The Waitakere Dam Walk is one of the few walks that was left open when a rahui was placed over the Waitakere Ranges to protect the kauri trees. Constructed as a paved vehicle access road provides access for utility vehicles that may need access to the dam, it is a smooth walk that requires merely only a pair of jandals. Although the walk is much alike walking along a sealed road the walking amongst the forest is rather enjoyable. Access to a number of further walks can be located along the Waitakere Dam Walk. At the time of walking this track and writing this post the majority of the tracks branching off the Waitakere Dam Walk were closed. Before you set off on this walk ensure you refer to the Auckland Regional Council for the track’s current status. Although the thought of walking down a sealed road may not sound quite like the most enticing adventure that you are usually after, the walk to Waitakere Dam does have a few hidden gems. As a photographer experimenting with the contrast between this large industrial structure and the surrounding forest provided an awesome setting to experiment and learn. Different angles you can capture from taking the time and exploring the nooks and crannies that the dam has to offer. If you have young children exploring around the dam is a must. Although getting back to the car is a challenge, the sounds of cars driving by provides the necessary motivation required to get back to the car. Pack an extra snack for the return journey to stop the energy levels from fading.The start of the track is accessed along the main stretch of Scenic road in the Waitakere Ranges. Depending on which side of Auckland you are coming from and the traffic will depend on which way you get to the start of the walk. For reference purposes, I have included directions from Auckland Airport as a placeholder for directions and driving times to the start of the walk. Unfortunately the car park is quite small and usually fills up quickly. It isn’t far that you can diverge off the trail, all you have to do is follow your nose down the sealed path to the dam. The path descends right the way down to the dam. Be sure that you have some energy left in the tank for the hike back up the hill as it’s up the entire way back. Closed trails have caution tape along with a sign up stating that there is no access along the trail due to kauri dieback. Even the small places that you can explore within the forest around the dam have been blocked and clearly marked with warning signs.