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 West coast beach |
Bethells Road Waitakere Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Smaller and more intimate than Piha or Muriwai, Te Henga beach offers booming surf, bush walks and spectacular vistas. There are walking tracks north, over the headlands, to O'Neill Bay, which is popular with surfers. The cliffs to the back of the beach are composed of pillow lavas, which were formed when the flowing lava hit the surf and solidified in place. There are toilets and changing sheds at the car park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: AliaK |
 Photo: Leon Tan |
 Photo: Jlin1228 |
 Photo: AliaK |
 Photo: Peter Gutmann |
 Photo: Peter Gutmann |
 Photo: Adam Wood  |
 Photo: Patrice Scandlyn |
 Photo: Michael |
 Photo: Gary Quigg Open2view |
 Photo: L. Darragh |
 Photo: Nicki Gemmell |
 Photo: Dan Antunovich |
 Photo: Penny Street |
 Photo: Toni Thatcher |
 Photo: Kelvin Lau |
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Manukau beach |
Awhitu Regional Park Auckland 1853 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
On the western shore of Manukau Harbour, Brooks Beach features safe swimming, camping, picnics, a golf course, and numerous walks through tidal flats regenerating forests and open fields. Visit the historic Brooks homestead, built in 1880 from local kauri. The Brooks family sold the land to the Auckland Regional Council in 1971. The park is still managed as a working farm and gives insights into the rural roots of modern New Zealand. Bird life like heron, pied oyster catcher, godwit and banded rail, abounds in the bush and on the shell-strewn foreshore. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Manukau harbour beach |
Cornwallis Road Waitakere Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Cornwallis Beach has been inhabited for centuries, as evidenced by extensive shell middens. Settled by Europeans in the early 1840s, Cornwallis and the surrounding area became important kauri milling areas. Today, Cornwallis Beach is popular for bathing at high tide and is a great spot for picnics and fishing from the old pier that juts out some 200 metres into the Manukau Harbour. Windsurfers also get some great rides around these waters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kiwi_kid |
 Photo: Isaac Owen |
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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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See Goat Island's Marine Life |
Goat Island Marine Reserve Auckland 1241 New Zealand +64 9 422 6334 http://www.glassbottomboat.co.nz/ info@glassbottomboat.co.nz |
Less than 11/2 hours drive north of Auckland is the Goat Island marine reserve. The driest way to see some of the 55 species of marine life which inhabit the area, such as snapper, moki, mao-mao to name but a few, is aboard the Glass Bottom Boat. It operates year-round (weather permitting) and can cater for up to 18 adults, or 25 children at once. The most popular trip,(around the island) takes about 45 minutes, a 30 minute trip is also available. It is recommended to contact them for weather conditions first. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mädchenkrawall |
 Photo: mädchenkrawall |
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Gulf Island paradise |
Hauraki Gulf Auckland 1236 New Zealand +64 9 429 0033 http://www.greatbarrier.co.nz/ info@greatbarrier.co.nz |
Great Barrier Island, named by Captain Cook in 1769, lies about 90 kilometers north-east of Auckland and is accessible by both ferry, car ferry and air. Take the bus along the island, meeting up with the ferry for the return trip to Auckland. That way you get to view the beautiful white sand beaches of the eastern coast. Great tramping tracks criss-cross the island--rental cars and bikes are available. There is limited accommodation, so prior bookings are essential. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sam Graham |
 Photo: Maggie Li |
 Photo: Kaihoahoa |
 Photo: etnobofin |
 Photo: jikaleza |
 Photo: praet |
 Photo: Gerrit Bart |
 Photo: Peter Hall |
 Photo: Barry Frost |
 Photo: Anne Meade |
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Scenes from 'The Piano' |
