Then we go to the 200m long Cornwallis wharf to check if fishing is good... this is shark fishing country with traditions going way back in time... This is why we stop for a coffee break at Karamatura and learn about the local legend of Kaingamaturi - The dwelling place of the deaf...

Then we stop at the Arataki Visitor's Centre to learn about the region, see the giant carved Pou and enjoy the spectacular views that its wooden decks provide over the rainforest canopy and beyond to Auckland and the Manukau Harbour.

Photo Opportunities: Exhilarating views of the Manukau Heads and Harbour Scenic views of Auckland The deep greens of the Rainforest Trees and Ferns of the Rainforest The Fairy Falls

The steep descent towards the Fairy Falls is partly via wooden decks with great photo opportunities and views. The Fairy Falls pools provide a good resting stop and a bit of splashing on a warm day.

We'll take it easy and we'll stop quite often to photograph trees and ferns. We'll hear the Wood Pigeon call and flutter above us and with some luck we may even spot it!

This will be a day to cherish and remember!

The length of the Rainforest walk can be adjusted to suit your level of fitness.
Depending on season, weather and your personal preferences our itinerary may change.

Additional Information

The Waitakere Ranges

The Waitakere Ranges are rich in history. Local iwi Te Kawerau a Maki's ancestral association with this area goes back 700-800 years. They lived on land between the Manukau Harbour in the south and Muriwai to the north. The sea supplied fish and shellfish while the forest provided birds, succulent berries and other delicacies.

Waitakere Ranges Regional Park was formed over many years dating from 1900, when Auckland City Council began purchasing land for water supply and because of its scenic qualities. Originally named Auckland Centennial Memorial Park, it was established in 1940 to mark 100 years since the city's founding.

The forests of the Waitakere Ranges contain native species including morepork, kingfisher, shining cuckoo, tui, kereru, pied tit, green gecko, forest gecko and Hochstetter's frog.

Approximately one-quarter of NZ's native flowering plants (some 420 species) and two-thirds of all ferns and fern allies (over 110 species) are found within the ranges, including a wealth of mosses and lichens.

Approximately one-third of the ranges is covered in rata, rimu, totara, miro and kahikatia. Puriri, karaka, kohekohe, nikau and tree ferns cover approximately one third of the Ranges. Taraire occurs mainly around Pararaha and Karekare. Manuka forest is the third major component of the ranges. Pohutukawa dominates the cliff fringes.

The Arataki Pou

The Arataki Pou depicts the tupuna (ancestry) of Te Kawerau a Maki.
The Po is 11m high and carved from a single 5 tonne Kauri tree by head carver John Collins and fellow carver Bernard Makoare.

It is a reaffirmation of the mana of Te Kawerau and serves to remind us of the importance of our native forest and the relationship that we all have with it.

Huia

Huia is a quiet settlement by the Manukau Harbour with tidal beaches, picnic spots, forest walks and campsites.