Waitakere Ranges Tours

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


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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Best Lodging Options Near Waitakere Ranges

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
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
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
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 thrilling outdoor adventures like surfing, swimming, and relaxing at spas. The region is perfect for those seeking adventure parks, challenging climbs, and beautiful hikes that showcase its natural beauty. Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or peaceful trails, the Waitakere Ranges offers a variety of experiences to make your trip unforgettable.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Victoria Park is a public market located 16 miles away, offering a vibrant city atmosphere. Westfield St Luke's Shopping Centre, 13 miles away, features family-friendly entertainment. Closer at 11 miles, CraftWorld is a great stop for unique gifts and crafts.

Recreation

Eden Park, 14 miles from Waitakere Ranges, buzzes with sports energy, perfect for fans. Waitakere Golf Club, 6 miles away, offers a serene golf experience amidst nature. For fun and adventure, Paradice Ice Skating, located 11 miles away, provides a thrilling atmosphere for all ages.

Adventure

At Clip 'n Climb, located 14 miles from Waitakere Ranges, enjoy exhilarating indoor climbing challenges. Experience high-speed thrills at Formula E Indoor Raceway, 15 miles away, with exciting karting rides. For water adventures, Piha Surf School, only 2 miles away, offers fantastic surfing lessons amidst stunning beach scenery.

Nightlife

For a night out, visit SkyCity Casino for thrilling gaming and romantic city vibes, just 16 miles away. Alternatively, catch a film at the New Zealand Film Archive, offering cultural entertainment, or explore the Stardome Observatory & Planetarium for a family-friendly evening under the stars, also 15 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Waitakere Ranges

Visiting the Waitakere Ranges offers a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Explore urban parks, stunning beaches, and picturesque jetties while immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the area. Don't miss the breathtaking views and natural beauty of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, where you can enjoy various activities tailored to every type of traveler.

  • Piha Beach: Located just 3 miles from Waitakere Ranges, Piha Beach is renowned for its stunning black sand and powerful surf. The beach vibes here are vibrant, making it a perfect spot for relaxation or adventurous water activities like surfing and swimming.
  • Sky Tower: Situated 16 miles away, the Sky Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland's skyline and surrounding landscapes. The modern tower embodies city vibes with its observation decks, restaurants, and thrilling SkyJump experience, appealing to both thrill-seekers and sightseers.
  • University of Auckland: Also 16 miles from Waitakere Ranges, this historic university is rich in culture and stunning architecture. Stroll through its beautiful campus, explore galleries, and soak up the academic atmosphere that reflects New Zealand's educational heritage.

Best time to go to Waitakere Ranges

Visitor numbers around Waitakere Ranges is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Waitakere Ranges is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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, visit during the off-peak months of May to July when prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and consider staying on a Sunday for lower costs. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and explore package deals that combine your hotel with flights and activities. Join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Take advantage of last-minute deals for spontaneous plans and always sort by the lowest prices.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Waitakere Ranges about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in the Waitakere Ranges with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.