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

Road and Gate Closures
  • Otau Mountain Road - slips
  • Cosseys Access Road - slips and gate locked
These tracks are closed due to storm damage.
  • Cossey Gorge Track - a detour down the road is available, if you still want to do a loop walk combined with the Massey Track.
  • Wairoa Loop Track

Keep Hunua Kauri healthy

Kauri dieback is a deadly disease, killing Kauri trees throughout the Auckland region. The Hunua ranges are currently a healthy Kauri area - help us keep it this way.

Kauri protection zones

Auckland Council has defined special areas of Kauri in the Hunua ranges for protection. These zones have dense kauri forests so tracks pose a high risk of the disease entering the Kauri forest. Tracks through these zones have been closed to public access.

For more information visit Kauri protection. Also see information about track closures in the Hunua ranges or http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/kauridieback.

Wasp season

Be aware from March to May is wasp season - and with the particularly dry weather they are around in increased numbers.  If you have a known allergy do not go tramping without appropriate medication - mobile phone reception is limited in the Hunua Ranges.

Track closures
About
Park facilities
Park activities
Tracks
History

About Hunua Ranges

These bush clad ranges with streams, waterfalls and magnificent vistas offer a natural playground less than an hours drive from Auckland. The park is the largest native forest in the Auckland region. Enjoy a family outing to the Hunua Falls with picnic areas and a variety of walks.  Swimming at the falls is not recommended.  The following form part of the Hunua Ranges:

Park information

Pedestrian access: Open 24 hours
Summer gate opening hours:
6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Daylight savings)
Winter gate opening hours:
6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Non daylight savings)
Distance from CBD: 50 km
Park map: Click here to download a park map
Physical address: Falls Road, Hunua
Casual group size: 50

Dog walking restrictions

Dog walking with restrictions

Dogs prohibited in camping areas under Schedule 1 and temporary restrictions may apply during seasonal farming operations (lambing and calving) under Clause 10 of the Dog Management Bylaw.

  • Dogs are allowed under control on a leash in areas not specifically identified as being prohibited.
  • Dogs are prohibited in picnic areas, exclusive areas around and including the water supply dams and on the Kohukohunui Track.

Click here for information about which regional parks allow restricted dog walking

How to get to Hunua Ranges

Travel south on State Highway 1 and take the Papakura exit. Follow Beach Road across Great South Road and along Settlement Road. Turn right by Edmund Hillary School into Hunua Road. Follow Hunua Road through the Hunua Gorge to the Hunua village.

Hunua Falls: Just before entering the village, turn left into White Road, then right into Falls Road and follow this road to Hunua Falls.

Wairoa Dam: Drive through Hunua village, continue for 8km and turn left into Moumoukai Road. Wairoa Dam is on the left about 1km along this road.

Mangatawhiri Dam: Follow the same directions for Wairoa but follow Moumoukai Rd to its end in the Mangatawhiri valley.

View larger map

Maps

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

Park facilities

Camping
Camping Adam's Lookout Campground Lower Mangatawhiri Campground Mangatangi Trig Campground Piggotts Campground Repeater Campground Thousand Acres Campground Upper Mangatawhiri Campground Workman Campground
SCC campgrounds and designated parking areas
SCC campgrounds and designated parking areas Upper Mangatawhiri SCC parking area
Interpretation
Interpretation
Limited mobility toilet
Limited mobility toilet

There are wheelchair accessible toilets at Mangatawhiri.

Mobility access (partial)
Mobility access (partial)

Hunua Falls can be accessed from the carpark (2 mins).

Native bush
Native bush
Parking
Parking

Additional parking is available in paddocks in the valley.

Picnic tables
Picnic tables

Picnic tables are provided at Hunua Falls, Wairoa and Mangatawhiri. Or you can find your own favourite spot.

Potable water
Potable water

There is a drinking fountain.

Pram access
Pram access

It is possible to take a pram to all four dams from the carparks.

Toilet block
Toilet block
Toilets
Toilets
Unsealed access road
Unsealed access road

Park activities

Bird watching
Bird watching
Camping - back country
Camping - back country
Dog walking with restrictions
Dog walking with restrictions

Dogs prohibited in camping areas under Schedule 1 and temporary restrictions may apply during seasonal farming operations (lambing and calving) under Clause 10 of the Dog Management Bylaw.

