Check out our Video Episode for this journey below!
HAMILTON’S GAP / WAIMATUKU
After leaving Āwhitu Regional Park, we noticed on WikiCamps there was an awesome beach and freedom camp on the west coast of the peninsula that we should check out.
Waimatuku means ‘the waters of the matuku’. The matuku (bittern) is a swamp-dwelling bird memorialised in place names and maunga across the region. This reserve was once home to many of these matuku.
If you love going off-road or playing on big sand dunes, then this is the place for you. Hamilton’s Gap has the highest sand dunes in the Auckland region!
It was quite busy when we visited, but for good reasons! The beach is so rugged and massive, it makes you feel tiny in comparison. It was a great way to spend a few hours, or indeed stay overnight right next to the beach.
WAIUKU FOREST
Our next stop was to be the Waiuku forest, only 20 minutes south from Waiuku. It’s a large forestry area bordering the Tasman Sea. There is also a very large iron mine owned by New Zealand Steel right next door which provides many jobs to the local area.
Recreational opportunities in the forest include horse trekking, walking, picnicking, and fishing. There are many tracks inside the forest and not many signs, so after some advice we just chose our own tracks as we walked and then retraced our way back! Its a beautiful place, just a shame about all of the destruction that happens here!
HUNUA FALLS
After getting a taste of the forest, we decided we wanted more and drove eastbound to the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. This ‘park’ is the largest mainland forest in the Auckland Region & has more than 450 species of native plants! It is so beautiful and definitely worth a visit!
On WikiCamps we also discovered an Auckland Council Campsite, in the car park to Hunua Falls which was only about 100 metres away (self-contained vehicles only). It was great to hear these mighty falls whilst camping. We were also right next to a river with bush surrounding us; just what we like. We were even the only ones there! Not many people seem to know that you can camp here…definitely the locals’ secret!
The spectacular 30 metre waterfall is part of the Wairoa River which carves through an ancient volcano as it winds its way north through the township of Clevedon.
Being so closet Auckland, it is extremely popular, HOWEVER it also can be extremely dangerous. As of 2019, at least 16 people are known to have drowned while swimming at the falls!
In the morning we decided to walk the Cossey Massey Loop Track. It was much longer than the short Hunua Falls Walk, but so worth it. It took us around 3 hours in total, and half way through you come to the huge Cossey Dam which is spectacular. Just remember to bring walking boots, water and snacks for a few breaks. There are many ups and downs to get your heart racing…
MORE HUNUA RANGES
Next we decided to head to the Upper Mangatāwhiri Campground, accessed from the south side of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park.
Again we were the only ones camped her, right next to a beautiful stream and surrounded by bush! Just a short 10 minute walk from the campsite and you arrive at another huge dam which supplies so much of Auckland’s water. The lake and surrounding hills were beautiful in the morning with the low level clouds.
This campground would also make a great base for travellers with bicycles as there is a great cycle track through here!
The Hunua Ranges was probably our highlight of the whole South Auckland Trip, and if you are self-contained they are excellent value for money and a great escape from people.
Just remember to scrub your shoes before and after each walk due to Kauri dieback disease! VERY IMPORTANT
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