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 Lookout over harbour and gulf |
Cliff Road St Heliers Bay Auckland 1005 New Zealand |
Achilles Point, at the eastern end of Tamaki Drive, is named for the famous ship lost in World War II. Views over the Hauraki Gulf extend to Great Barrier Island on a clear day. A viewing platform looks out over the secluded beach at Ladies Bay (accessible via the cliffs at low tide or by staircase), and the other clothing-optional beaches along the estuary. To the south, about one kilometre up the Tamaki Estuary, lies Karaka Bay where the Treaty of Waitangi was presented to local Maori. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vince P Star |
 Photo: Andrew Fine |
 Photo: J Arsenault |
 Photo: Elizabeth Sterling |
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Fun educational experience |
Scenic Drive Waitakere Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 817 0089 |
The centre houses changing exhibits about the flora, fauna and history of the Ranges, as well as its role as a major water catchment area for Auckland city. It is also a great place to plan your trip to the area, with helpful staff and plenty of tourist information including maps of walking trails. A short walk from the Visitor Centre provides an expansive 360 degree view of the Waitakere Ranges, the South Pacific, the Tasman Sea and Auckland. Spectacular views can also be had from the decks surrounding the Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mariko Walton  |
 Photo: Peter Shaw |
 Photo: unincorporated |
 Photo: Jo Copeland |
 Photo: P-and-A Liétar |
 Photo: Peter Shaw |
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Great Span |
Westhaven Drive Auckland 1001 New Zealand |
Completed in 1959, the Harbour Bridge serves as a link between central Auckland and the booming North Shore and beyond. To date the only way to savor the views is to be stuck on the bridge during rush hour traffic. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lukas Molloy |
 Photo: Steve H |
 Photo: Hiren Vather |
 Photo: THE_13th_EARL |
 Photo: Bronwen Middleton |
 Photo: Denis Wilford |
 Photo: Robin Ducker -RDP |
 Photo: Aidan Wojtas |
 Photo: krolliebollie |
 Photo: '...Dan...' |
 Photo: Brendan Haymes |
 Photo: Robbie Crowder |
 Photo: Darryl Hanson |
 Photo: Vicky Broomer |
 Photo: Connor Walsh |
 Photo: Paul Sinclair |
 Photo: Neil Perry ;-) |
 Photo: Bhavik Kumar |
 Photo: daveblumhardt |
 Photo: paul eterovich |
 Photo: Chris Hackmann |
 Photo: Vijay Bhana |
 Photo: andy_gorton |
 Photo: IMIAQ |
 Photo: Clive Wright |
 Photo: Kyle Seager |
 Photo: nowthentravel.com |
 Photo: Tim Blair |
 Photo: Peter Walker |
 Photo: kashiggs@btinternet.com |
 Photo: AlexM |
 Photo: Anita Willis |
 Photo: Garvin Chan |
 Photo: ejwilcox1 |
 Photo: Miranda Shackell |
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Don't look down! |
Westhaven Reserve (bottom of Curran Street, Herne Bay) Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 361 2000 / +1 800 462 5462 http://www.aucklandbridgeclimb... |
The Auckland Bridge Climb is an exciting attraction. Walkers are guided underneath and over the top of the Auckland Harbor Bridge to a height of 200 feet above the water. The one and half hour adventure includes a full briefing by a professional guide before walkers are issued with over-garments, radio headsets and safety harnesses for the journey. The walk may be enjoyed by everyone over the age of 10 and caters to people of all levels of fitness. Interactive videos, engineering features such as the vertical movement of the four clip-on road lanes, viewing platforms, a webcam and a "ride" to complete the adventure will add to the experience. Reaching the top of the Bridge walkers will be awe struck by the views out over the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. Groups of any size can be catered for, with one guide allocated to every 12 walkers. Groups depart at 10-15 minute intervals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Gieseg |
 Look out over the Gulf |
