Waitakere Ranges
Short walks close to Auckland city
The 160 sq km wilderness of the Waitakere Ranges sit to Auckland’s west and split the city from the the west coast and the Tasman Sea. This popular area has long been seen as an escape for stressed-out Aucklanders.
You’ll want to have your own wheels here as there are plenty of short walks, the opportunity to visit one or more of the spectacular west coast black-sand beaches, and a visit to the Arataki Visitor Centre is a must.
A recent problem is Kauri Dieback Disease, which threatens the kauri tree with extinction and has been restricting access to a number of tracks. If you’re keen to go walking in the Waitakere Ranges, check track information here before you go.