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Scoop Explores Auckland’s Cascades Kauri Park

From Tawharanui in the north to Awhitu in the south, Waitakere Ranges in the West and Whakanewha on Waiheke Island there is a park waiting for you to explore. Waitakere Ranges and Muriwai Regional Parks are stunning wilderness areas within half an hour of central Auckland, offering a huge range of recreational opportunities.

Images by Selwyn Manning - Information courtesy of Auckland Regional Council’s regional parks. See… www.arc.govt.nz/arc/parks/

Walks

There are about 250km of tracks in the Waitakere Ranges, ranging from easy short walks to back-country tracks suitable only for experienced trampers. We have something for everyone!

To find out more about tracks visit the Arataki Visitor Centre where staff can help you plan your next walk. It is essential to take a map with you, and these are available at the Visitor Centre. The book ‘Walking the Waitakere Ranges, is also very useful. See… www.arc.govt.nz/arc/parks/arataki/

Auckland City Walk is 1.5km long and takes about 1 hour. Following the Waitakere Stream you will see large kauri and totara trees, the Cascade Falls, native birds, and possibly the native long-tailed bat.

Entrance to Cascades Kauri Park

Cascade Kauri, Lake Wainamu and Fairy Falls are located in the northern parts of the Waitakere Ranges and offer great places to explore! Come and see giant kauri trees, huge sand dunes and spectacular water falls. Walk through ancient forests and along extensive boardwalk systems.

Visit Titirangi village and enjoy the cafes and galleries before heading along Scenic Drive. Fairy Falls are located on eastern slopes of the Waitakere Ranges about 5 kms north of the Arataki Visitor Centre. Cascade/Kauri and Lake Wainamu on the Bethells Road. Take Falls Road to Cascade/Kauri.

Mature Kauri

Carved by water and wind

Keruru [Aotearoa New Zealand Wood Pigeon] In A Cabbage Tree

From the 1850’s European settlers began logging trees from the lower slopes of the valley. Logging ceased in 1926 when land was purchased by the Auckland City Council for a reserve – today known as Cascade/Kauri.

For more information about tramping in Auckland’s regional parks see… www.arc.govt.nz/arc/parks/arataki/

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