Tamaki Drive Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 9 367 6009 (Tourist Information) |
Bastion Point offers fine views out over the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour as well as central Auckland. A popular destination for kite fliers, Bastion Point lives up to its name and has the remains of WWII-era lookout bunkers and gun emplacements. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Gardens, dedicated to the Labour Party legend and prime minister of the 1930's, consist of a beautifully kept garden and reflecting pool, and a delightful art deco memorial and obelisk. Access is from Tamaki Drive. The car park is closed after dark. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Askew |
 Photo: Scott Le Flour |
 Photo: Sasha Korman |
 Photo: Ivy Boucher |
 Photo: Darrin Eades-Smith |
 Photo: Steve |
 Photo: Sarah Campey |
 Photo: Sue |
 Photo: John Steedman |
 Photo: Nick Peters |
 Photo: turoasaur |
 Photo: vanbeckhoven_natasha |
 Photo: hey.milly |
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Riding the clouds |
Ardmore Airfield Auckland 1750 New Zealand +64 9 297 7299 |
Imagine flying high in the open cockpit of a bi-plane or a scenic flight over volcanic White Island in a Dakota Warbird. Cloudriders do panoramic flights around Auckland, day trips for groups of up to 30 to places like Rotorua and the Bay of Islands and special charters for hunting and fishing, wine tasting, golf and swimming with dolphins. Cloudriders also do flight training. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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See Auckland by foot |
Queen Elizabeth Square Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 979 2333 (Tourist Information) http://www.aucklandcity.govt.n... |
Pick up a brochure to guide you on your walk from the Auckland Visitor Information Centre. The walkway traverses the Auckland Isthmus, a mere nine kilometres separating the Pacific Ocean from the Tasman Sea. The walk is 13 kilometres and takes about four hours one way. Biking and taking the bus on stages of the walk are other options. The route connects Queen Elizabeth Square on the Auckland waterfront to Onehunga beach on the Manukau Harbour, passing through Auckland Domain, Mt Eden, One Tree Hill, and Jellicoe Park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cristel Veefkind |
 Photo: Cristel Veefkind |
 Photo: Barun Bakshi |
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See the harbour from the water |
Ferry Building, Quay Street Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) http://www.devonport.co.nz/fti... |
The ferry run to Devonport is a great way to see the bustling waterfront and port of Auckland and take in great views of the city skyline. The destination is Torpedo Wharf on the Devonport foreshore. Devonport is reminiscent of a quaint English seaside village with lots of interesting shops, cafes and restaurants. A walk up North Head is rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city and outer gulf islands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kuba & Bara |
 Photo: T. F. Henriksen |
 Photo: Renata Stauder |
 Photo: Mark Turner |
 Photo: Paula Turner |
 Photo: Sarah Morrison |
 Photo: Andy Jessop |
 Photo: AngeBaby |
 Photo: Erman_Miami |
 Photo: daddyio |
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View up Muriwai Beach |
Muriwai Beach Auckland 1250 New Zealand |
The Gannet Colony sits on the cliffs overlooking Muriwai Beach, Maori Bay and two offshore islands. This place is all action between September and February, with chicks hatching in the spring and flying off to Australia at the age of 15 weeks. They return three to seven years later to repeat the process. The views from the lookouts are spectacular with booming surf, extruded pillow lava formations in the cliffs and gannets soaring in the breeze. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Roger South |
 Photo: Ken Moore |
 Photo: Gavin Sandy |
 Photo: David Rawsthorne |
 Photo: Jaap van 't Veen |
 Photo: Olyshka |
 Photo: Lloyd Macrohon |
 Photo: Bryan Basham |
 Photo: Lorna Tomes |
