Hunua Falls

This is a great place to have a picnic in front of the waterfalls. For some reason, we weren’t allowed to swim in the pond because of some treatment they were doing? That part was a bit disappointing, but we did a hike instead. The trails are well marked with neon tags on the trees. There is a map in the beginning for you to determine which trails you want to take. We ended up doing a loop. It is difficult to get lost. It’s so pretty. It’s lush with different plants. It’s sort of like a combination of a jungle and a forest.
If you’re ever visiting, I would highly recommend coming here for a day hike and a picnic.

«It’s like a jungle sometimes, it makes wonder»… why I hadn’t been to this place sooner. The waterfall is right at the very entrance, so if you’re looking for greenery and scenery without the workout, this is the place to be. I can only imagine coming here in the summer — park the car, bring the picnic, then jump right into the pond beneath the falls.
On the other hand if you want to reward yourself at then end, then take the 3 hour Cossey — Massey Loop walk. Meander through beautiful native bush, snap a view of Cossey dam through a grove of massive Kauri trees. At this point there is a long bench to have a quick drink and snack before continuing the trail. Finish the trek by walking alongside the dam, then stone hoping through Cossey stream.
Hunua Falls trails are good enough for the entire family, however be mindful of the amount of stairs and the progressing incline.

If you ask an Aucklander about waterfalls in Auckland, I can completely guarantee Hunua would be the first thing they’d say. It is the most famous (only?) waterfall in Auckland.
Located in the Hunua Ranges (big forest/​reserve area east of Papakura), Hunua boasts all the good ingredients for a good day outdoors. The most famous of which is the photogenic waterfall, with adjoining little pool that you can swim in, and grassy areas. Cross the bridge over the river and you’ll find yourself at the foot of a few different trails that you can hike, which lead through numerous New Zealand bushland. The tracks are of different length and difficulty, with a few being a lot more hilly than others.
The Hunua Falls are an absolutely awesome place to spend a day out, be sure to pack your camera, food and plenty of water!

Hunua Falls is such a beautiful and peaceful little place (well the roaring noise of the waterfall isn’t quiet by any means, but hopefully you get what I mean). Tucked away in the Hunua Ranges, this location can be quite a long drive from Auckland City, but if you’ve got the time and petrol I definitely recommend it. It’s a nice place to take the family for a picnic, or even a hot date. She will love it, unless she doesn’t like waterfalls; but honestly who doesn’t like waterfalls?
You can walk right around and underneath the falls, it’s so cool! If it’s a hot day you can also swim in the lake. For all the people who love hiking, there are a number of walking tracks here that aren’t too difficult, and they take you through some beautiful native bush.

I’ve been camping nearby at the Hunua Falls Presbyterian Campsite, and often enjoyed popping down to enjoy the tranquility of the falls during my stay. It’s very picturesque and great for swimming in on a hot day. There’s some forested walks nearby, a nice wooden bridge and a large picture frame you can have fun posing in for photos. If it wasn’t so far away, I’d go more often and spend long afternoons there.
The roads there are extremely windy, and the locals hate having to drive slowly behind us tourists from the city. So my recommendation is don’t travel at peak hours, and take your time drinking in the country drive. (and let people pass if they seem to be tailgating you agressively: P) It’s for that lazy Sunday you don’t know what to do with.