Where to chase waterfalls in Auckland
Summer has taken a break for a few months but that doesn’t mean we need to stop exploring our beautiful backyard. What better way to get out in nature than by chasing waterfalls?
Some of Auckland’s most well-known waterfalls are nestled in the Waitākere and Hunua ranges regional parks but while there are closures in place due to kauri dieback disease (find out more about which tracks are closed), we wanted to share some other great waterfalls you can visit just a stone’s throw away.
Oakley Creek waterfall
Also known as Te Auaunga or Oakley Creek Esplanade Reserve, Oakley Creek is where you’ll find the only waterfall in the central area. There is a viewing platform, boardwalk and table for you to enjoy the 6m-high waterfall and an array of plant- and birdlife.
Old Thorp’s Quarry waterfall
Take an easy five-minute walk to the old Thorp Quarry site in Clevedon Scenic Reserve, which has a beautiful waterfall and wetland. This part of the reserve provides a boardwalk and a seating area perfect for a picnic.
Waterfall Gully
The best time to visit this waterfall in Shakespear Regional Park is after rain; otherwise more of a trickle of water will greet you. You can find this waterfall on the Heritage Trail.
Lucas Creek waterfall
This hidden gem can be found in Gills Scenic Reserve in Albany. Take the Waterfall Track and perch yourself on the park bench to admire this cascading waterfall.
Omeru Falls
Omeru Falls is located in the Omeru Scene Reserve, roughly a 35-minute return walk from Kaukapakapa township. In this bush reserve you will also find two streams, a pā site and a picnic area.
Visit the Auckland Council website for more walks and outdoor activity ideas in Auckland.
Keep our kauri standing
Kauri dieback in Auckland is a serious problem and it’s important we all play our part to prevent the spread of the disease.
To help keep our kauri standing for future generations, the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park have been closed until further notice. Some higher-risk tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park have also been closed as a proactive measure to prevent the introduction of kauri dieback disease into the park, where it has not yet been detected.
Controlled Area Notices (CANs) are in place across the currently open tracks within the forested area of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and the whole of the native forested area of the Hunua Ranges regional parkland.
Aucklanders and visitors to the region are advised to find alternatives to get out and enjoy what our beautiful backyard has to offer.
If you enter or leave a forest/area with native trees anywhere across the region, here are three easy steps you need to remember:
- Scrub – clean all soil off your footwear and other gear.
- Spray – your footwear and gear at every cleaning station you encounter. Kauri dieback can be spread by just a pinhead of soil.
- Stay – on the designated open tracks.
Find out more about protecting our kauri trees.