09 October 2026
Mainly fine, some cloud late morning and afternoon. Easterlies for a time afternoon and early evening.
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1 / 10Hunua Ranges Regional Park
Waharau Ridge Track
Explore the 11km trail on the eastern side of Hunua Ranges, offering a 3.5-4 hour loop with Firth of Thames and Coromandel Ranges views. Start at the information center, follow red track markers through regenerating bush for a satisfying elevation gain.
Distance
11 km
Walking time
1-4 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Auckland forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 3:39 am
10 October 2026
Cloudy, but becoming fine for a time in the afternoon and evening. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.
11 October 2026
A few showers. Northerlies, turning westerly in the morning.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated with longer fine breaks in the morning. Westerlies, dying out in the morning.
13 October 2026
Mostly cloudy, with isolated showers. Light winds.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Waharau Ridge Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Waharau Ridge Track
On the eastern side of the Hunua Ranges is home to the 11km trail. You’ll need to allow 3.5 – 4 hours to walk the loop (which includes views of the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel Ranges). Start at the information centre and follow the red track markers through regenerating bush. A great little loop if you are after some vert.
Essential information for Waharau Ridge Track
Dogs: On leash. Smokefree regional parks: Our regional parks are smoke-free. Waste: All our regional parks are rubbish free. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave. Outdoor fires: It is illegal to light a fire outside in all public areas in the Auckland region. For more information about the park and track, head to the Auckland Council website .
Kauri protection guide
When visiting areas with healthy kauri trees, please make sure you follow these steps: Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Huts and Campsites
Extend your trip by staying at Blackberry Flats Campground.
Getting there for Waharau Ridge Track
Drive south on State Highway 1 and onto State Highway 2 before turning off onto Mangatangi Road. From there take Kaiaua Road to Kaiaua, on the coast. Turn left onto East Coast Road. Whakatīwai Regional Park is 4.5km from Kaiaua on the left. Waharau Regional Park is 4km further along East Coast Road. Use this location on Google Maps to help find your way there. For public transport information: phone Auckland Transport 09 366 6400 or visit at.govt.nz
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Waharau Ridge Track
Dogs on leash only.
Before you walk Waharau Ridge Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.