  • Dogs are allowed under control on a leash in areas not specifically identified as being prohibited.
  • Dogs are prohibited in picnic areas, exclusive areas around and including the water supply dams and on the Kohukohunui Track.
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.

Fishing
Fishing
Trout fishing is available on the Wairoa river from beyond the falls, via private land – check details with angling clubs.
Horse riding
Horse riding

There are designated trails in the Lower Mangatawhiri Valley with undulating terrain along a gravel road, through grass paddocks and bush, and along the Mangatawhiri River. There is a main loop down to the Lower Mangatawhiri campground with additional linking tracks that cross between the main loop.

Click here for more information about horse riding and how to get a horse riding pass

Mountain biking
Mountain biking

Try these mountain bike tracks:

Picnics
Picnics
Picnic tables are provided at Hunua Falls, Wairoa and Mangatawhiri. Or you can find your own favourite spot.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Swimming
Swimming

The spectacular 30 metre waterfall is part of the Wairoa River which carves through an ancient volcano as it winds its way north through the township of Clevedon, before meeting the Hauraki Gulf.

There are many risks at this site that have led to deaths including drowning through accidental immersion or jumping from the top of the Falls, which is over thirty metres high.

The waterfall pool at the base of the Hunua Falls is considered unsafe for swimming. Swimming and entering the water (Diving, Jumping and Bombing) at the Hunua Falls involves a high amount of risk.

  • Deep Water
  • Cold Water
  • Fresh Water
  • Aerated Water
  • Discoloured Water
  • Water Levels
  • Slippery Rocks
  • Water quality

Further water safety information is located on site at the park.

Volunteering
Volunteering
A predator free zone is currently being set up in the falls area, and volunteers will be required to check the bait lines. This will be suitable for fit trampers as the terrain is very steep. Contact (09) 536 7012 if you are interested in volunteering in our southern parks.
Walks (1 hour or more)
Walks (1 hour or more)

There are many longer walks available in the Hunua Ranges, a favourite amongst trampers. Click on links below for track information:

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

For a short walk try the Hunua Falls Loop track which will take you up to the falls through the forest.

Click here to access track information.

Wedding or civil union
Wedding or civil union

Ceremonies are often held on either side of the Falls. A permit is required; contact (09) 301 0101 for enquiries. Receptions can also be held at Kokako Lodge. Bookings through 09 292 4349 or e-mail office@kokakolodge.org.nz.

