Auckland is famously known as the City of Sails and earned its nickname from the love that the locals had for the sea. The name is befitting once you see the yachts and boats that dot the harbor like a white print on an expansive blue cloth. Auckland expands over a narrow isthmus between the dazzling blue waters of the two harbours; Waitemata and Manukau. There is an expanse of rainforest that cloaks the surrounding hills and many dormant volcanic cones are scattered all over the landscape and the massive Hauraki Gulf is home to many captivating holiday islands.
Situated a mere forty minutes drive away from the capital city are the Hunua Ranges, covering nearly 400 square kilometers of the South East of Auckland. Most of the land area is dedicated to the Waharau Regional National which has been restored meticulously over the years and preserved for public recreation and water catchment.
The Maori used the hills of Hunua Ranges for obtaining firewood and timber rather than for permanent settlement. The highest peak of the Hunua Ranges is the Kohukohunui. The British settlers of Auckland cleared the forest for agriculture purposes and in 1870, wood was the main source obtained from the mountains. Since Victorian times, the Hunua Falls have been a popular attraction and today, it still draws many an adventurous tourist with its beautiful misty veils of cascading water. Fittingly, water is the main resource taken from the Hunua Ranges. Amongst the four water supply dams that are found in Hunua is the Mangatangi Reservoir, New Zealand’s largest water supply.
The Waharau Regional Park in the Hunua Ranges is home to more than 450 species of native plants. In addition, the expansive park is ideal for explorative travelers who love hiking. With dense forests that fuel the curiosity of anyone who has a love for flora and with high ridge lines ideal for a hike that would get your heart racing, the Hunua Ranges offer endless opportunities to visitors. If you prefer a less challenging walk however, you can take the shorter yet equally scenic route to the Hunua Falls. There are swimming holes scattered in and around the falls that offer refreshing breaks for any hiker looking to cool off for a while. In addition, there are several camping areas with picturesque views, ideal for anyone who wants to spend the night in the Hunua wilderness.
Both the Mangatangi Reservoir and the Mangatawhiri Reservoir offer rainbow trout fishing at the face of the dam and the Hunua Ranges is home to many different critters. From freshwater crayfish in the rivers and the many different species of endemic land snails, the Hunua Mountains are bursting with wonderful flora and fauna. It is also interesting to note that one of New Zealand’s native frogs; the Hochstelter’s Frog occurs in Hunua and the ranges support the widest spectrum of native forest birds such as the Kakakiri, Shining Cuckoo, Fantail and Native Pigeon. The Hunua Ranges is a true nature lover’s paradise. With the stunning oblique sheath of water that is the Hunua Falls, the plentiful hiking trails with charming views and the lush forests teeming with the most curious wild life, the Hunua Ranges is a natural gem waiting to be discovered.
If you are planning to visit the Hunua Ranges, accommodation is of no worry. All of the Auckland City hotels are within forty minutes drive from the Hunua Ranges. The city of Auckland is well facilitated and journeys to the Hunua Ranges and back are extremely easy. If you are searching for Auckland hotel specials, you would be given a superfluity of options and for every traveler looking to grab hold of some rest and relaxation. The Copthorne Hotel Auckland City is ideal for you; situated in the heart of Auckland City, you would only be a heartbeat away from the hustle and bustle of the conurbation and from all the facilities it offers once you get back from your hike through the ranges.