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Hunua Ranges Regional Park
8.3 km
3 hours 30 minutes
380 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a classic New Zealand bushwalk that ticks every box—lush native forest, stunning ridge views, a massive water reservoir, and a spectacular 30-metre waterfall—the Massey-Cossey Loop Track is the adventure you've been waiting for. Situated in the heart of the beautiful Hunua Ranges Regional Park, this 8.3-kilometre loop offers the perfect blend of physical challenge and natural beauty. It is an ideal escape for active families, weekend warriors, and even your four-legged hiking companions, as dogs are very welcome here.
The journey begins at the base of the iconic Hunua Falls, where the roaring waters of the Wairoa River plunge over a volcanic basalt ledge. It is a breathtaking sight to start your day, but before you take your first official step on the trail, you must pass through the kauri dieback cleaning station. Protecting our majestic kauri trees is a top priority in New Zealand, so please take a moment to thoroughly scrub and spray your footwear.
Once your boots are clean, you will cross a bridge over the river. Here, the track splits, allowing you to choose your direction. While you can tackle the loop either way, many local trampers prefer the anti-clockwise route, tackling the steep climb up the Massey Track first to get the heart pumping, before enjoying a more gradual descent along the Cossey Gorge Track.
Regardless of the direction you choose, prepare yourself for a healthy dose of stairs and steady climbs. This moderate-difficulty track gains about 380 metres in elevation, weaving through beautiful, mature native forest. Under the cool shelter of the dense canopy, you will traverse a mixture of well-maintained gravel paths, wooden steps, and more rustic, earthy trails woven with exposed tree roots and loose dirt. Keep your eyes peeled for the stream crossing, which adds a wonderful touch of back-country adventure to this accessible regional park trail.
The Massey-Cossey Loop Track is packed with scenic rewards that make every uphill step worthwhile. Here are the absolute highlights you cannot miss:
* Hunua Falls: Standing at 30 metres tall, this powerful waterfall is one of the Auckland region’s most famous natural landmarks. It is easily accessible right from the carpark, making it a perfect spot for family photos before or after your tramp. * Cossey Dam Lookout: One of the most unique aspects of this walk is sidling along the edge of the Cossey Dam, a vital reservoir supplying water to Auckland. The elevated lookouts offer expansive, panoramic views of the deep blue water contrasting against the endless green ridges of the Hunua Ranges. Lush Native Canopy: The forest here is spectacular. You will walk beneath towering tōtara, kahikatea, and nikau* palms. The dense bush creates a tranquil, cathedral-like atmosphere, with sunlight filtering through the ferns to light up the forest floor.
Free parking is available at the Hunua Falls Carpark, located at the end of Falls Road, Hunua. The carpark can become busy on weekends and public holidays. Vehicle access gates are open from 6 am to 9 pm during Daylight Saving Time and 6 am to 7 pm during non-Daylight Saving Time. A kauri dieback cleaning station is present and must be used before and after your walk.
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
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
A delightful cafe nestled in the scenic backdrop of Hunua, offering a mix of contemporary and classic dishes, famous burgers, and fresh pizzas. It's perfect for a post-hike meal with indoor and outdoor seating and views of lush farmlands.
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Loop
To reach the trailhead, make your way to the Hunua Falls Carpark, located at the end of Falls Road in Hunua.
* From Auckland CBD: It is an easy drive south of Auckland, taking approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Head south on State Highway 1, exit at Ramarama or Drury, and follow the signs toward Hunua. * Parking & Gate Hours: Free parking is plentiful at the main carpark, though it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends and public holidays. Be mindful of the vehicle access gates, which operate on seasonal hours. They are open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm during Daylight Saving Time, and 6:00 am to 7:00 pm during the rest of the year.
As you ascend into the Hunua Ranges, the sounds of the city quickly fade, replaced by the delightful symphony of New Zealand’s native birdlife. The regional park is a sanctuary for many species, so keep your ears open and your camera ready.
The friendly pīwakawaka (fantail) is almost guaranteed to join you, flitting alongside the path to catch insects stirred up by your footsteps. High in the canopy, you will easily spot the large, heavy kererū (New Zealand woodpigeon) swooping lazily between trees, and hear the unmistakable, melodic song of the tūī.
If you listen closely to the dense undergrowth, you might hear the delicate, high-pitched warble of the riroriro (grey warbler). Keep an eye on the sky at the ridge lookouts, where you might get a lucky glimpse of the playful kākā (native forest parrot) soaring overhead. If you start your walk very early in the morning or linger close to dusk, you might hear the haunting call of the ruru (morepork). For the truly observant hiker, the Hunuas are also home to the rare, blue-wattled kōkako, a testament to the incredible community pest-control efforts in the area.
This track is a fantastic year-round destination, with each season offering a unique experience:
* Summer & Spring: Great for long daylight hours and dry underfoot conditions. The thick forest canopy provides excellent shade on hot summer days. * Autumn & Winter: The waterfall is at its most spectacular and powerful after winter rains. However, the track can get muddy and slippery, particularly on sections with exposed roots, so sturdy hiking boots with good grip are highly recommended. * Best Time of Day: Start your walk mid-morning to secure a parking spot and enjoy lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints overlooking the dam. * What to Pack: Bring plenty of drinking water (at least 1.5 litres per person), energy-boosting snacks, and a windproof jacket, as the ridges can get chilly. Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent.
The Hunua Ranges hold deep cultural, historical, and practical significance for the Auckland region. For centuries, these forested hills were a rich source of food, timber, and medicine for local Māori iwi (tribes). The name Hunua itself translates to "clash of the winds," a fitting description for the wild weather that can sweep across these high ridges.
In the 20th century, the valleys were transformed to secure Auckland’s water security. The construction of the Cossey Dam (completed in 1955) was a major engineering feat of its time. Today, the area is not only a vital water catchment but also a ecological stronghold. The intense conservation work here aims to protect endangered species and combat the spread of kauri dieback, reminding us of our role as caretakers (tiaki) of this beautiful land.
After 3.5 hours of tackling stairs and steep ridges, you will have worked up a serious appetite. Fortunately, you don't have to travel far to refuel.
Just 100 metres from the trailhead lies the Hunua Falls Cafe and Bar. Nestled in a beautiful rural setting with views of the surrounding farmlands, this local favourite is the ultimate spot for a post-hike feast. Grab a seat on the outdoor deck and treat yourself to one of their famous, hearty burgers, a fresh wood-fired pizza, or a well-deserved cold drink. It is the perfect, relaxed environment to rest your legs, share photos, and celebrate a fantastic day out in the New Zealand bush.
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Rhipidura fuliginosa
Known for its acrobatic flight and fanned tail, the fantail often flits close to humans, catching insects disturbed by their movement.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Despite its small size, the Grey Warbler has a remarkably complex and delicate trilling song, which Māori traditionally associated with the planting season.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
New Zealand's only surviving native owl, the ruru is named for its haunting 'more-pork' call, often heard at night.
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