The Upper Nihotupu Reservoir is a walk through the Waitākere Ranges at Waiatarua, west of Auckland, built around a dam and its reservoir, which is part of the city's water supply history. The track takes in waterfalls and rapids, and it opens onto quiet views over the water and the bush. The walk suits people who want a half-day outing in native forest rather than a short look at a monument. Because it is a working water supply site as well as a walk, the reservoir and its surrounds are managed closely, and closures happen. Our pick in Waiatarua for a bush walk that ends at a reservoir with real views.