The Wairoa Loop Track and Suspension Bridge Track is a walk that you can find in the Hunua Ranges, Auckland. I find the Hunua Ranges to be one of the most underrated places to explore. Perhaps this is due to its slightly remote location, but it’s most definitely worth the drive.
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If you’ve felt drawn to exploring the Hunua Ranges but not sure where to begin, the Wairoa Loop Track and Suspension Bridge Track offers the perfect starting point. Let me explain why.
KEY INSIGHTS
Location: Hunua Ranges, Auckland
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Length: 8 km | 5 miles
Elevation: 363m
Difficulty: Easy
Open: Year-round
Need to have: Water, food and sun protection.
LOCATION
The Wairoa Loop Track and Suspension Bridge Track you will find in the Hunua Ranges, Auckland.
Driving to the Hunua Ranges from Auckland CBD takes roughly 50 minutes. However, this does depend on what area of the regional park you would like to explore.
WAIROA LOOP TRACK AND SUSPENSION BRIDGE TRACK
The Hunua Ranges have many walking tracks available but this two-in-one loop has it all. It will take you to lookouts over South Auckland, Wairoa Reservoir and the Hunua Ranges. Furthermore there’s the addition of walking through beautiful, native New Zealand bush.
We began our journey in an anticlockwise direction as we heard this was the best way to experience the walk. The start of the track has an incline but the stairs and track are well-maintained.
Post stairs, most of the trail to the dam is easy. The trail does go in and out of being shaded by native bush and exposed to the sun so make sure you are prepared. On your ascent, you will see out across the Wairoa Reservoir and especially on your descent make sure to take the detour to Wairoa Dam Lookout as it has spectacular views across the Hunua Ranges.
Once you have done the short walk along the dam you’ll then be guided left, back uphill. Trust us, you won’t want to skip this part—the dam lookout near the top is worth it.
Once at the bottom, you’ll finish by walking across the suspension bridge and after turning right you’ll find yourself back at the carpark.
If you’re looking for more info on this track check out All Trails here.
PARKING
Generally, parking here is super convenient, with spots right at the track’s base. To find the carpark, you can find it on Google Maps here.
In this post we’ve talked about how the Wairoa Loop Track and Suspension Bridge Track is an underrated gem in Auckland. Nestled in the picturesque Hunua Ranges, it’s well worth the effort. With convenient parking at the track’s base, this is the perfect place to explore.