Lying just 20 minutes drive from central Auckland, the Waitakere ranges holds some of our most treasured & imperiled species.
Once upon a time, this ancient Kauri forest was home to kiwi, native falcons, long-tailed cuckoos, bellbirds, kakariki, short-tailed bats and many reptiles and invertebrates.
However, predation by pests have caused these creatures to disappear in the past 100 years.
Many Aucklanders have worked hard to protect the Waitakere Ranges.
Possum control conducted by Auckland Regional Council has allowed the forest vegetation to recover, but the lost wildlife cannot return unless we protect them by also controlling rats, stoats and wild cats.
Ark in the Park is a partnership between our Waitakere Branch and Auckland Regional Council to create an open sanctuary in the Cascades Kauri Park in the Waitakere Ranges to restore the natural glory of the forest.
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Ark volunteer takes kids on an educational tour around the park
We undertake control of plant and animal pests and have reintroduced native species including North Island robins, kokako and whiteheads.
Our efforts are helping restore the Waitakere forests and their wildlife to their former glory, for everyone to enjoy.
How to get there
Ark in the Park lies 35 minutes drive from central Auckland. For driving directions see here
Volunteer
If you wish to become a volunteer for Ark in the Park, there are a variety of activities that you can take part in such as pest control, bait monitoring, or project management. If you would like to be involved in this project, contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator on nature.project@forestandbird.org.nz
Help a Hectare
We have 2000 hectares of protected parkland, if you want to help us to maintain this area, take part in our help a hectare programme.
