Discover the Upper Kauri Track
The Upper Kauri Track is a notable part of the 9.4 km Montana Heritage Trail loop, located in the Cascade Kauri area of the Waitākere Ranges in Auckland. This track is particularly special as it provides access to a remarkable section of both recovering and ancient kauri forest, the best remnant kauri forest south of Waipoua Forest on the Kauri Coast. The track has been significantly upgraded to prevent the spread of kauri dieback, making it a reasonably straightforward walk for most.
Exploring the Kauri Forest
Starting from the Kauri Cascades car park at the end of Falls Road, take the Lower Te Piringa Track across the Waitākere River. This leads you to a pou, marking the beginning of the Upper Kauri Track. The trail ascends steeply to a ridge line approximately 180 metres above the river. As you climb, the path transitions from gravel to a raised boardwalk and steps, guiding you into a kauri grove.
This grove is a stunning blend of young and ancient trees, some up to 1,000 years old. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the grove, after which you can choose to turn back if time is limited. For those who continue, the boardwalk ends with views of more kauri trees before the forest shifts to regrowth, typical of areas that were heavily milled.
Completing the Loop
From the end of the boardwalk, you can continue on with the Upper Kauri Track for about 20 minutes through regrowth forest to Smyths Corner. From Smythes Corner, take the Long Road Track to the Fenceline Track, which takes you to the Waitākere Reservoir, then through more ancient kauri as you walk from the reservoir to complete the loop. Allow 4 hours for the entire Montana Heritage Trail.
Getting to the Upper Kauri Track
From Downtown Auckland, take the western motorway to the Lincoln Offramp. Head south on Route 19, then turn west onto Universal Drive. This becomes Swanson Road, then Scenic Drive as it winds southwest. At Te Henga Road, turn west, then south onto Falls Road at the signposted entrance for Cascade Kauri and the Waitākere Golf Club. Park at the end of the road. The drive is 28 km and takes about 32 minutes.
From Te Henga Road, you can also continue to Lake Wainamu and Te Henga Bethells Beach. Following Scenic Drive, you can access Fairy Falls and the road to Piha, Karekare and Anawhata.
