2025 Hunua Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

📍 Location Hunua Falls is located in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park, south of Auckland, New Zealand. This spectacular waterfall stands approximately 30 meters tall and is surrounded by dense native forest, making it a favorite weekend getaway spot for locals. 🚗 How to Get There It takes about an hour's drive from Auckland city center to reach Hunua Falls. Simply set your GPS to "Hunua Falls," and you'll find free parking and basic facilities available. Alternatively, you can take a train to Papakura Station and then transfer to a bus, but driving is the most convenient option. 📝 Personal Experience Hunua Falls is an incredibly accessible waterfall destination. From the parking lot, it takes less than a 5-minute walk to reach the viewing area at the base of the falls. The sound of the water is thunderous, and the lush greenery all around gives you an instant sense of escape from the city. What I loved most was the circular trail above the falls, which offers a bird's-eye view of the entire waterfall. You can take a leisurely stroll, listen to the birds chirping, and enjoy the interplay of light and shadow in the forest. On the day I visited, I saw many families with picnic mats—some were reading under the trees, others were taking photos or chatting, creating a very relaxed atmosphere. However, there are clear signs on-site prohibiting swimming due to the deep water and strong currents, which have caused accidents in the past. Most visitors respectfully stay on the shore to admire the view or take photos, preserving the tranquility of the area. Overall, this is a fantastic spot to unwind and connect with nature. A half-day visit is more than enough. If you're in Auckland and looking to escape the crowds and urban hustle, Hunua Falls is a delightful little getaway.

📍 Location Located in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park in the southern suburbs of Auckland, New Zealand, Hunua Falls stands approximately 30 meters tall and is part of the Wairoa River catchment. It is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the area. ⸻ 🚗 How to Get There By Car: Drive south from Auckland city center along SH1, turn off at Papakura, and follow Falls Road to the parking lot. The drive takes about 45–60 minutes. The parking lot has restrooms and trail entrances nearby. By Public Transport: Take a train to Papakura, then transfer to bus 486 to get close to the falls. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the waterfall. ⸻ 📝 Personal Experience Hunua Falls is one of those places where you don’t have to drive far or hike strenuously to instantly immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature. A short trail of less than 10 minutes leads you directly to the viewing platform at the base of the falls. The sight of the waterfall crashing into the basin below, combined with the earthy scent of water and soil, is truly breathtaking. One of the highlights is the "waterfall walk," where you can choose from different viewing platforms. The upper platform offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire waterfall, while the lower platform lets you experience its powerful presence up close. There’s also a "photo frame" installation nearby, adding a fun touch to your photography. Although it’s not a highly popular Instagram hotspot, its charm lies in its simplicity: fewer crowds, easy trails, and a tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by dense native forest, you might spot local birds occasionally. The air carries a faint fragrance of ferns and moss, making it feel like the ultimate backyard retreat for city dwellers.

Nice hike, so lovely and beautiful. A little too bushy and shaded in some parts but otherwise it is a nice park to go for a hike. Shame the waterfall was small when I went (I’ve heard it looks a lot better during Winter).