Hūnua Falls
Waterfall Waterfall within Auckland's Hūnua Ranges
Inside Auckland’s Hunua Ranges Regional Park, Hūnua Falls is reached by a short, well-signed walk to a plunging waterfall with nearby picnic areas and bushwalking routes.
Hūnua Falls is a single-drop waterfall in the Hunua Ranges southeast of Auckland, New Zealand, with a vertical plunge that is commonly cited at about 30 meters. It is located within a regional water catchment and forest park.
A short paved path and lookout provide views of the pool and the waterfall’s vertical drop; the site is popular for day visitors and photographers. The surrounding area also offers longer bush walks and forested scenery but the falls themselves are reached by a relatively brief walk.
The falls lie within the Hunua Ranges, an area long used as a water supply catchment for Auckland and managed for both resource protection and recreation. Over time access and facilities have been developed to allow safe viewing while protecting the catchment.
Geographically the falls are in the Hunua Ranges, within the Auckland Region, set in forested hills and reservoirs about a one-hour drive southeast of central Auckland depending on route and traffic.
- Viewing platform: A viewing platform and paved short walk give direct views of the falls, making it accessible for most visitors without extensive hiking.
How to Get to Hūnua Falls #
Hūnua Falls is in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park southeast of Auckland. The falls are reached by car from Auckland via State Highway 1 (Southern Motorway) and then by local roads toward the Hunua/Clevedon area; the drive from Auckland CBD is roughly 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. There is a short walk from the designated car park/visitor area to the main lookout and pool.
Tips for Visiting Hūnua Falls #
- Use the main Hunua Falls car park and short sealed viewing path - the formal lookout is a brief walk from the parking area and is the quickest way to see the falls if you're combining stops.
- Visit early on weekdays to avoid heavy weekend day‑trip traffic from Auckland; the car park and viewing platform commonly fill by late morning on weekends.
- Check Auckland Council park alerts before you go - track, reservoir and picnic‑area closures or restrictions are occasionally posted after heavy rain or for maintenance.
Best Time to Visit Hūnua Falls #
Visit in summer for the easiest, driest hiking conditions, or after rain if you want the falls at their fullest.
Weather & Climate near Hūnua Falls #
Hūnua Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1459 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (161 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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