Hunua Ranges Regional Park is the largest area of native forest within reach of Auckland — a 16,000-hectare block of bush and farmland in the southern Hauraki Plains, roughly 50 kilometres southeast of the city. It’s a genuine wilderness by Auckland standards: tall kauri and kahikatea, deep river gorges, waterfalls, mountain bike trails, and more than 200km of walking and tramping tracks. For Aucklanders who want to get off the beaten track without driving to the Coromandel or Northland, the Hunuas offer something rare — mature native forest, real silence, and a sense of genuine remoteness just an hour from the motorway.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Main access: 285R Hunua Road, Hunua, Auckland (Hunua Falls carpark) |
| Distance from Auckland | ~50km southeast; approximately 1 hour drive |
| Cost | Free |
| Walking tracks | Multiple tracks from 30-minute loops to multi-day tramping routes |
| Mountain biking | Yes — dedicated MTB trails in the southern sections |
| Facilities | Toilets at Hunua Falls carpark; huts bookable for overnight tramping |
| Parking | Free at Hunua Falls carpark and other access points |
| Dogs | Dogs are NOT permitted in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park |
| Swimming | Hunua Falls pool — check Watercare notices; swimming not always permitted |
| Managed by | Auckland Council |
About the Ranges
The Hunua Ranges are one of the last remaining strongholds of kauri in the Auckland region. Unlike the more accessible Waitakere Ranges, the Hunuas have largely avoided the kauri dieback pressure (though biosecurity remains important — always clean footwear at cleaning stations before and after any kauri forest walk). The forest is mature, diverse, and genuinely impressive: stands of rimu, tōtara, kahikatea and kauri compete for the canopy, and the undergrowth supports a range of native birds including tūī, kererū and kiwi.
The park also incorporates the Mangatangi and Mangatawhiri water storage catchments, which supply approximately 40% of Auckland’s drinking water. Parts of the park are therefore restricted to protect the water supply — stay on marked tracks and respect closure signs.
Key Walks and Activities
Hunua Falls — The most-visited spot in the park: a 30-metre waterfall reached by a short 10-minute walk from the carpark. The falls tumble into a pool that was historically popular for swimming, though swimming access depends on Watercare restrictions — check current status before planning a swim. Even if swimming is closed, the falls are worth seeing.
Cossey’s Creek and Massey Track Loop — A longer day walk (around 3–4 hours) that takes in the forest along Cossey’s Creek before climbing through mature bush to wider views. One of the better multi-hour walks in the park for fit day walkers.
Overnight tramping — Several huts are bookable through Auckland Council for those who want to explore further. The Massey Track and its connecting routes allow a genuine overnight tramping experience within driving distance of the city.
Mountain biking — The southern portion of the park near Mangatangi has purpose-built mountain bike trails. Check Auckland Council’s website for the current state of the network.
Kauri Dieback — Important
Kauri dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicola) is a serious threat to kauri throughout Northland and Auckland. Always clean your footwear at cleaning stations before entering and after leaving any area with kauri. Do not step off the track in kauri areas. The Hunua Ranges have kauri present — please take biosecurity seriously.
Where to Learn More
Kauri Dieback covers the disease, its spread, and what visitors can do to help protect kauri forests.
Watercare has current information on swimming access at Hunua Falls and water catchment restrictions.
FAQ
How far is the Hunua Ranges from Auckland?
About 50km southeast of central Auckland — approximately one hour’s drive via SH2 and then south through Clevedon or via Hunua Road.
Can I swim at Hunua Falls?
Swimming access at Hunua Falls depends on Watercare catchment restrictions. Check the Auckland Council and Watercare websites before your visit — access varies seasonally and with water quality.
Are dogs allowed in the Hunua Ranges?
No — dogs are not permitted anywhere in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park, due to the proximity to Auckland’s drinking water catchments and the presence of vulnerable native wildlife.
How long is the walk to Hunua Falls?
The walk from the Hunua Falls carpark is about 10 minutes return — a very short, easy path suitable for all ages.
Are there longer walks in the Hunua Ranges?
Yes — the park has over 200km of tracks ranging from half-hour loops to multi-day tramping routes. The Cossey’s Creek loop is a popular 3–4 hour day walk. Huts are available for overnight stays — book through Auckland Council.
Is there kauri dieback at the Hunua Ranges?
Kauri are present in the Hunua Ranges. Always clean footwear at the cleaning stations provided before and after entering the park. This is a legal requirement under the Biosecurity Act as well as the right thing to do.
Hunua Ranges Regional Park is featured in our Auckland parks and reserves guide. For the falls specifically, see the Hunua Falls visitor guide.