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Park activities

Abseiling
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Abseiling

There is a site at Hunua Falls (30m). You must have a qualified instructor. Book this site by phoning 09 366 2000.

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Bird watching
Camping - backpack
Dog walking with restrictions
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Dog walking with restrictions

Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead. Dogs are prohibited from all designated camping and picnic areas.

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Education
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Education

There are education programs available through the Learning Through Experience programs, discovery walks and wild south water watch. Bookings and enquiries via 09 536 7012.

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Fishing
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Fishing

Trout fishing is available on the Wairoa river from beyond the falls, via private land – check details with angling clubs.

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Horse riding
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Horse riding

Designated trails in the Lower Mangatawhiri Valley with undulating terrain along a gravel road, grass paddocks, through bush and along the Mangatawhiri River. There is a main loop down to the Lower Mangatawhiri Campground with additional linking tracks that cross between the main loop.

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Mountain biking
Picnics
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Picnics

Picnic tables are provided at Hunua Falls, Wairoa and Mangatawhiri. Or you can find your own favourite spot.

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Sightseeing
Swimming
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Swimming

Swimming is possible in the Wairoa river below the Falls. It is not recommended that you swim in the pool of the falls, as the bottom drops away suddenly and there have been drownings. There is no diving from the top of the falls.

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Volunteering
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Volunteering

Currently a predator free zone is being set up in the falls area, and volunteers will be required to check the bait lines – this will be suitable for fit trampers as the terrain is very steep. Contact 09 536 7012 if interested in volunteering in our southern parks.

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Walks (1 hour or more)
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Walks (1 hour or more)

There are many longer walks available in the Hunua Ranges, a favourite amongst trampers. See below for more track details.

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Walks (less than 1 hour)
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Walks (less than 1 hour)

For a short walk try the Hunua Falls Loop track which will take you up to the falls through the forest.

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Wedding / civil union
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Wedding / civil union

Ceremonies are often held on either side of the Falls. A permit is required, contact the Senior Ranger Recreation 09 366 2044. Receptions can be held at Kokako Lodge. Bookings through 09 292 4349 or e-mail office@kokakolodge.org.nz.

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Wildlife
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Wildlife

You can expect to see Kereru, Tui, Grey Warbler, Tomtit, Shining Cuckoo, Bellbirds and Californian Quail.

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Search for activities

Tracks

Mangatawhiri Challenge Track
2 hours / 15 km
Massey Track
3 ¼ hours / 5 km
Moumoukai Farm Track
1 ¾ hours / 15 km
Suspension Bridge Track
1 ½ hours / 3.5 km
Valley Loop Track
1 ½ hours / 14 km
Wairoa Loop Track
3 hours / 6.5 km
Back to Hunua Ranges home
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Hunua Ranges

Kokako and North Island Robin in the Hunua Ranges

Kokako release, Hunua Ranges 2006

Kokako Recovery Programme

Over a decade ago, a survey of kokako in the Hunua Ranges showed that only about 25 males and 1 female remained.

Today however, through the efforts of the Auckland Regional Council, Department of Conservation, and many volunteers, the Hunua Ranges Regional Park is home to the only original native kokako population in the Auckland area.

This is largely due to an intensive pest management programme implemented in 1994.

Since the project began possum and rat numbers have been reduced to very low levels inside the 600 ha kokako management area, through baiting and trapping. As a result of the reduced animal pest numbers about 30 kokako have fledged and there are now nine kokako pairs in the management area, where there was only one pair in 1994.

Kokako project volunteering

High up in the Hunua Ranges, from spring until the end of summer, ARC staff and volunteers work to make sure that the kokako there have a successful breeding season, and you too can be part of this!

Volunteers of all ages help carry up bags of poison pellets into the bush, which are used to cull rat and possum numbers. The bush is very beautiful in the Hunuas and most people consider volunteer days to be going for a tramp with a purpose.

Anyone who would like to volunteer can join the team on a Tuesday or the second Saturday of every month from August to February. There are also opportunities for more extensive volunteering on the kokako project involving a minimum stay in the Hunuas of two weeks, including training.

You can download an information flyer here:

The Kokako Project - information for volunteers (122.7 KB PDF)

For becoming involved with the project in either of the two ways above, please contact Mags Ramsey on 536 7012 or mags.ramsey@arc.govt.nz

North Island robin recovery at Hunua

In May 2001, 30 North Island robins, captured at Pureora Forest, were released into the 600 ha kokako management block in the Hunua Ranges. The robin is believed to have become locally extinct in the Hunua Ranges sometime before 1900.

By September 2001, four pairs of robins had established territories inside kokako management area. During the 2001-02 summer, the four known pairs produced a total of 25 young and their progress is being monitored on an ongoing basis.