Hunua: Waterfalls, Forest and Trails

When planning a stay in Hunua, you can use the area’s varied trails and landscapes to plan your nature outings and activities. Highlights include Hunua Falls and Hunua Ranges Regional Park, where routes range from a trail of about 15 minutes to a loop taking several hours. This lets you plan your outing around specific route times.

Waterfall and reserve

Hunua Falls is a 30-metre-high waterfall. Hūnua Falls Volcanic Neck is a geological reserve of regional significance. The waterfall’s distinctive natural features also include sedgeland vegetation around the pool and in the spray zone. This ecosystem is classified as endangered in the region and has high biodiversity value.

Hunua Ranges Regional Park covers more than 14,000 hectares. Native bird species such as tūī, pīwakawaka (fantail) and kererū live there. For nature lovers, the park’s extensive area and birdlife are additional trip-planning considerations alongside the waterfall landscape.

Compare trails by time and distance

The Hunua Falls Path passes through lush forest to the base of the waterfall and takes about 15 minutes. It is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Another option is the Hunua Falls Upper Lookout Walk: it is 800 metres long, takes 30 minutes and is suitable for strollers. The two trails differ both in their described routes and in that stroller access is specifically noted for the Upper Lookout Walk.

At 3.5 kilometres and 90 minutes, the Suspension Bridge Loop is a longer but clearly defined circuit. It crosses the Wairoa Stream and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Wairoa Reservoir. The loop also includes a scenic picnic area and public toilets. If you need these facilities for your plans, confirm their current status before your visit.

If you have more time, consider the Massey Cossey Loop Track: it is a little over 8 kilometres long and can take about 3 to 4 hours. Along the way, you can enjoy views of native bush, Hunua Falls and Cossey Dam. Compared with the shorter Falls trails, this route requires significantly more time. Also check current track conditions before setting out.

Cycling, horse riding, fishing and swimming

Hunua Ranges Regional Park has five cycling trails, including an easy valley loop and the more challenging Mangatāwhiri Challenge Track. These options provide a clear comparison within the park’s cycling offering: you can choose between a loop described as easy and a route described as more challenging.

Horse-riding trails follow a gravel road through the Lower Mangatāwhiri Valley, across pasture and through bush, and along the Mangatāwhiri River. Their routes therefore pass through a variety of landscapes and terrain. Mangatangi and the dam wall at Mangatāwhiri Reservoir are listed as trout-fishing spots; a Fish and Game Council licence is required. Check licence requirements and designated fishing areas before travelling.

The park also has swimming spots in numerous streams and rivers. Check current local conditions before swimming. This keeps fishing and swimming clearly distinct from the walking and cycling trails, so you can plan each activity separately for your day.

Getting there and accommodation

You can drive to the park via State Highway 1; parking is free. As access and parking conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

Kokako Lodge in Hunua is a camp with 82 beds, available to schools and the general public. Confirm capacity and availability before booking. The lodge offers high ropes, archery, raft building and orienteering; these activities depend on the operator and should also be confirmed before booking.

Discover more destinations: Orewa, Sandspit, Mangere, Waiwera, Big Omaha, Leigh, Riverhead, Piha

For the broader travel overview: Auckland.