A Waterfall in Auckland City

 Like many people I am taking the opportunity, during this seemingly endless Covid 19 crisis, to search for, and discover, the hidden gems in my own back yard. I'm a great believer in clouds having silver linings.

 I was born in Auckland and have lived here pretty much my whole life and yet I had never visited the Oakley Creek and waterfall, about a half hour's drive from home. In fact I never even knew there was a waterfall there and although I was aware of the creek I hadn't given it much thought.  

Anyway, looking for somewhere different to walk and a bit of an adventure I decided to investigate it last Sunday.  I love bush walks, rivers, streams and waterfalls so I was in my element. To start with I took the wrong entry into the walkway and ended up lost on a track which bordered the creek but went nowhere. Not to worry, it was pretty and it would be impossible to become really lost as there are plenty of easily accessible exits on to open reserve.   I eventually found the well sign posted correct track from the Phyllis St car park. 

Gabion Basket wall

I got lost but it was OK

The source of the Oakley Creek is some distance away, in another suburb, but is largely culverted, piped and channeled.  Fortunately the Oakley walkway stretch is kept largely in it's natural state, thanks to the Friends of Oakley Creek, and is an easy level walk  beside a flowing stream. The surrounding bush is home to both exotic and native trees making a perfect haven for tuis, wood pigeons, fantails and kingfishers and a variety of insects. The stream is the perfect environment for New Zealand's endangered native long fin eel. A short stretch of the path is lined to one side with gabion basket walls which serve a dual purpose. Not only do they hold back the steep bank beside the stream but they also provide the ideal habitat for lizards, spiders and lichen.

Top of the waterfall

After about 20 minutes the walk comes out at the top of the waterfall. Located in an inner city suburb, about 10 minutes drive from downtown, at 6.5 meters it is the highest urban waterfall in New Zealand and the only waterfall in central Auckland.  I was surprised and enchanted, this is not something you expect to find so close to the city centre. There is a viewing platform at the top and stairs to the bottom where I sat mesmerised watching the sparkling diamonds of water cascade into the pool below. So peaceful, so calming, so pretty. It is beautiful and well worth a visit, especially if, like me, you occasionally need a waterfall fix.

You can continue the walk from the waterfall on to Great North Rd where you will find the noise and bustle of city traffic.  I decided to retrace my steps back to my car enjoying the bush, the bird song and the gentle chattering of the creek beside me. I was very happy with my adventure and new discovery and intend to go back another day, maybe with some friends. There is a flat area at the foot of the waterfall which would be ideal for a picnic or refreshments...balm for the soul.

NOTE: The water in the pool is not safe for swimming.