KARAMATURA FALLS AND THE LOWER HUIA DAM
- angelogeorge988
- Apr 9
- 7 min read
We set off on this trail on a sunny summer day, when the sky, a deep blue, seems to merge with the serenity of nature. This is our first excursion of 2025, a long-awaited adventure that will lead us through winding paths, traversing the shaded forests of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park in Auckland. The fresh morning air fills our lungs with strength and energy, and the rustling of leaves under our feet is the only sound accompanying the mountain's silence. Our destination, an imposing 15-meter waterfall, looks like something out of a painting. The jet of water, sparkling under the sun’s rays, crashes loudly into a natural pool that invites weary hikers. The water, cold and invigorating, awakens the senses like a mountain breeze, providing relief to bodies heated by the effort of the journey. The view is a crowning achievement of the path taken—a natural sanctuary that seems to invite anyone to enjoy the pure beauty of the moment. Interestingly, Waitākere translates from Te Reo Māori as water (wai) and deep (takue). Another meaning, quite fitting for this article, is cascading waters.
Trail Technical Features
The trail is classified as moderate difficulty, with an elevation gain of 209 meters and a length of 3.5 km. It follows a loop, making it accessible and easy to follow for tourists. The hike takes approximately 2 hours, depending on each person's pace and stops for rest or exploration. The area is renowned for activities such as birdwatching, camping, and hiking, making it a popular spot for nature lovers. You’re likely to meet other adventure enthusiasts as you explore this trail. The trail is accessible year-round but is especially charming during the long summer days when the lush vegetation and vibrant atmosphere create a fairytale-like landscape. Each season, however, brings its own unique beauty, transforming this place into a must-visit destination for hikers of all ages.
Attractions
The trail impresses with a series of attractions that make every step a memorable experience. Spectacular views unfold as you move forward, with panoramas that blend the beauty of dense forests and the whispers of the river accompanying your hike. The trails are well-maintained, offering both comfort and challenge, and at the end, you’ll find ideal spots for swimming in the natural pools formed by the waterfall’s river. The challenges of the trail lie in a few steep sections that may require extra effort and the possibility of encountering crowds, especially during peak season. To fully enjoy the experience, I recommend wearing suitable, durable, and comfortable footwear and starting your hike early to avoid busy hours and to savour the peace of nature.
Steep Sections
Although the trail is relatively short, it includes a few steep sections that require some effort. A notable feature is the presence of exactly 1,297 steps, which adds an extra challenge to the hike but also provides an opportunity to enjoy the remarkable views as you ascend. The path begins at a conveniently located parking lot at the trailhead, ensuring easy access for tourists. Along the way, you'll encounter Karamatura Valley Campground, strategically placed near the top of the trail.
This is an ideal spot for those who wish to extend their adventure with an overnight stay amidst nature, but advance booking is necessary. Climbing the steps can be a test of endurance, but also a rewarding experience, especially when you’re greeted by the natural beauty at the end of the trail.
Te Huia
The trail is part of the small rural settlement of Huia, located close to Auckland city, in the heart of the Waitākere Ranges National Park. This picturesque locality, covering a modest 3.5 square kilometers, is an oasis of tranquility and nature. With an estimated population of only 670 residents as of June 2024, Huia offers an intimate and friendly atmosphere, perfect for those seeking an escape from city life. The settlement is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and secluded beaches, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Waitākere Ranges National Park. Despite its small size, Huia exudes a unique charm, combining the simplicity of rural life with the untouched beauty of New Zealand’s nature.
Huia Attractions
Despite its size, Huia offers a few unique and authentic attractions that reflect the history and natural beauty of the area. Alfred's Huia Store is the heart of the local community, a general store and café that has been operating since 1886, offering an authentic experience and a glimpse into local history. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or pick up souvenirs.
Huia Reserve
The Huia Reserve, located on the shores of Huia Bay, is a relaxation area that offers facilities for the whole family, including picnic tables, a barbecue, a playground for children, a semi-basketball court, and a half-pipe for rollerblading and skateboarding enthusiasts.
Huia Dams
The Upper Huia Dam was completed in 1929 and is a crucial part of Auckland's water supply system. The Lower Huia Dam is the largest in the series of Waitākere dams, with 6.5 billion liters of water, and was inaugurated in 1971. This dam holds an impressive amount of water—6.5 billion liters! We visited it on foot and were not disappointed, as it offered breathtaking views. Both dams are managed by the New Zealand company Watercare Services and contribute to the region's vital infrastructure while providing a unique natural setting.
