prior to commencement. Some locations are very popular over the summer months and early booking is recommended. Please contact the Arataki Visitor Centre on 09 817 0077 to discuss your requirements.

Tracks

Auckland City Walk Auckland City Walk 1 hour - 1.5 km This walk is a favourite for Auckland families. It provides a good introduction to the area and is one of the most beautiful walking loops in the Waitakere Ranges.
Large Kauri Walk Large Kauri Walk From Scenic Drive, this is an easy, short walk to large kauri of 7m in girth.
Track Closed Anderson Track Anderson Track ¾ hour - 2.3 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Cascade Track Cascade Track ½ hour - 1 km From the Fence Line Track, the Cascade Track descends from the west side of the spur to skirt around the small valley and cross Cascade Stream. From there, the track ascends through large kauri to Upper Kauri Track. Some steep and slippery sections.
Cascades Long Road Track Cascades Long Road Track 1.5 hour - 4.2 km Long Road Track provides a key link to many other tracks in the Cascades area. While following an old road may sound dull in comparision to some of the 'big name tracks' like the Auckland City Walk, Long Road Track is also a great walk in itself.
Track Closed East Tunnel Mouth Track East Tunnel Mouth Track ½ hour - 1.2 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Fairy Falls Track Fairy Falls Track 1.5 hour - 3.2 km From Scenic Drive, opposite the parking area, the initial section of track is level and gravelled but later descends steeply to the top of Fairy Falls (45 minutes). Track then makes an extremely steep descent partly down a boardwalk, beside the falls.
Fence Line Track Fence Line Track 1 hour - 4.4 km The Fenceline track was upgraded only a few years ago and now has a good surface layer to minimise some of the famous Waitakere mud. In addition, a few of the steeper sections of the track have been realigned.
Track Closed Ferndown Track Ferndown Track ¾ hour - 2.2 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Track Closed Filter Track Filter Track ¾ hour - 0.8 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Track Closed Goodfellow Track Goodfellow Track ½ hour - 1 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Track Closed Lower Kauri Track Lower Kauri Track ¾ hour - 1.9 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Montana Heritage Trail Montana Heritage Trail 4 hour - 8 km The Montana Heritage Trail in the Waitakere Ranges provides access to the largest remaining stand of mature kauri trees in the Auckland region. You'll need a picnic and plenty of water if you are going to walk the full 8km.
Old Coach Road Track Old Coach Road Track 1 hour - 2.4 km From the Fairy Falls Track on Scenic Drive, Old Coach Road Track follows the line of the old road, and part of Scenic Drive, up to the end of Tawari Road. The track then heads down to Mountain Road passing large kauri and rimu en-route.
Opanuku Pipeline Track Opanuku Pipeline Track ¾ hour - 1.4 km A gravel driveway follows pipeline from Mountain Road to the Opanuku Stream picnic area (10 minutes); then climbs steeply along a clay track, and through a short tunnel just before Christian Road near Waitakere Filter Station.
Track Closed Peripatus Track Peripatus Track 1.5 hour - 1.6 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Track Closed Pukematekeo Track Pukematekeo Track ¾ hour - 1.6 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Swanson Pipeline Track Swanson Pipeline Track 1.25 hour - 2 km From the end of Tram Valley Road, Swanson Pipeline Track follows a driveway, through a low tunnel then follows the pipeline along a bulldozed road. The track takes you over undulating terrain to Christian Road near the Waitakere Filter Station.
Upper Kauri Track Upper Kauri Track 1.5 hour - 3.1 km The Upper Kauri Track is a gravel track ascending to the bluff-top ridge with impressive groves of mature and ricker kauri. The track then continues up a long, gentle ascent to Long Road Track, 200m east of Smyth Corner.
Track Closed West Tunnel Mouth Track West Tunnel Mouth Track 0.3 hour - 0.4 km From the eastern end of the Waitakere Tramline walk, near pipeline tunnel, the West Tunnel Mouth Track ascends gently to Anderson Track.
Whatitiri Track Whatitiri Track 1 hour - 2.9 km Whatitiri Track leads over a grassy picnic area into paddock, then descends via a tractor track to cross Waitakere Stream. The track continues through bush for 300m to a grass clearing and on through the first farm gate.
Dreamlands Track Dreamlands Track 0.3 hour - 0.4 km From Scenic Drive down a gravel road, Dreamlands Track passes partly through private property to Opanuku Road.
Sharp Bush Track Sharp Bush Track 0.3 hour - 1.2 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.
Spragg Bush Walk Spragg Bush Walk From the picnic area at the junction of Scenic Drive and Mountain Road, a gentle graded walk leads past the historic cemetery to a large kauri; then continues down gentle grade and crosses a small stream to rejoin Scenic Drive, north of the picnic area.
Waitakere Dam Walk Waitakere Dam Walk ½ hour - 1.4 km From the large parking area on Scenic Drive, the Waitakere Dam walk follows the driveway down to the Waitakere Dam. A short branch midway down leads to a 7m girth kauri.
Track Closed Waitakere Tramline Walk Waitakere Tramline Walk ½ hour - 1.6 km Under Kauri Dieback Management.

History

The Cascades-Kauri area,  is a popular destination with high conservation values; it contains significant stands of mature kauri and lowland podocarp broadleaf forest. The kauri is some of the largest and most accessible in the region. A number of trees are suffering from kauri dieback and the management of this presents an ongoing challenge. The Cascade Falls along with their conglomerate bluffs and the larger Waitākere Falls further south are both of regional geological significance.

Cascades-Kauri is a destination providing a range of informal recreational opportunities being particularly popular with visitors seeking picnicking, and accessible walks within mature, native forest, with access to large kauri trees, picturesque streams and waterfalls. The location provides access to an extensive network of tramping tracks and routes, including the Montana Heritage Trail, which offers a half day easy tramp through the ranges. A pou whenua is located at one of the area’s viewing points on the Auckland City Walk.

The park includes the Waitākere Golf Course, which has been located on the site since 1948 and is managed under a licence. The open space values of the golf course enables expansive views of the forested escarpments surrounding what is a natural amphitheatre. The area lends itself to appropriate events.

This area is the location of the Ark in the Park mainland island conservation programme which is a partnership project between the council and the Waitākere Branch of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society. The project currently covers approximately 1200ha, but it is intended that it will progressively expand to cover 2,000ha over time.

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