Arataki Visitor Centre

The Arataki Visitor Centre is an information hub located in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park offering displays on local wildlife and native vegetation. The center provides detailed information and maps covering the extensive network of walking trails and natural features throughout the park.

The center was established as the primary information point for visitors to the subtropical rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges. It emerged as a key resource reflecting broader conservation efforts to protect and share knowledge about this natural area.

An 11-meter kauri wood post carved by Te Kawerau a Maki members stands at the entrance. This piece represents the ancestral connection and guardianship of this land by the local Maori community.

The center is located roughly 30 minutes from Auckland and operates daily with parking and facilities available on site. Visitors can obtain maps and current information about trail conditions to help plan their time in the park effectively.

The center marks the starting point of the Hillary Trail, a 76-kilometer walking route that passes through varied landscapes. This path connects multiple sections and honors the legacy of the renowned mountaineer Edmund Hillary.

GPS coordinates: -36.94698,174.60650

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46