Ark in the Park is a conservation project in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park working to restore native forest and reintroduce wildlife to an open sanctuary area around Cascade Kauri. It is a partnership between Forest & Bird, Auckland Council, and mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki. Unlike a standard park, Ark in the Park operates primarily through volunteer participation — visitor access is structured around volunteering, not independent walking. The project protects ancient kauri forest, pristine streams, and taonga species while running pest control and native bird monitoring across the sanctuary.
Practical Information
| Location | Cascade Kauri area, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, West Auckland |
|---|---|
| Access | Via volunteer sessions — not open for independent public access |
| Entry | Free to volunteer |
| Volunteer sessions | Thursdays and Saturdays |
| Current status | Operating on a limited basis due to kauri dieback access restrictions across the Waitākere Ranges |
| Contact | 09 810 7014 or arkinthepark.org.nz |
About Ark in the Park
The project aims to create a functioning open sanctuary in the Waitākere Ranges — an area where native species can live, breed, and recover without the pressure of introduced predators. Ark in the Park undertakes systematic pest control across the sanctuary area and has successfully reintroduced North Island robins, kōkako, and pōpokatea (whiteheads). These are taonga species that have become locally extinct across much of the Auckland region, and their return to the Waitākere Ranges is the result of sustained volunteer effort over many years.
The sanctuary sits within the Cascade Kauri area of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, a landscape of dense native forest, steep ridgelines, and streams running down to the coast. Kauri are present throughout the sanctuary, and the project works in close coordination with Auckland Council’s kauri dieback management programme.
Kauri Dieback and Access Restrictions
Kauri dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicida) has resulted in widespread access restrictions across the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, including within the Ark in the Park sanctuary area. Much of the Waitākere Ranges track network has been closed as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the pathogen via footwear. Ark in the Park is operating on a limited basis to carry out essential conservation work, but public access to the broader Waitākere Ranges network remains restricted. Check the Auckland Council and Ark in the Park websites for current access status before planning to volunteer.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer activities at Ark in the Park include pest control, native bird monitoring, kōkako nest watching, and assisting with bird releases. Sessions are held twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays. Volunteers should be reasonably fit — the Cascade Kauri area involves bush walking on uneven terrain. Contact the project through arkinthepark.org.nz or by phone before attending your first session.
Where to learn more
Ark in the Park: the project’s own website with volunteer information, session dates, and species updates.
Forest & Bird — Ark in the Park: background on the conservation project and its goals.
Auckland Council — Waitākere Ranges Regional Park: current kauri dieback access restrictions and track status.
FAQ
Can I visit Ark in the Park without volunteering?
No — the sanctuary area is not open for independent public walking. Participation is through volunteer sessions held on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Is Ark in the Park currently operating?
The project is operating on a limited basis due to kauri dieback access restrictions across the Waitākere Ranges. Check arkinthepark.org.nz for current session availability.
What species has Ark in the Park reintroduced?
North Island robins, kōkako, and pōpokatea (whiteheads) have been reintroduced to the sanctuary. The project also undertakes ongoing pest control to protect existing native wildlife.
Where is Ark in the Park located?
In the Cascade Kauri area of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, West Auckland. Exact access details are provided when you register for a volunteer session.
Who runs Ark in the Park?
It is a partnership between Forest & Bird, Auckland Council, and mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki.
Ark in the Park is part of the conservation work happening across the Auckland parks and reserves network. For the waterfall and kiwi restoration context of the southern Waitākere area, see the guide to Hūnua Ranges Regional Park.
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