Auckland
Hūnua Falls Track: an in-depth guide to the short forest loop
Visit Hūnua Falls on the 0.8 km forest loop from Falls Road. Find start details, route stages, facilities, current cautions, clear diagrams and a park map.
About this guide: Researched by ReGear using the official sources linked below. This is a planning guide, not a firsthand trip report. Check the land manager’s latest notices before travelling.
| Route | Hūnua Falls Track forest loop |
|---|---|
| Distance | 0.8 km |
| Council walking time | 15 minutes; allow longer for stops |
| Start | 232 Falls Road, Hūnua |
| Terrain | A short forest climb to a lookout, then return to the falls |
| Dogs | Not allowed on this walking track |
Where it is
What to expect
A short forest loop with a lookout and waterfall views. The 0.8 km Falls Track takes about 15 minutes to walk, plus time to stop. Expect a brief climb and uneven forest footing. It is an easy way to add a little walking to a waterfall visit.
Finding the start
Go to the Hūnua Falls visitor car park at 232 Falls Road. Use the public toilet, read the track board and follow signs for the short Falls Track. Clean your footwear at the entrance and note the vehicle-gate closing time.
The route
Climb from the Wairoa River through bush and follow the shaded stream towards the lookout. Continue around the signed forest loop to the base of the falls and back to the start. Cossey Dam and the longer Hūnua routes are separate walks.
Orange marks the route. Tap the map for a larger view.
The waterfall
The falls drop over a rock face into a broad pool surrounded by bush. Enjoy the view from the designated areas and keep children close near the water. Council advises against swimming here; wet rocks can also be slippery.
Time and effort
The walking takes roughly 15 minutes, but leave room for photos and a relaxed stop at the falls. The forest loop includes a climb, so wear shoes with tread and take it slowly when wet.
What to bring
For this short walk, I’d take comfortable walking shoes, water, a snack and a light rain layer. Keep a charged phone and a small first-aid kit handy. Leave dogs at home, clean footwear before and after the visit, and take rubbish away.
Before you leave
Check current park notices and gate times. If extending the day, check the chosen route: forestry restrictions affect the northern Hūnua Traverse and a slip detour affects Cossey Access Track. Our boot-sizing guide can help with footwear fit.
Choosing gear for this walk
For this short forest loop, comfortable shoes with sound tread matter more than buying a large pack. Check that the soles are not worn smooth and that the heel holds securely on uneven ground. Carry water and a light rain layer, and keep anything you want dry inside a waterproof pouch or liner.
Use our New Zealand day-walk gear guide to check your kit, and our used outdoor gear checklist before buying. If you need a replacement, browse current hiking gear; check the measurements and condition of the individual item.
Maps, sources and image credits
Source check: 26 September 2026. Check the official links for current access and conditions.
Location photograph: Avenue, 14 March 2010; CC BY-SA 3.0.
Map imagery: LINZ and Imagery Basemap contributors, under CC BY 4.0; see the LINZ copyright statement. Cropped with route highlights and labels. Route overlay: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Updated 26 September 2026: shortened the walking advice and practical planning information.