Surrounded by native bush in the Centennial Memorial Park and the water catchment area, Waiatarua is over 300 metres above sea level and some houses are over 400 metres above sea level (higher than the Auckland Sky Tower).

[3] The area is within the traditional rohe of Te Kawerau ā Maki, an iwi that traces their ancestry to some of the earliest inhabitants of the Auckland Region.

[4][5] The name Waiatarua originally referred to the upper reaches of the Big Muddy Creek and Nihotupu Stream, likely referencing the dual view of both the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours.

[6] During early European settlement, the area was interchangeably referred to as Waiatarua or Nihotupu.

[7] At the turn of the century, holidaymakers would travel by coach from Glen Eden to stay at the Waiatarua guest house.

[12] The nearby Arataki Visitor Centre proves information about the local flora, fauna and geology, and is the starting point for a number of well-maintained walking trails.

Leading to these reservoirs are scenic walking trails through native forest past waterfalls.

A transmitter for Kordia's Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) trial is also located here.