The Hunua Ranges are Auckland’s best kept secret for bush walks. Just an hour from the city, you’ll find yourself in proper native forest with waterfalls, reservoir views, and actual birdlife.
The ranges have everything from 10-minute strolls to proper all-day tramps. Most people start at Hunua Falls because it’s spectacular and there’s good parking, but the Wairoa Dam area has some cracking walks too if you want to avoid the crowds.
The tracks are well looked after and clearly marked. You’ll be walking through thick native bush – mostly rimu, totara and tree ferns – with plenty of tui and kereru about. Some walks have serious stairs (the Massey-Cossey Loop is basically a StairMaster workout), others are pretty flat.
Gates open 6am-9pm in summer, 6am-7pm in winter, but you can walk in anytime. Below you’ll find all the walks we’ve covered in the Hunua Ranges so you can pick the right one for your day.

