[4] The plant identification trail features examples of different species found in the Waitākere Ranges.

[6][7] The carved pou at the entrance of the centre depicts the ancestors of Te Kawerau ā Maki, including Tiriwā (the namesake of the Waitākere Ranges name in Māori, Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa), followed by Rakatāura / Hape (tohunga of the Tainui), Hoturoa, Maki (the namesake ancestor of Te Kawerau ā Maki) and his son and grandson.

[12] The Arataki Visitor Centre is the start point for the Hillary Trail, a multi-day walk through the Waitākere Ranges to Muriwai which opened in January 2010.

[15] The centre is also the starting point for the Rangemore Track, and a five-minute educational nature walk, which explores the different forest biomes found in the Waitākere Ranges.

[16] The visitor centre is also used as a gallery space, including nature photography,[17] and fibre installations by New Zealand weaver Maureen Lander.