Cascade Kauri Park

The first part of the Auckland City Trail in the Cascade Kauri Park, takes you through native bush and alongside the Waitakere River.   It's a nice one hour loop track that brings you out just above the carpark. 

Just before the second overbridge on this Auckland City Trail, you'll see a short side track directing you to the Cascade Falls set against huge rocky bluffs.  It's very frustrating, as you'll hear the Cascade Falls and know there is something big around the corner, but you won't be able to see them! (This is around 15 minutes into the walk).  The sign does warn walkers "you will not be able to view or see the Falls on this track" but it seems it's the closest you will get to them, regardless.

Do bring your swimming gear as a swim in the lower waters look extremely tempting.  Use sensibility though, and be careful.

There are a network of tracks and trails around Cascades Kauri Park.  The Montana Heritage Trail is another one of the well known trails (which takes about 4 hours, 8km) if you feel like a real tramp.  It's not for everyone, so that's why we've featured the Auckland City Walk (the shorter, flatter trail through the Cascades Kauri Park).

Enjoy, pack a water bottle, togs and enjoy a picnic. Toilets are located in the car park.   For more information check this Auckland City link.

We Reckon | We must admit, we had hoped the Cascade Falls would be more than what it was.  The Auckland City Walk was nice, the other tracks (the Ridge Track) muddy after rain with some adventurous steep parts!  Still, a lovely part of West Auckland.

Getting to the Cascade Kauri Park | To get there, take Falls Road (which is off Te Henga Road) then drive through the Waitakere Golf Club, past the clubhouse to the carpark at the very end of the road.

See our map for directions:


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Photo Credit | Cascade Kauri Park