Hunua Falls Track

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.

Getting There

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.

• 9:00 pm during Daylight Saving Time (summer)
• 7:00 pm during winter/non-daylight saving months

Wildlife Spotting

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:

• Tūī (Common, Year-round): Look for their glossy, metallic blue-green feathers and the iconic white tuft under their throats. You’ll likely hear them before you see them, performing their complex, mimic-heavy songs from the treetops.
• Pīwakawaka / Fantail (Common, Year-round): These tiny, hyperactive birds love to flutter right alongside hikers, using the disturbed air to catch small insects. Their cheeky, fan-shaped tails make them a delight for children to watch.
• Riroriro / Grey Warbler (Common, Year-round): Although they are small and incredibly well-camouflaged in the grey-green foliage, their long, trilling, musical song is a constant background melody along the track.
• Kererū / New Zealand Wood Pigeon (Occasional, Year-round): Listen for the heavy, rhythmic whoosh-whoosh of wings beating through the air. These large, colourful pigeons are often found feasting on native berries.
• Kōkako / North Island Kōkako (Rare, Year-round): The Hunua Ranges are home to a highly protected, growing population of this endangered, blue-wattled bird. While they are incredibly shy and rarely seen near the busy falls track, lucky hikers might occasionally hear their haunting, organ-like song echoing from deep within the forest valley.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Hunua Falls Track is a fantastic year-round destination, with each season bringing its own unique charm:

• Winter and Spring are the best times to witness the waterfall at its most powerful, as seasonal rains feed the Wairoa River, creating a roaring spectacle.
• Summer and Autumn offer beautifully dry trails and warm, golden light filtering through the canopy, providing a welcome, cool shade on hot afternoons.

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.

• Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers (the gravel can get slippery after rain).
• A light rain jacket, as weather in the ranges can change quickly.
• Insect repellent, particularly in the humid summer months.
• A camera or phone for photos.
• Reusable water bottles (there is no drinking water on the trail).

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.

Local & Regional Context

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.

After the Walk

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.