An aerial view of Ark in the Park, in the Waitākere Ranges. Credit: Alastair Jamieson
Found just 30 minutes from Central Auckland, the Waitākere Ranges are home to some of our most treasured species.
Kauri dieback notice
There are currently access restrictions in place over the Waitākere Ranges as a measure to limit the spread of kauri dieback disease.
Ark in the Park is operating on a limited basis to carry out essential pest control and monitoring work. We are glad to have new volunteers join us, at certain times. Please contact us for more information.
Kōkako were first released at Ark in the Park in 2009. Credit: Dorothee Clausen
This ancient kauri forest was once home to kiwi, native falcons, long-tailed cuckoos, bellbirds, kākāriki, short-tailed bats (pekapeka) as well as many reptiles and invertebrates.
However, predation by pests has caused these creatures to disappear in the past 100 years.
Ark in the Park is a partnership between Forest & Bird and Auckland Council, supported by Te Kawerau ā Maki. Its aims to create an open sanctuary in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and return many of the species that once were found in the area. You can also keep up-to-date through their Facebook page.
We undertake weed and pest control and have reintroduced native species including North Island robins, kōkako and pōpokatea (whiteheads).
Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering for Ark in the Park, there are a variety of activities that you can take part in such as pest control, native bird monitoring, watching and protecting kōkako nests and helping out with bird releases.
Volunteer sessions are held twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information, contact us using the details below.
Help a Hectare
We have 2000 hectares of protected parkland, if you want to help us to maintain this area, take part in our programme:
