Exploring the Hunua Ranges

 Gardens   l    Wineries   l    Scenic Reserves and Parks   l   Hunua Ranges

The Hunua Ranges Regional Park is the place to be if you like outdoor action and adventure. The park features remote experience tracks to test your bush skills, through to mountain bike tracks to test your fitness. Or you could just relax with a picnic by Hunua Falls and enjoy the scenery.

The Hunua Ranges covers approximately 16,000 hectares and contains the largest block of forest on the mainland of the Auckland Region. Although many large stands of native trees like kauri, matai, kahikatea, tawa, rata and rimu were logged last century, they are now regenerating successfully.

Tramping

Remote tracks are detailed in the Hunua Recreation and Track Guide which is recommended for trampers venturing into the interior of the Hunua Range. Contact the Hunua Parkland Information Parksline on 09 903 1530 for more information.

Walking 

You can enjoy shorter bush walks in the area of Hunua Falls or Wairoa Dam, where picnic sites are also available.

Mountain biking

The Hunua Ranges are a popular place to go mountain biking.  Mountain bike tracks are available at Lower Mangatawhiri.  There are a range of tracks to suit all types of skill levels.

Horse Riding

You can get your permit from the Southern Parks office at Hunua, telephone 09 292 4823, and enjoy a couple of hours on the trail down in the valley at Lower Mangatawhiri.
 

Fishing

Both the Mangatawhiri and the Mangatangi Dams offer fishing, though conditions apply. Visit the Watercare Services web site www.watercare.co.nz for more information.

Camping 

Vehicle-based at Upper Mangatawhiri Dam, or backpack camping at Lower Mangatawhiri, the choice is yours. Or for the more adventurous you can even try one of our remote backpack campsites in the bush. For more information, contact the Auckland Regional Council on (09) 366 2000 or email for bookings and information.

Kokako Lodge 

This outdoor education camp at Hunua Falls is available for school, community or corporate group bookings. Contact Auckland Regional Council on 09 292 4349 or email for bookings and information.