Karekare Road Waitakere Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Karekare Beach, famous for its appearance in the film The Piano, is the epitome of a wild west-coast beach. With cliffs, raging surf, streams, windswept dunes and black sand, Karekare is an exhilarating location in all weathers. Backed by second-growth forests, Karekare was the focus of kauri milling operations at the turn of the century. Remains of tramlines can be seen to the south, on the way to Whatipu beach. Pools of sea water, suitable for children to swim in, often form at the northern end of the beach. Climb up onto the rocks to watch the surfcasters in action. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Santiago Bisbal |
 Photo: Phil |
 Photo: James & Clara |
 Photo: Santiago Bisbal |
 Photo: Hamish Graham |
 Photo: Danny Birchall |
 Photo: P and H |
 Photo: Jon Rocatis |
 Photo: Erja-Riitta Salonen |
 Photo: Amber N. |
 Photo: shirlidicastro |
 Photo: mar barcelo |
 Photo: Vincent Dickie |
 Photo: Andrea Harding |
 Photo: natures_mathematics |
 Photo: Pete Baldrey |
 Photo: ShardulNZ |
 Photo: Richard Wong |
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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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Most northern and longest beach |
Beach Road Long Bay Auckland 1311 New Zealand +64 9 366 2000 (Auckland Regional Council) http://www.arc.govt.nz/aucklan... info@arc.govt.nz |
Set in the Long Bay Regional Park this popular, but never crowded beach, offers safe swimming, forest walks and scenic cliffs. A full array of facilities includes picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and changing rooms. There is a small playground, a flying fox and a miniature train. Large groups may reserve picnic and barbecue areas by telephoning the Parksline number listed above. There is also a kiosk for snacks during the summer and Long Bay Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily (bookings recommended). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hannes Engelbrecht |
 Photo: Wael Shoukry |
 Photo: Hannes Engelbrecht |
 Photo: Wael Shoukry |
 Photo: rasho86 |
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Rodney District |
65 km from Auckland Auckland 1241 New Zealand +64 9 366 2000 http://www.arc.govt.nz/aucklan... info@arc.govt.nz |
With coastal forests, secluded beaches and tidal estuaries, Mahurangi Regional Park (230 hectares) offers an unhurried and peaceful escape from the city. Situated on the Puhoi River estuary and the Hauraki Gulf, Mahurangi has been continuously populated for close to 1,000 years. Remains of fortified pa (Maori fortresses) can be found on Opahi Point, and house sites and shell middens abound. Heavily logged in colonial times, the park nowadays features open pastures as well as regenerating coastal forests. Camping is permitted by contacting the Parksline number above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Bridges |
 Wine, history and plenty of activities |
Matakana (an hour north of Auckland) Auckland 1241 New Zealand +64 9 425 9081 (Visitor Information Centre) http://www.matakanacoast.com/ info@matakanacoast.com |
Matakana is a fast-developing region rich in history, wine and recreational activities. Warkworth, a venerable port on the Mahurangi River, has interesting art, craft and antique shops. Northeast, you come to the delightful old river town of Matakana. Here new wineries, olive groves and kiwi fruit farms are developing. Cafés such as the one at Morris and James Pottery Tileworks dot the landscape. At Omaha there is a beautiful white sand beach. Past the fishing village of Leigh, is Goat Island Marine Reserve for snorkelling and scuba diving. During the summer take a Glass Bottom Boat trip. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lay back and relax on a sunny afternoon |
Tamaki Drive Mission Bay Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Mission Bay is a popular place on fine summer weekends. The wide beach, recently restored with white sand from Pakiri beach, provides excellent swimming. The grassy domain running behind the beach, complete with playground, provides an excellent picnic spot. There are many lively cafes, restaurants, takeaway bars and pubs catering to all tastes and budgets, just across the road. Giant Norfolk pines, planted by Bishop Selwyn 150 years ago, provide welcome shade on a hot day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sensi1 |
