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Hunua Ranges Regional Park
1 km
30 minutes
61 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
Looking for a magical escape into the native forest without spending hours in the car? Just a stone’s throw from Auckland’s bustling city centre lies a spectacular pocket of temperate rainforest that feels a world away. The Hunua Falls Track is an absolute gem of a walk, offering locals and tourists alike a refreshing dose of wilderness on a brief, highly accessible loop.
Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids on a weekend, stretch your dog’s legs, or snap a photo of one of Auckland's most iconic waterfalls, this easy-going stroll delivers maximum reward for very little effort.
At just 1km in length with a gentle 61-metre elevation gain, this easy loop track is designed for casual ambling. Taking around 30 minutes to complete, the trail is highly accessible, making it an absolute favourite for families with toddlers and anyone seeking a low-intensity nature fix.
Your adventure begins at the spacious Falls Road car park. From the moment you step onto the trail, you are instantly enveloped by the cool, damp embrace of a regenerating native forest. The track itself is a well-formed gravel path, though you will need to keep half an eye on the ground for the occasional tree root and a few easy steps.
As you wander beneath the canopy of towering kahikatea, ponga (silver ferns), and lush undergrowth, the sensory experience is incredible. The air is thick with the earthy scent of moss and damp soil, and the gentle, distant rumble of rushing water acts as your soundtrack, growing louder and more exhilarating with every step you take.
Because it is a loop track, you can easily walk it in either direction, but heading clockwise saves the most dramatic views of the roaring falls for a grand finale. The path is friendly for younger children who love to explore, and dogs are welcome to join the fun, provided they are kept on a leash on the track.
The undisputed crown jewel of this walk is Hunua Falls, a jaw-dropping 30-metre waterfall where the Wairoa River plunges dramatically over a sheer, dark basalt rock face into a deep pool below. The sheer power of the water is mesmerizing, especially during the winter or after a heavy rainfall when the falls transform into a thundering wall of white water.
A large gravel car park is available at the Hunua Falls trailhead on Falls Road, Hunua, with ample space for dozens of vehicles. In peak times, if the main car park is full, visitors may park along Hunua Road, ensuring vehicles are completely off the road and not blocking any access. Toilet facilities and picnic tables are located at the car park. Vehicle access to the park is restricted by an automatic gate, opening at 6 am and closing at 9 pm during daylight savings, and 7 pm during non-daylight savings. Dogs are permitted on leash on the Hunua Falls Track itself but are prohibited in picnic areas and swimming zones to protect native wildlife and water supply.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1km away
A delightful spot nestled close to the falls, offering a range of contemporary and classic dishes, including hearty breakfast options on weekends, burgers, pizzas, and coffee, perfect for post-hike refreshments.
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Loop
For the best views, head to the dedicated viewing platform. This is the prime spot to feel the cool mist on your face and capture that postcard-perfect photograph. If you want to experience the true scale of the cascade, follow the trail down to the water's edge. Standing at the base of the falls, looking up at the ancient volcanic rock cliff, is a humbling experience.
While the deep, emerald pool at the base of the falls looks incredibly inviting on a hot summer's day, swimming is strongly discouraged by the Auckland Council. The pool has highly unpredictable, powerful currents, deceptively cold water temperatures, and dangerous submerged hazards. It is best to admire the water's beauty safely from the shore.
The Hunua Falls trailhead is located at the end of Falls Road, Hunua, within the western border of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. It is roughly a 45-to-50-minute drive from Auckland CBD, making it an easy day trip or afternoon escape.
There is a large, well-maintained gravel car park right at the trailhead with ample room for dozens of vehicles. During sunny summer weekends and public holidays, this popular spot can fill up quickly. If the main car park is full, you can park along the edge of Hunua Road—just ensure your vehicle is parked safely off the roadway and is not blocking any resident access.
At the trailhead, you'll find excellent amenities, including toilet facilities and a scenic picnic area complete with tables under the trees.
The Hunua Ranges are a vital sanctuary for New Zealand's unique native birdlife, and the lush canopy along the trail is alive with bird calls. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned for these local residents:
The Hunua Falls Track is a fantastic year-round destination, with each season bringing its own unique charm:
To beat the crowds and enjoy the forest at its most peaceful, aim to arrive early in the morning (between 8:00 am and 10:00 am) or in the late afternoon when the low sun casts a beautiful glow over the water.
Crucial Conservation Tip: Our beautiful kauri trees are under threat from kauri dieback disease, a deadly pathogen spread through soil. You must use the footwear cleaning stations located at the entrance and exit of the track. Scrub your shoes thoroughly to remove all dirt, spray them with the disinfectant provided, and always stick strictly to the marked boardwalks and gravel paths.
The Hunua Ranges hold deep cultural, historical, and geological significance. For centuries, these hills and rivers have been the ancestral lands of local Māori iwi (tribes), who valued the area for its rich natural resources, pristine waters, and transit routes between the east and west coasts.
Geologically, the dramatic cliff face of Hunua Falls is a window into Auckland's volcanic past. The sheer wall is composed of basalt, created by ancient lava flows that cooled rapidly, cracking into the distinct, blocky columns you see today. Over thousands of years, the Wairoa River carved its way through the softer surrounding rock, leaving behind this magnificent 30-metre drop.
Today, the Hunua Ranges serve as Auckland's largest native forest and house several major reservoirs that supply a significant portion of the city's drinking water. Because of this, massive conservation efforts—including pest-control programmes—are ongoing to protect the delicate ecosystem, keeping the forest healthy for generations to come.
Once you’ve finished your loop and breathed in plenty of fresh forest air, there’s no better way to top off the adventure than with a good feed.
Just 1km down the road from the trailhead, you'll find the delightful Hunua Falls Cafe and Bar. Tucked into a lovely, quiet spot, this local favourite offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for hungry hikers.
On weekends, they serve up hearty, satisfying breakfast options to fuel your day. If you’re visiting later in the afternoon, their menu features delicious burgers, wood-fired pizzas, classic pub-style dishes, and fantastic barista-made coffee. It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and chat about your forest escape before heading back to reality.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Callaeas wilsoni
An endangered forest bird, the North Island kōkako is renowned for its haunting, organ-like song and distinctive blue wattles, often heard in duets that can last for an hour.
Best time: Year-round