Waitakere Ranges Tours and Activities

Waitakere Ranges showing forests and landscape views
Waitakere Ranges showing landscape views and a garden
Photo provided by Tourism New Zealand/Scott Venning
Waitakere Ranges featuring landscape views and outdoor art
Waitakere Ranges showing forest scenes and tropical scenes


Explore the vast 160,000 square kilometres of forest west of Auckland. Venture across its stunning landscapes and discover beautiful hidden gems around every corner.

It takes just 30 minutes to drive west out of downtown Auckland and into the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, but it feels like you could be in a completely different country. With a capital-city-sized stretch of native forest, incredible beaches further west, and so much to take in and do, the park proves a popular spot with visitors.

It’s a popular spot with walkers, who are attracted by the different walking trails available for all levels of fitness. There are short walks with information panels telling you more about the local flora and fauna, all the way up to hikes that take several hours through this captivating landscape. If you’re an avid walker, try out the Hillary Trail: a 75-kilometre hike that will take about four days to complete, with camp sites dotted all along the route.

Karekare is one of the area’s stunning beaches and it featured in the successful 1993 film ‘The Piano’. Nearby, Piha Beach is great for surfing – though bear in mind that rips can make it unsafe for swimming. It’s best to check with local surf clubs before heading into the water.

For a more relaxed, leisurely adventure, pay a visit to the artistic hamlet of Titirangi where you can stop off at the local galleries and cafés. To find out more about what’s on offer in this area, head for the Arataki Visitor Centre, situated on a ridge and guarded by an impressive Maori carving. Here, you’ll find information on guided tours and outdoor activities such as canyoning and horseback riding.

Take a guided tour from Swanston on the edge of the ranges. Board the small Rain Forest Express railway, which will take you through the region’s caves and tunnels before arriving at Upper Nihotupu Dam, which is a perfect spot to stop for a picnic. For an excellent wine-tasting tour, head for Henderson Valley.

The ranges are easy to reach if you’re coming by car. If you decide to stay over, there’s plenty of accommodation in the form of beach houses and hotels along the coast.

Plan a trip to see Waitakere Ranges

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BK's Pioneer Motel
Delamore Lodge
Luminous on Anzac

Popular places to visit


Top Waitakere Ranges Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Soho Hotel Auckland

Soho Hotel Auckland

4.5 out of 5
180 Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland
Soho Hotel Auckland
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
Novotel Auckland Airport
Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
14 Airpark Drive, Auckland
Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
Manha Hotel Auckland Airport

Manha Hotel Auckland Airport

3 out of 5
36 Pavilion Drive Mangere, Auckland
Manha Hotel Auckland Airport
Sudima Auckland Airport

Sudima Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
18 Airpark Drive, Auckland
Sudima Auckland Airport
Pullman Auckland Airport

Pullman Auckland Airport

5 out of 5
37 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland
Pullman Auckland Airport
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG

4 out of 5
2 Ascot Road, Auckland
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Waitakere Ranges

In the stunning Waitakere Ranges, visitors can enjoy activities like surfing, swimming, and relaxing at a day spa. Don't miss the scenic day hikes and the vibrant Avondale Sunday Market for local delights. For a well-rounded experience, explore various Auckland activities that showcase the region's natural beauty and cultural richness. Remember to pack your essentials and check the weather before heading out!

Shopping

In Waitakere Ranges, check out the Avondale Sunday Market, located 17.7km away, offering a vibrant local vibe with fresh produce and unique crafts. If you're up for a drive, Westfield St Luke's, 20.9km away, and Westfield Newmarket, 25.7km away, provide extensive shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

Eden Park, a renowned sports stadium, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for enjoying live events. Nearby, Titirangi Golf Club provides a scenic outdoor golfing experience amidst lush greenery. Trusts Stadium also captures the sports spirit, hosting various events that energise and inspire wellness through active engagement.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Piha Surf School, located 3.2km from Waitakere Ranges, where you can ride the waves with expert guidance. For high-speed fun, visit Formula E Indoor Raceway, 24.1km away, or challenge yourself at Clip 'n Climb, 22.5km away, with its exciting climbing walls.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Civic Theater, Aotea Centre, and ASB Waterfront Theatre, all 25.7km from Waitakere Ranges. Enjoy captivating performances in a cultural setting perfect for family outings or a romantic evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Waitakere Ranges

Waitakere Ranges offers a fantastic blend of experiences, from the stunning Piha Beach to the lush urban parks and charming jetties. Ideal for culture enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike, you can explore Waitakere City, enjoy a round at the Waitakere Golf Club, and visit nearby attractions like Waikiki Beach. Don’t miss the breathtaking beauty of the Waitakere Ranges themselves, perfect for family outings and adventures in nature.

  • Piha Beach: Nestled about 4.8km from the Waitakere Ranges, Piha Beach is renowned for its stunning black sands and dramatic surf. It's the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the laid-back beach vibes, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
  • Sky Tower: Located 25.7km away, the Sky Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland’s skyline. Standing at 328 metres tall, it's an iconic landmark that provides a vibrant city atmosphere, along with dining and thrilling activities like the SkyJump.
  • University of Auckland: Also 25.7km from the ranges, the University of Auckland showcases beautiful historic architecture and a vibrant campus life, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand. It's an ideal place to soak in the academic atmosphere and local art.

Best time to go to Waitakere Ranges

The best time to visit Waitakere Ranges can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Waitakere Ranges falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Waitakere Ranges falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
July53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Waitakere Ranges

To save money on your trip to Waitakere Ranges, consider visiting between May and July when accommodation prices dip. Booking about a month in advance typically yields the best rates, and Sundays are the least expensive days to stay. Utilize Expedia to compare hotel options and filter for eco-friendly stays. Look out for last-minute deals, and consider bundling flights with accommodations for better savings. Exploring free activities like hiking and visiting beaches can also enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Waitakere Ranges are May to July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Waitakere Ranges about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Waitakere Ranges is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Waitakere Ranges is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some cash by bundling your hotel stay in the Waitakere Ranges with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.