Arataki's breathtaking scenic view of whole of Auckland and amazing walk-through trail

Loved our experience here so much. We also did an educational experience and the educators were passionate, friendly and knowledgeable. We loved how diverse the activities were for our tamariki. Our tamariki were so engaged and had a really great time!

Beveridge Track was a great 1 hour walk. Downhill is easy but on the way back it gets a bit tough with uphill climb. However the walk is entirely covered with trees and bushes and so weren't that tired.

The Beveridge track (photos attached) can be accessed via the Arataki centre. Area is really well maintained, plenty of parking space and good facilities.

Take the kids up here regularly. We walk up from Parker road. The tracks are very well maintained and the center is a big hit with the little ones the views are just amazing and we saw a young man ask for her hand in marriage on the back observation deck one time. Toilets are standard and where ok when we went. There's an ice cream guy to the left of the center and we always get one then sit on the grass and eat them. The guides are knowledgeable and were looking forward to doing the pipeline track soon.. a must see for sure..

Drove visiting friends out to Arataki and got there to discover that it is still closed after recent weather events. They SHOULD have made a note on the website so we didn't waste the time. Did a short walk to the lookout while we were there. Great views. Would have been 5 stars if they could have been bothered to make a note on the website.

Great stop at the Gateway to the Waitakari Ranges. Beautiful scenery, Information centre with helpful and knowledgeable staff, great short walks, including a botanical walk with name-signs of the native vegetation.

Fantastic views over the waitakeres, several Bushwalks of variable grades and distances. We love the Kauri Grove it is truly Majestic. The information center itself is very Informative with knowledgeable friendly staff.

This place was soaked under clouds creating a mesmerizing view of mountains and ocean. Views are breathtaking 😍

Started from Exhibktion Park drive and walked up to Arataki Vistir Centre (approx +/- 10km). Very easy walk- some hill in the middle but not too bad. Beautoful scenery. Highly recommend the walk and the customer service at Arataki Visitor Centre were amazing. Very warm and welcoming and very clean. Nice place to sit down and enjoy the view.

Arataki Visitor Centre is a tourism and education centre in West Auckland, New Zealand, often described as the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges. The centre provides information about the Waitākere Ranges, and organises educational events. #aratakivc

Stunning views of Waitakere Ranges and wider Auckland from the lookouts, so don't miss visiting this place when you're sightseeing in the region!

Little bit of a windy road as you got closer, but good signage and parking. Closed at 5pm but there are toilets on the right if still there afterwards. Nice lookouts. Friendly staff. We only walked part way of the track. There is a 5min track to another lookout.

Well worth the time to go on a tour or to this visitor center.

The views here are amazing. We stopped here while driving to Piha Beach for the Mercer Loop hike. Giant photo frame #1/10

Beautiful nature and the panoramic coastal view from the Arataki Visitor Centre just 30 minutes drive from Auckland City! This Center is a great place to start exploring the mesmerizing view of New Zealand. Visitors can obtain information about the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park from the visitor center and learn about the cultural and ecological landscapes. There is also a lovely souvenir shop where quality local products are sold. Products such as Manuka honey and more products made by honey including honey toothpaste can be found here! Visitors can discover simple hiking tracks nearby with proper map. It was a very relaxing experience and truly recommended!

Good tips about the different hikes in the park. A lot of knowledge about the species and some stories about New Zealand

Was here for a weekend workshop with a fabulous group of people. The room and environs was perfect for our learning. Facilities were great and the opportunity to walk a couple of trails & learn about our native plants was definitely beneficial.

Beautiful views and good selection souvenirs and information.

We absolutely enjoyed our walk through the ngahere, loved the cute weta hotel (see pic), toadstools, the views , the trees, the ferns etc.

The walk is nice, however, there is no clear direction signage on trails; and City Council maps don't show walking trails either. I was told that the Visitor Centre should have a better map for pick up, but we were there at 8 am while the Centre was open from 9 am. It would be cool, if there was a box with maps available outside working hours of the Visitor Centre. The trail down the gravel road was quite steep and slippery. You should be very careful not to injure yourselves, especially when it's wet.

The staff here are super friendly and the views are amazing. There are several trails here to do from 30 minutes to an hour. There is also a small lookout boardwalk at the centre.