 Photo: Jean Bowering |
 Photo: Geoffrey Bauer |
 Photo: Andrew Dickson |
 Photo: Brent Barrett |
 Photo: deadparrotmeowmeow |
 Photo: Jacqui D Jones :) |
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View of Harbour |
Off Onetaunga Road Auckland 1310 New Zealand +64 9 426 0076 (Tourist Information) |
Kauri Point preserves the last remaining Maori pa on Waitemata Harbour and provides excellent views of the upper harbour and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. An important settlement in pre-European times, the location provided both a strategic and fertile environment. The Kawerau Tribe used Kendalls Bay as a summer fishing centre when sharks gathered offshore. The cliffs are comprised of Waitemata Sandstone and are now home to regenerating kauri and coastal flax among other native flora. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Helena-Anne Mill |
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Volcanic plug |
Piha Beach Waitakere Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
At 101 metres, Lion Rock towers over the windblown surf at Piha Beach and offers spectacular views of the black sand beach and bush-clad Waitakere Ranges to the west. Strongly fortified as a Maori pa or fortress in pre-European times, Lion Rock is the solidified lava plug of an ancient volcano that has since eroded away. A steep trail with steps cut out of the rock leads to the top. Give yourself about an hour for the return trip. Access is from the car park reached from Piha Road off Scenic Drive, the main route through the Waitakere Ranges. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Greenham |
 Photo: Greg Clark |
 Photo: Matt Greenham |
 Photo: Johnny T. Cheng |
 Photo: Suzy Clarke |
 Photo: Chris Perks |
 Photo: James Hounsell |
 Photo: Chester12 |
 Photo: Des and Becky, doing |
 Photo: jennie c. jones |
 Photo: Just Jussi |
 Photo: David Rehm |
 Photo: mhaladyna |
 Photo: Janice Heng |
 Photo: Richard Griffen |
 Photo: Martin Holman |
 Photo: David Farries |
 Photo: fraser wyeth |
 Photo: Ketzal Sterling |
 Photo: itsusinnz |
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Nice view |
Off State Highway 1 66 km north of Auckland Auckland 1244 New Zealand +64 9 426 0076 (Tourist Information) http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore... |
Providing views out over the Hauraki Gulf, the Coromandel Peninsula and Great and Little Barrier Islands, Moirs Hill (358 metres) is reached via a two hour return tramp along the Moirs Hill Walkway, directly off State Highway One, a few kilometres before Warkworth. From the car park the track ascends through magnificent stands of northern rata and mamaku, ponga and wheki tree ferns. Due to the moist nature of the forest, the track can be muddy but this is compensated by the abundance of ferns, vines and mosses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Trig station |
Mount Eden Road Auckland 1003 New Zealand |
One of the larger scoria cones in the Auckland volcanic field, Mt. Eden (196 metres) has three craters with extensive storage, defensive and habitation earthen remains. Known by Maori as Maungawhau, or hill of the whau tree, Mt. Eden is the principal trig station for Auckland surveys. Accessible by both road and path, Mt Eden offers extensive views out over Auckland into the Hauraki Gulf and beyond. Have a bus drop you off at the mountain, or take a ten to fifteen minute stroll from the train station. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Timo |
 Photo: Magalie L'Abbé |
 Photo: wonderferret |
 Photo: David O'Neill |
 Photo: Darrel Birchall |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: Trisha Trainor |
 Photo: Jill Faure |
 Photo: Brandon Raimo |
 Photo: Simon Grimshaw |
 Photo: Maria Cansick |
 Photo: Marcos Fernandez |
 Photo: theenigmat |
 Photo: Kate Raynes-Goldie |
 Photo: Kate Wheadon |
 Photo: Cian Llywelyn |
 Photo: Carsten Beneker |
 Photo: Mira Rithalia |
 Photo: matt01 |
 Photo: Fraser Pratt |
 Photo: sauzee72 |
 Photo: Kate Oliver |
 Photo: M X P |
 Photo: gatul007 |
 Photo: Ashley Palmer |
