Oakley Creek Waterfall — Attraction in Albert-Eden

A great place to chill out and let go of the daily stress!

Oakley Creek (Māori: Te Auaunga) is a creek in Auckland, New Zealand. While heavily human-modified (being surrounded for most of its length by suburban development, especially in the upper reaches), it has a number of important ecological features, such as having the only natural waterfall on the Auckland isthmus (which is also the largest in urban Auckland).

The least modified regions, with mostly natural channels and significant riparian vegetation, exists between approximately Blockhouse Bay Road and the inlet at the northern edge of Waterview. A walkway runs along a good part of the creek in the section northwest of Mt Albert.[3] This area of the creek is also significant for a relatively large number of archeologically significant sites, due to the use of the creek by Maori reaching inland from the inlet (landing sites and settlement remnants), and due to the later lack of strong European settlement along this part of the area.

Oakley Creek is a creek in Auckland, New Zealand. While heavily human-modified, it has a number of important ecological features, such as having the only natural waterfall on the Auckland isthmus.

The creek has also inspired a local community group, "Friends of Oakley Creek" which is working to restore it to a more natural state, and improve the water quality. One of the group's major concerns is the impact of the SH20 Waterview Connection on the stream, i.e. the form this motorway is to take under or near the creek. Other concerns include the high levels of metals in the stream, such as zinc, copper and lead, from its urbanised catchment, and the fact that the culvert under Great North Road impedes fish migration.

As one of the results of community interest in the revitalisation of the stream, a set of Oakley Creek Rehabilitation Guidelines was developed for the works which occurred near the stream at around the time the Waterview motorway tunnel building project took place. These primarily included removing the currently rock-lined, tight channelisation of the stream, and reintroducing a riparian margin. Auckland Council adapted the NZTA/Boffa Miskell-developed guidelines for some areas of the stream not affected by the motorway. The native plantings are now becoming well established, although the drought during the summer of 2019/2020 killed a number of ecologically important specimens. Nonetheless the planting includes a good range of native species and an increasing number of native birds are being attracted to the area as a result. The pathway adjacent to the stream has become increasingly popular as a walking and relaxation area for local residents. The project demonstrates the social and ecological value of well conceived environmental restoration initiatives and the importance of involving community groups in the planning, planting and maintenance of...

Oakley Creek Falls is an impressive six-meter-high waterfall - one of the two urban waterfalls in Auckland city (the other one, Lucas Creek Falls, is in Albany). It is on Auckland’s longest urban stream, which starts from the Hillsborough/Mt Roskill area and meets the sea at the Waterview area of Waitematā Harbour. Oakley Creek is also known as Te Auaunga, and the abundance of native and exotic flora and fauna makes it an important natural habitat in the central city for many species. Oakley Creek is also home to the endangered New Zealand longfin eel, so fishing of any kind is not permitted on the stream. Additionally, swimming is also not advised due to poor water quality, and there is a permanent public health warning in place against swimming.

Oakley falls can be accessed from Great North Road, between the cycle overbridge and Blockhouse Bay Road (opposite Heron Park). It can also be accessed from the Unitec campus precinct, but due to ongoing heavy construction work (2024), access road is not clearly visible and can be confusing. This waterfall was part of the Oakley Stream track, which had a span of 4.5 km. However, after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, the track is now limited to less than 2 km as several bridges have been washed away. There is a viewing platform, boardwalk, and a bench, but they are in bad shape due to cyclone damage as well as graffiti vandalism. It is a bit unfortunate that you may find heaps of rubbish, plastics, tyres, and cyclone debris along the creek that have not been attended or cleaned up for a long while. It looks that once highly active 'Friends of Oakley Creek,' which was established in 2004, is not as...

Oakley Creek Waterfall, including the Oakley Creek Walkway, has the potential to be a beautiful outdoor escape, offering both tranquility and natural beauty. The soothing sounds of the stream add to the calm and relaxing atmosphere. The waterfall, though not massive, is a lovely feature that adds charm to the area, providing a picturesque spot to pause and take in the surroundings.

Unfortunately, the walkway is poorly maintained. Trash is scattered throughout the area, detracting from its otherwise peaceful setting. Some of the paths are broken, making certain sections difficult to navigate, and several of the signs are vandalized, which further affects the overall experience. With proper care and attention, this place could become a fantastic destination for a quiet day outdoors, especially with its waterfall being a...