Hunua Falls Short Loop is a brief 10-15 minute walk near Auckland, New Zealand, located in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. The easy, family-friendly track leads to scenic Hunua Falls, a popular waterfall viewpoint. The loop features native bush, a viewing platform, and is suitable for all fitness levels and ages.
Find more walks in this area… Check out our comprehensive guide to South Auckland walks for more tramping options in the Hunua Ranges and surrounding regions.
By Car (45 minutes from Auckland CBD):
By Public Transport: There’s no direct public transport to Hunua Falls. You’d need to catch a train to Papakura Station and then arrange a taxi or rideshare for the remaining 20-kilometre journey.
Parking: Free parking available but spaces are limited (approximately 30-40 vehicles). Overflow parking along Hunua Road when the main carpark is full.
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The Hunua Falls Short Loop punches well above its weight for such a brief walk. Most visitors underestimate how impressive the falls actually are until they’re standing on that viewing platform with mist on their faces. The Wairoa River plunges about 30 metres over a rock face into a deep pool below, and when it’s been raining the volume of water is genuinely spectacular.
Here’s the insider knowledge: most people do this walk anticlockwise (bearing left from the carpark) but if you go clockwise you’ll approach the falls from above first, which gives you a sneak preview before the big reveal at the platform. It’s a small thing but it changes the experience.
The track is exceptionally well maintained by Auckland Council. They’ve done a stellar job with drainage which means even after heavy rain you won’t be squelching through mud. That said, the rocks near the viewing platform get slippery when wet so watch your footing if you’re tempted to venture off the designated path.
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Let’s be honest: this is about as challenging as making a cup of tea. But there are still a few things to keep in mind.
The viewing platform has safety railings but they’re not foolproof. Keep a close eye on young children because the drop is significant. Every summer there are incidents of people ignoring warning signs and attempting to climb down to the base of the falls. Don’t be that person. The rocks are slippery, the currents unpredictable, and the rescue operation will be embarrassing.
The track gets busy. Weekend afternoons can feel like a conga line of families which somewhat diminishes the wilderness experience. If you’re after solitude, this isn’t the walk for it unless you time it right.
Cell phone coverage is unreliable so don’t assume you can call for help if something goes wrong. That said, with this many visitors, you’re never far from other people who could assist.
Even though this is an easy walk, there’s plenty to appreciate if you know what you’re looking at. The native bush here is regenerating beautifully after decades of protection. You’ll spot kauri (look up for the distinctive bark and crown), rimu with its weeping foliage, and tawa trees with their glossy leaves.
The birdlife is surprisingly diverse for somewhere so accessible. Fantails will likely follow you along the track performing their aerial acrobatics as they catch insects disturbed by your footsteps. Listen for the distinctive call of tūī, especially in flowering trees. If you’re exceptionally lucky you might spot a kererū (native wood pigeon) in the canopy, though they’re more common deeper in the ranges.
Geologically, you’re looking at greywacke rock—the same sedimentary rock that forms much of New Zealand’s ranges. The waterfall exists because of differential erosion where softer rock has worn away faster than harder layers, creating the cliff face.
Can I swim at Hunua Falls?
Swimming directly at the base of the falls is not recommended due to strong currents, cold water, and dangerous rocks. Auckland Council discourages swimming here. There are safer swimming spots elsewhere in the Hunua Ranges.
Is the track suitable for wheelchairs?
The track is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain, steps, and tree roots. The viewing platform requires descending stairs.
How busy does it get?
Weekends and school holidays can be very busy with families. Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer a quieter experience.
Are there toilets?
Yes, there are toilet facilities at the carpark. They’re basic but well-maintained.
Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are not permitted anywhere in Hunua Ranges Regional Park to protect native wildlife and the water supply catchment.
What if the falls are just a trickle?
During dry periods the falls can be underwhelming. Check recent rainfall before making the trip if you want to see them at their best. A few days after heavy rain is ideal.
Is there a cost to visit?
No, entry to Hunua Ranges Regional Park is completely free including parking.
How long should I allow for the whole visit?
Plan for at least an hour total including parking, walking, photos, and enjoying the falls. Add more time if you want to picnic.
Last weekend I drove out to Hunua Falls with my sister, hoping to stretch our legs after too many days stuck indoors. The carpark was surprisingly full for a Sunday morning, but the track itself never felt crowded.
The loop took us about forty minutes, though we stopped several times to take photos and peer over the railing at the falls. The water was rushing after recent rain, sending up a fine mist that caught the morning light. The roar of it drowned out everything else—no bird calls, no conversation, just that constant thunder of water hitting rock.
The track winds through dense native bush, mostly kauri and rimu, with enough tree roots crossing the path to keep you watching your feet. We passed a family with young kids who were managing fine, so it’s definitely not a difficult walk. Just enough incline to feel like you’ve done something without leaving you gasping.
What struck me most was how quickly you feel removed from the city. Twenty minutes of ferns pressing in on both sides of the track, and Auckland could have been hours away instead of a forty-minute drive. My sister collected a smooth river stone from the bottom of the falls—something she does everywhere we hike—and we headed back to the car with damp hair and mud on our boots.
It’s the kind of walk you could do regularly without getting bored. Short enough for a morning outing, pretty enough to feel worthwhile.
