Hunua Falls on the edge of the Hunua Ranges is one of the top waterfall attractions in the Auckland region. It’s a decent height at 30 metres, with a nearly sheer drop on the Wairoa River over a volcanic outcrop. There is a large pool at the base for swimming in and, near the falls, the pool is deep enough to jump into from the side of the cliff. Don’t be overly surprised to see a queue of kids edging up a narrow ledge on the cliff to take their turn! There is also enough grassed space to settle in for a while.
A popular photo is from the bridge over the river. Look towards the falls about a third of the way over for the reflection of the falls. Continue on over the bridge to take the short tracks to the lower and upper lookouts. Just beyond the lower lookout is as close as possible without getting your feet wet.
If you feel like a longer hike, continue on from the bridge on the Cossey Massey Loop, about 3 hours in total.
The falls are also exceptionally popular, in part because they are so easy to get to. There is a large car park only a couple of minutes walk from the falls. Drive from Hunua for a few kms along White Rd then to the end of Falls Rd. Try and avoid sunny weekends and holidays if you don’t want to queue for your turn to jump!