 Photo: David Yeo T B |
 Photo: Matthew Weller |
 Photo: Gregory Franklin |
 Photo: Tony Bailey |
 Photo: Harley Donaldson |
 Photo: hayton389 |
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View of harbour |
Kerr Street Devonport Auckland 1309 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Mount Victoria, at 87 metres, is a 10-15 minute walk from the Devonport ferry terminal. Maori fortifications can still be seen--Takarunga, "the hill above", was an important Maori Pa or fortress site. French navigator Dumont D'Urville recognised the strategic importance of the scoria cone and climbed to the top in 1827. Later it was the site of a signal station for shipping. Today Mount Victoria rewards visitors with a splendid view of the harbour and city as well as well-tended gardens and trees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lee LeFever |
 Photo: Lil' Dee |
 Photo: Robert Newell |
 Photo: Gary Millar |
 Photo: Steve Chadbourne |
 Photo: andy weir |
 Photo: biblioteekje |
 Photo: Casandra Harding-Whatman |
 Photo: Grammy and Koropop's new way to brag |
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Scoria cone |
Maungarei Memorial Drive Mount Wellington Auckland 1006 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Mount Wellington dominates the landscape of South Auckland and provides superb vistas of the Tamaki Estuary and the low portage to Manukau Harbour. It was once such a strategic place that it was the scene of many battles. By the time of European settlement, it was mostly abandoned. The summit is accessible by road from Mountain Road off the Panmure roundabout. From the summit you get extensive views of the gigantic Winstone Quarry, which provides an excellent look at the scoria and volcanic tuff that underlies most of Auckland. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marco |
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Views over Waitakere Ranges |
Donald McLean Road Waitakere Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 379 6476 (Department of Conservation Visitor Centre) |
The steep 30-minute walk from the car park to the lookout at the summit (elevation 390 meters) is well rewarded with spectacular views of the regenerating forests in the valleys and exposed steep slopes of the southern Waitakere Ranges. On clear days you can see Taranaki 200 kilometers to the south. Mt Donald McLean is accessible from a gravel road branching off from the main Huia-Whatipu road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul King |
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Lookout over Gulf |
Devonport Auckland 1250 New Zealand +64 9 379 6476 (Department of Conservation Visitor Centre ) |
North Head is important strategically, as it stands at the entrance to the inner harbor and looks out over the Hauraki Gulf. It is covered with military remains dating from pre-European times to the World War II era. Tunnels link many of the gun emplacements built during World War II. A few big guns still remain. Allow a couple of hours to walk from the Devonport ferry landing to the top of North Head and enjoy the panoramic vista. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mirko Prehn |
 Photo: Stuart Gilberd |
 Photo: Shane Reiser |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: Antoine Pethers |
 Photo: Heather Cuthill |
 Photo: Paul Batchelor |
 Photo: marcos andrés ojeda |
 Photo: THE_13th_EARL |
 Photo: sky_jumper60 |
 Photo: martyntann |
 Photo: richhobby |
 Photo: Reuben Payne |
 Photo: Milan |
 Photo: Chris Johnston |
 Photo: Orlando M. Gojar II |
 Photo: Christian Ziglowski |
 Photo: ozzieadria |
 Photo: Flavio Greco |
 Photo: Charin Kidder |
 Photo: Ron Wynyard |
 Photo: Rene Guidote |
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Fantastic views |
Cornwall Park, 203 Greenlane Road Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 9 630 8485 |