Accommodation and Services
The Huia area offers a range of accommodation and services managed by the Auckland City Council, making it a welcoming destination for tourists and adventurers. Kiwanis Huia Campground is a well-equipped camp, ideal for large groups or families, situated in a peaceful natural setting. Huia Lodge, once the local school between 1894 and 1961, now serves as comfortable accommodation, offering a glimpse into the area’s past. The Barr Cabin, located by the water in Little Huia, offers an authentic experience, combining proximity to nature with modern comfort.
Colonial Museum
Opened in 1984, the Huia Colonial Museum is located near the entrance to the Karamatura Park and offers visitors an engaging dive into local history. The museum’s collection highlights the region’s timber industry, including numerous relics from the kauri tree exploitation, symbols of New Zealand’s natural heritage. Another highlight is the collection of artifacts recovered from the wreck of HMS Orpheus, a maritime tragedy that remains the deadliest naval loss in New Zealand's history.
The Tragedy of HMS Orpheus
HMS Orpheus was a British Royal Navy corvette from the Jason class, which served as the flagship of the Australian squadron. On a tragic day, February 7, 1863, the Orpheus sank in Huia Bay on the west coast of Auckland, marking the deadliest maritime disaster in New Zealand’s history. Of the 259 crew members aboard, 189 perished in this tragic event, making it a disaster of monumental proportions. The wreck and recovered artifacts serve as testimony to this painful chapter in maritime history.
Huia Bay, once the scene of this disaster, is now a peaceful place, but it keeps the memory of that day alive through the artifacts displayed at the Huia Colonial Museum.
The Highest Peak in the Area
The highest point in the Waitākere Ranges—Te Toiokawharu—is accessible via a hike with a name reminiscent of post-Revolution TV series, the Twin Peaks Track, which forms part of this valley. At 474 meters, it is the highest peak in the Waitākere ranges, although it has low prominence due to surrounding hills of similar size.
Ecology of the Huia Area
Huia and its surroundings are a remarkable ecological treasure, part of the Waitākere mountain ranges, which host unique and fragile biodiversity. The forests and natural areas of this region are populated by native species of birds, insects, bats, and lizards, many of which are endemic and threatened. All of these, except for the bats, are part of our life, living in the forest in the beautiful suburb of Titirangi. Many times, children have brought into our home to show us their discoveries—lizards and geckos, stick insects (so famous because of the “Lord of the Rings” movies), owls (ours is named Ludwig), kererū wood pigeons, the wild tui, and so many other examples. To protect this rare biodiversity, the Huia Trapping Group, with the support of the Auckland Council, plays a vital role in conserving the area by implementing predator control measures. This group is part of the national Predator Free New Zealand initiative, which aims to eliminate invasive species by 2050 to protect native wildlife and flora. Thus, Huia becomes an example of dedication to protecting fragile ecosystems, and visitors can understand the importance of this conservation mission, being part of a broader effort to ensure the future of New Zealand's biodiversity.
The Huia Bird
It is very interesting that the Huia is also an extinct bird species from New Zealand. The last confirmed sighting of a Huia in the wild was in 1907, although there was another credible sighting in 1924. The Huia is one of the most well-known extinct birds in New Zealand due to the shape and beauty of its beak, as well as its special place in Maori culture and oral tradition. The bird was considered tapu (sacred) by the Maori, and wearing its skin or feathers was reserved for people of high status. Below is a 1878 Lindauer portrait, depicting Tukukino, a Maori chief from the Hauraki district, wearing a pōhoi ornament made from Huia skin.
In Conclusion
Huia is a place where history, nature, and community intertwine in perfect harmony, offering visitors a unique destination full of charm and significance. From the tragic sinking of HMS Orpheus in Huia Bay to ecological conservation efforts and the heart of the local community, this region continues to attract not only nature lovers but also those who wish to understand the deep connection between past and present. The Lower Huia Dam and Karamatura Falls are just a few of the natural attractions that enrich the already impressive landscape of the area, offering not only spectacular views but also a meaningful connection to the soul of New Zealand.
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