Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, Auckland

Visit duration: 2 hours Editorial visit time estimate

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

The Waitākere Ranges are a chain of hills in West Auckland between the city and the Tasman Sea, running about 25 km north to south some 25 km west of central Auckland. Traditionally known to Māori as Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa, the Great Forest of Tiriwa, they are part of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, which covers about 60% of the area protected by the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act of 2008. The forest has over 110 fern species and is home to native birds, the long-tailed bat and Hochstetter's frog.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

The main attractions are four popular black-sand surf beaches, Piha, Muriwai, Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and Karekare, an extensive network of bush walks and tracks, and panoramic views of both coasts and the city. Scenic Drive runs along much of the ranges from Titirangi to Swanson, with the Arataki Visitor Centre, an information centre, on it. The 77 km Hillary Trail, opened on 11 January 2010, runs roughly south to north from Arataki to Muriwai through the ranges.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What to watch out for

Kauri dieback disease has shaped access: Te Kawerau ā Maki declared a rāhui in 2017 asking the public not to enter the ranges, and Auckland Council voted to restrict access a year later. Tracks have slowly reopened after work adding boardwalks and gravel to protect the kauri. The west coast beaches have a reputation for being dangerous for swimmers because of rips and large swells; surf life saving clubs patrol designated areas of the four most popular beaches during the summer months.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source