Some council services will be unavailable over the Christmas and New Year break.
Check if you need to apply or order before Friday 19 December 2025.
Major partner
Park closed for pest control from 5pm Wednesday 15 October 2025 until further notice
We have closed Waharau Regional Park for extensive pest animal control operations. You should not enter the park as there is a risk to people and pets from this operation.
We are clearing the tracks and roads of 1080 bait so it is safe to visit again. We will let you know when the park is ready to reopen.
Visit How we protect the Hunua Ranges from pests to learn more about the pest control process and view maps of the area.
Visit Our Auckland for an update on the pest control operation.
Email hunuaproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you have any questions.
Starts at Waharau Regional Park
This gentle, short walk through regenerating forest in Waharau Regional Park is ideal for inexperienced bushwalkers.
Start at the information building. Follow the green markers through the kānuka dominated forest and tree ferns.
After your bush walk, there is plenty to see and do. Visit the small beach and enjoy views over the Firth of Thames / Tīkapa Moana towards the Coromandel Peninsula. Look out for sea and shore birds, including spotted shags (pārekareka), New Zealand dotterels (tūturiwhatu) and oystercatchers (tōrea).
Bring a picnic or use the wood and gas barbecues provided (bring your own wood).
If you want to keep exploring, join up with one of the rugged tramping tracks towards the Hunua Ranges.
Located on the eastern side of the rugged Hunua Ranges, Waharau Regional Park extends from the range to the coast. The Māori name Waharau means 'the ever-changing stream mouth' and refers to the stream that winds its way down from the eastern Hunua Ranges and flows out into the Firth of Thames.