Tracks

Mangatawhiri Challenge Track Mangatawhiri Challenge Track 2 hour - 15 km Follow the Waterline Keeney Road Track until turning off on a single track. The route undulates along a ridge with excellent views of the Mangatäwhiri and Wairoa reservoirs.
Moumoukai Farm Track Moumoukai Farm Track 1.75 hour - 15 km Moumoukai Fram Track is a medium grade track that detours off the Valley Loop Track 3.5km from the carpark. It winds through areas once cleared for farming where regenerating kanuka now borders the remaining paddocks.
Upper Moumoukai MTB Skills Area Upper Moumoukai MTB Skills Area Located 200m from the Upper Moumoukai car park is a mountain bike skills area.
Valley Loop Track Valley Loop Track 1.5 hour - 14 km This easy grade loop follows Mangatangi Hill Road, Graeme White Road and Moumoukai Valley Road. Metal roads form a loop with shady spots for picnics; there are also some good swimming holes in the river.
Ernies Track Ernies Track 4 hour - 6.2 km Ernies Track starts from Waterline Road and descends through regenerating bush before following the western edge of the Mangatāwhiri Dam. Continue through bush, across swamps, gullies and the Mangatāwhiri River.
Mangatangi Ridge Track Mangatangi Ridge Track 6 hour - 9.1 km Mangatangi Ridge Track starts off Rata Ridge Track. The track begins with a steep climb onto the main ridge and heads toward the highest point in the Hunua Ranges, Mt Kohukohunui.
Mine Road Track Mine Road Track 1.3 hour - 2.1 km Mine Road Track begins 200m south of the start of the Kohukohunui Track, at the end of Mine Road and descends steeply through indigenous forest to the Mangatāwhiri River. It then crosses the river and rises quickly to the Upper Mangatāwhiri Track.
Upper Mangatawhiri Track Upper Mangatawhiri Track 3 hour - 4.8 km Passing through indigenous forest, the Upper Mangatawhiri Track extends along the main ridge line through rugged and remote terrain from the Kohukohunui Track to Ernies Track. Suitable for experienced trampers only.
Lilburne Road Track Lilburne Road Track 1.3 hour - 5.1 km Starting at the beginning of Lilburne Road at the top of the Mangatawhiri Dam wall, the Lilburne Road Track passes through regenerating farmland with views of the Mangatawhiri Dam.
Lower Mangatawhiri Track Lower Mangatawhiri Track 4 hour - 6.4 km Starting at the top of Moumoukai Road, this track closely follows the park boundary and an exotic forest before descending to the Lower Mangatāwhiri. Follow an old bulldozed track crossing farmland and the Mangatāwhiri River.
Track Partially Closed Mangatangi Trig Track Mangatangi Trig Track 3 hour - 3.9 km The section west of Workman Road to the Mangatangi Trig has been closed to protect the Kauri found in this area of the park. Please contact the sector office for the most up to date information. Please visit www.kauridieback.co.nz for more information.
Pukapuka Track Pukapuka Track 4 hour - 6.4 km Pukapuka track starts from the top of the Mangatangi Hill Road, and meanders through regenerating bush, grasslands and former farmland.
Rata Ridge Track Rata Ridge Track 2 hour - 3.8 km Off Lilburne Road, follow the Rata Ridge Track as it passes through mature native forest before descending towards the Konini Stream above the head of the Mangatangi Dam.
Suspension Bridge Track Suspension Bridge Track 1.5 hour - 3.5 km The loop combines the Suspension Bridge Track with part of the Wairoa Cossey Track. Start at the suspension bridge over the Wairoa Stream near the carpark on the Wairoa Reservoir Access Road (off Moumoukai Road).
Wairoa Loop Track Wairoa Loop Track 3 hour - 6.5 km The Wairoa Loop Track climbs steeply from the south side of the Wairoa picnic site (off Moumoukai Road) to a lookout platform 1.5km from the entrance. The lookout is a short distance from the main track and provides magnificent views.
Track Partially Closed Workman Track Workman Track 6 hour - 10.2 km There is a detour due to Kauri dieback, taking you from Workman Road up and across the Mangatangi Dam face, following the old service road, quickly rising through regenerating bush and pasture to Mt Workman.

History

Māori used the hills and forests of the Hūnua Ranges primarily as a source of food and timber, and as a refuge rather than for permanent residence.

Rugged terrain, poor soils and difficult access meant this land was the last in the Auckland region to be settled by Europeans. From around 1870 parts of the forest were cleared for farming and for timber, but farming was always a marginal activity here.

However, the Hu-nua Falls have been a popular attraction for Aucklanders since Victorian times, when they were known as the “Wairoa Falls” and visitors travelled by steamer to Clevedon and took day trips to the falls.

Two manganese mines have operated in the Hünua Ranges. During World War II, ore from a mine in the Moumoukai Valley was transported from the hilltop via a flying fox to a railway on the valley floor.

But water was to be the main resource taken from the Hūnua Ranges. The four water supply dams there include the Mangatangi Reservoir, which is New Zealand’s largest water supply dam and second largest earth dam. The extensive 169-hectare lake holds 37 million cubic metres of water and has an average daily yield of 101,100 cubic metres.

The Auckland City Council had begun purchasing land in the Hünua Ranges for water supply purposes in the 1940s, acquiring almost all of the ranges by 1960. In 1965 the agency that was to become the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) took over metropolitan water supply and management of the water catchment areas. The land was transferred to the restructured and renamed ARC for park purposes in 1992.  About a third of the land is planted in pine trees. A commercial forestry company leases this area from the Council and access is restricted for safety reasons.

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