Sadly, the eponymous pine tree at the summit had to be removed following several attacks on its 105-year-old trunk. Known by Maori as Maungakiekie, or hill of the kiekie vine, One Tree Hill (elevation 183 metres) is a 20,000-year-old scoria cone offering exquisite views over central Auckland and surrounding areas. Located in Cornwall Park, One Tree Hill was heavily fortified in Maori times and has the remains of extensive earthworks and terraces. The summit is accessible by car or walking track. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bjarni Thorbjornsson |
 Photo: Kiwi Flickr |
 Photo: Stuart Yeates |
 Photo: Stuart Yeates |
 Photo: Bryan Lowe |
 Photo: Blair Duncan |
 Photo: Richard Chisholm |
 Photo: Shaun Dymond |
 Photo: Helen Tang |
 Photo: honzalhotsky |
 Photo: bluesbro20032003 |
 Photo: lightwrite |
 Photo: NEW ZEALAND SPECIALIST - SINGAPORE |
 Photo: Gary Ku |
 Photo: Jude Westmacott |
 Photo: Rob Dickson |
 Photo: Lindsey Isham |
 Photo: stbhh |
 Photo: Rob Andersen |
 Photo: janni-p |
 Photo: Ana y Dani |
 Photo: joel |
 Photo: Emma Carter |
 Photo: Helen Swan |
 Photo: Craig Nellist |
 Photo: Stuart Riddell |
 Photo: Laura Gallant |
 Photo: Russell Van Howe |
 Photo: Theresa R. Bandy |
 Photo: petitpapillion |
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None higher! |
Sky Tower Corner Victoria and Federal Streets Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 912 6000 http://www.skycity.co.nz |
Revolving sedately near the top of the Sky Tower, Orbit offers a menu based on New Zealand's premium fresh food ingredients. Popular with visitors to the city, you will enjoy unsurpassed 360-degree views of the greater Auckland area as you dine. The breakfast menu includes French toast with grilled bacon, sun dried cranberries and maple syrup. For lunch or dinner try Seared Salmon Supreme with basil and roast fennel risotto, scampi tails and mustard aioli. Orbit is fully licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Judi & Greg Wofsy |
 Photo: Ian Hester |
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Highest volcanic cone in Auckland |
Hauraki Gulf Auckland 1020 New Zealand +64 9 379 6476 (Department of Conservation Visitor Centre) |
At 260m, Rangitoto is Auckland's largest and youngest volcano. It last erupted 600 years ago and is covered in regenerating bush, (including some extensive Pohutukawa forests), and barren lava flows. Views from the summit are exquisite on a clear day, with vistas to Kawau Island to the north and Great Barrier and Little Barrier to the north-east. Access is provided by Fullers Ferry services, and a 45-minute walk up the well-maintained track to the summit. A tractor and trailer, booked in conjunction with the ferry, also goes to the summit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robyn Dunning |
 Photo: Erick Opena-Sydney |
 Photo: Matt McKeown |
 Photo: Matt McKeown |
 Photo: Duncan Blair |
 Photo: shewhoeats |
 Photo: Erick Opena-Sydney |
 Photo: Libby Irwin |
 Photo: Sarah Macmillan |
 Photo: Shane Reiser |
 Photo: Chris Wall |
 Photo: Peter Asquith |
 Photo: Felipe Schwartzmann |
 Photo: Louis 2006 |
 Photo: Fraser Pettigrew |
 Photo: Willoughby Owen |
 Photo: Natalie Robinson |
 Photo: Henning Schmitz |
 Photo: maximas.prime |
 Photo: ginger_noodles |
 Photo: simonrev |
 Photo: Steve |
 Photo: Caleb, Sexy Policema |
 Photo: David M. Hennessy |
 Photo: Rob Freeth |
 Photo: jghenassia |
 Photo: Anna Brown |
 Photo: Alec Shiya |
 Photo: Chris McDowall |
 Photo: Peter |
 Photo: andydrummond2001 |
 Photo: Lauren Nadler |
 Photo: anne |
 Photo: Lisa Mammoliti |
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Tallest building south of the Equator |
Federal Street (Sky City) Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 363 6000 http://www.skycityauckland.co.... |
At 328 metres, the Sky Tower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and the views from the top are spectacular. A few Plexiglas blocks allow the courageous to stand and look directly down to the street. There are snack bars and a revolving restaurant up the tower. Plans are underway to allow thrill seekers to climb beyond the highest viewing platform and to take a daredevil bungy type ride down its sides. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dominic Tristram |
