Oakley Waterfall is here. Park at Phyllis Reserve (see pin)

Oakley Creek Waterfall Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Auckland, offering a peaceful escape from the city buzz. With its 6-meter high urban waterfall and lush surroundings, it's the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip in the creek on a hot summer day. The park is easily accessible from various starting points, like Waterview Reserve with its cool playground and skate park. So grab your walking shoes, bring the kids for a stick race down the creek, and enjoy a little slice of nature right in the city.

From a reviewer: (Jan'25)

'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 active anymore.'