 Photo: Wagner Silveira |
 Photo: julián gonzález |
 Photo: Ross Hawkins |
 Photo: Chris Tse |
 Photo: Jodie Ashford |
 Photo: Iona Beauly |
 Photo: Rafael Fischmann |
 Photo: Peter Owen |
 Photo: Samantha Lewis |
 Photo: Thomas Rubach |
 Photo: heather whalley |
 Photo: Sean Lobdell |
 Photo: nicolas_mt |
 Photo: Thomas Becker |
 Photo: Jim Ebenhoh |
 Photo: leigh tran |
 Photo: dirtyjeffnz |
 Photo: Damian Scott |
 Photo: Ross Gorrill |
 Photo: Haani Badeeu |
 Photo: purpleairplane |
 Photo: Nathaniel Changco |
 Photo: Henrik Kiviluoto |
 Photo: Mike Fox |
 Photo: Christon DeWan |
 Photo: Benji Dalton |
 Photo: kathryn |
 Photo: Stephan ROLETTO |
 Photo: grahar64 |
 Photo: Shrah Ng |
 Photo: Robert Davies |
 Photo: Edward McMullin |
 Photo: Heidi Liedtke |
 Photo: Jenny |
 Photo: Linda Dougherty |
 Photo: Leanne Jeffery |
 Photo: snaphappy01 |
 Photo: marcus_euerle |
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View of harbour |
Riddell Road Glendowie Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
The walk along the sandspit out into the Tamaki Estuary provides a superb view of Howick, Mt. Wellington and Brown's Island. At low tide you can almost walk across the estuary. An extensive series of bush walks in the mangroves bordering the sandspit provide a habitat for a large number of birds. Tracks also lead from the reserve along the estuary to Point England to the south and Ladies Bay and St Heliers to the north. The reserve is accessible from Riddell Road or West Tamaki Road in Glendowie. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gillian Barfoot |
 Photo: Gillian Barfoot |
 Photo: Iain Smart |
 Photo: yoko 12bis |
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Million dollar views |
The Strand Takapuna Auckland 1309 New Zealand |
Takapuna Beach is just a few steps from the bustling but laid-back shopping centre of Takapuna. It not only offers beautiful views across the harbour, fine white sand and safe swimming but also some excellent examples of lava-encased fossilised trees--covered by one of Auckland's many volcanic eruptions, 150,000 years ago. From Takapuna Beach you can walk south to Narrow Neck Beach or North to Milford Beach. Both walks are best done at low tide. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: M Streeter |
 Photo: Jack McGrane |
 Photo: Lukas Molloy |
 Photo: Kiwi Flickr |
 Photo: redking |
 Photo: Fi@Kiwifruit |
 Photo: Kate McCormack |
 Photo: Cole Mottram |
 Photo: Jonathan Baird |
 Photo: Steve Kimmens |
 Photo: Through the Looking- |
 Photo: Natalia Tellechea |
 Photo: mr philmy |
 Photo: Dan Spataru |
 Photo: Diane Emerson |
 Photo: Lindy du Toit |
 Photo: Juliana |
 Photo: samueldhill |
 Photo: Nicholas Hartman |
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Follow the coastline |
Tamaki Drive Auckland 1005 New Zealand http://www.aucklandcity.govt.n... |
Tamaki Drive, a pohutukawa-lined waterfront esplanade, runs from the busy container wharves of downtown Auckland to St Heliers Bay, 10 kilometres to the east. It is a popular recreational area--half of the wide footpath is dedicated to cyclists and Rollerbladers. The drive winds in and out of beautiful bays and past numerous cafes and restaurants. The views of the harbour and Rangitoto Island are magnificent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sensi1 |
 Photo: Sarah Riedel |
 Photo: tara sutherland |
 Photo: Alana Howitt |
 Photo: Gabriele Giaquinto |
 Photo: Simon Middlemass |
 Photo: Ben Lowe |
 Photo: Chris Melville |
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Protected bird sanctuary |
Hauraki Gulf Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 979 7060 (Tourist Information) http://www.tiritirimatangi.org... |
This island in the Hauraki Gulf is a haven for endangered native birds such as Takahe, Silvereye and Kokako. Managed by the Department of Conservation, their staff is available for guided walks. Access to the island is limited, and ferry bookings are essential. In the summer, Hobb's Beach provides the opportunity for swimming and picnicking. Walks are easy to moderate in difficulty and range from 10 minutes to 4 hours. There are extensive sea views from the Tiritiri lighthouse - once the most powerful in the Southern Hemisphere, and a souvenir shop for a memento of your visit. Ferries to the island start from Auckland. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jon Sullivan |
 Photo: Paul & Kelly |
 Photo: jun_0418_sheep |
 Photo: Greg Clark |
 Photo: Jon Sullivan |
 Photo: James Rae |
 Photo: Sharon Gamble |
 Photo: Paul Cuming |
 Photo: Edvar van Daalen |
 Photo: sugar*loop |
 Photo: sunevdj |
 Photo: Brad Schram |
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Beaches, hiking trails and vineyard restaurants |
Hauraki Gulf Auckland 1240 New Zealand +64 9 372 9999 (Tourist Information) http://www.waiheke.co.nz/index... |
Just a half-hour ferry ride from central Auckland, Waiheke Island is a bedroom community for Auckland, but retains its own unique atmosphere. With cafés and pubs in Oneroa, wineries in the center and a beautiful beach at Onetangi, Waiheke makes a great getaway destination. Buses run on most roads and car rentals are available. Cycling is a fun way to see the island - the hills providing both challenges and great vistas. There is plenty of accommodation from isolated boutique sanctuaries to homely bed and breakfast. It is advisable to book through the Visitor Information Centre before arriving. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: raz_yorkshire |
 Photo: raz_yorkshire |
 Photo: Mariko Walton |
 Photo: Mariko Walton |
 Photo: picsonline |
 Photo: Alex Radford |
 Photo: Andrew Hiskens |
 Photo: Clarissa Springer |
 Photo: David Watson |
 Photo: Danny Tucker |
 Photo: m.wiertlewski |
 Photo: m.wiertlewski |
 Photo: Sanjeev Kumar |
 Photo: Sanjeev Kumar |
 Photo: Ling Yeu Jou |
 Photo: jessica johns |
 Photo: Leanne Allsopp |
 Photo: Diane Lister |
 Photo: \\\M/// |
 Photo: josselyn06 |
 Photo: Sarah & Jim |
 Photo: Eme Kilkenny |
 Photo: David Breßler |
 Photo: David Weldon |
 Photo: Andrew Lynch |
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Take a hike in the hills out west |
Waitakere City Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 266 2000 (Auckland Regional Council) |
The Waitakere Ranges provide Auckland's western backdrop. Formed by volcanic eruptions 20 million years ago, the ranges were once clothed in giant kauri trees. Now covered with regenerating native bush, the area is important as a catchment for Auckland's water supply and as a major recreational area for the city. The 68-kilometre Scenic Drive is the main vehicle route. The Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive, is a great starting place. Walking the Cascade Kauri Track and to the Waitakere Dam are highlights. There are only a few cafes, so a picnic is a good option. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karen Rubado |
 Photo: Lukas Molloy |
 Photo: Alex Lee |
 Photo: Lukas Molloy |
 Photo: Sharanjit |
 Photo: Jim Steiner |
 Photo: Sherilyn Tasker |
 Photo: Anne Kimble |
 Photo: Jo Copeland |
 Photo: Stephen Kent |
 Photo: Stephen McDonald |
 Photo: Julie Starr |
 Photo: Den Kholodov |
 Photo: Ryan Foley |
 Photo: DelioTO |
 Photo: wheatonsnz |
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Seaside bathing |
Waiwera Auckland 1244 New Zealand +64 9 366 2000 http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/ind... |
Located on the southern shore of the Puhoi estuary, Wenderholm (134 hectares) is surrounded by forested headlands and was the first of the many Auckland Regional Parks. It contains one of Auckland's best examples of mainland coastal forest. Swim, or picnic under the magnificent pohutukawa trees, or take one of the many bush walks. Couldrey House, an original kauri homestead, contains a small museum and information centre. Camping is available by contacting the Parksline number which is listed above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Currie |
 Photo: Chris Currie |
 Photo: Ted Satterthwaite |
 Photo: Ted Satterthwaite |
 Photo: Trent Mankelow |
 Photo: Dave Horton |