 Photo: Sam Cottle |
 Photo: Valerie Griffeth |
 Photo: AKSamba |
 Photo: sensi1 |
 Photo: dancing_shomi |
 Photo: Bryan Davis |
 Photo: Hank Chen |
 Photo: Hank Chen |
 Photo: Andrew Perren |
 Photo: Helena Pattison |
 Photo: catgo_yun-hui |
 Photo: aidyandbeffy |
 Photo: Ram H. Viswanathan |
 Photo: jeric valle |
 Photo: Mark Jones |
 Photo: drummersnakesworld |
 Photo: P. McKinney |
 Photo: Xiang Zi |
 Photo: David Quick |
 Photo: Candice Collier |
 Photo: Helena |
 Photo: Karoline Biermanski |
 Photo: Mark Derricutt |
 Photo: Robbie Mackay |
 Photo: nadjagisler |
 Photo: Oliver Imogen Henlich |
 Photo: Shane Taylor |
 Photo: Angela CareyMoustafa |
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West coast beach |
Muriwai Road State Highway 16 Auckland 1250 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Stretching from the cliffs overlooking Maori Bay and the Gannet Colony north to Kaipara Head, Muriwai Beach with its fine black sand is popular with surfers, families, surfcasters and dune buggies. You can drive all the way north, some 40 kilometres, at low tide, but the northern sector is sometimes used as a bombing range by the New Zealand Air Force, so make sure the red flag is not flying! The shop near the main car park has excellent coffee and burgers. There is a camping ground, many pleasant grassy picnic spots with shade, a playground and even a golf course at Muriwai. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karl Loo |
 Photo: jo eaton |
 Photo: Trent Rule |
 Photo: jo eaton |
 Photo: Darrel Birchall |
 Photo: Raewyn Hooper |
 Photo: Niall Smart |
 Photo: freakalad |
 Photo: HelenB |
 Photo: babycake123 |
 Photo: arrested.eye. |
 Photo: Andrew F Lambert |
 Photo: ilah2001 |
 Photo: Marco |
 Photo: Trevor J. Fong |
 Photo: Nick Stephens |
 Photo: salmonleft |
 Photo: Carlo Laing |
 Photo: Peter de Ruiter |
 Photo: khaines |
 Photo: Munah Ahmed |
 Photo: Etienne Laliberté |
 Photo: David McCormick |
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Sandy Shores |
Broadlands Drive Omaha Beach Auckland 0986 New Zealand http://www.omahabeach.co.nz/ us@omahabeach.co.nz |
This relaxing town just a stone's throw from Auckland City may look peaceful at first glance, but in fact bustles with activity from noon 'till night. This tight-knit community takes great pride in its neighborhood, but also knows how let it all hang out. Check the website for a full list of Omaha Beach events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Camp at the beach |
Whitford-Maraetai Road Omana Regional Park Auckland 1705 New Zealand +64 9 366 2000 (Auckland Regional Council) |
With gorgeous views of Waiheke Island to the north and Rangitoto Island to the north-west, Omana Beach has great swimming, walking tracks through mangrove swamps via a series of boardwalks and great tidal pool viewing. There is also a Maori pa (fortified village) site on the bluff. Facilities include barbecues and toilets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: OldWalker |
 Photo: Sue Gardner |
 Photo: Steve |
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Waiheke Island beach |
Waiheke Island Hauraki Gulf Auckland 1240 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Oneroa Beach is within walking distance of Oneroa, the main shopping, arts, eating and drinking district of Waiheke Island. With white sand, gentle waves and warm water, Oneroa Beach is the perfect place to while away an afternoon on Waiheke. Oneroa is accessible by bus from the main ferry terminal at Matiatia Bay. Little Oneroa Beach is just a short walk away and offers great tidal pool watching and a children's playground. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: amelia a earhart |
 Photo: Iris Grooten |
 Photo: Guillermo Galan |
 Photo: chloemallinson |
 Photo: brent simpson |
 Photo: runawaynow.com |
 Photo: anils070721 |
 Photo: Brent Swanson |
 Photo: Rene Kunkel |
 Photo: Jon Robinson |
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Beach on Waiheke |
Waiheke Island Hauraki Gulf Auckland 1240 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
This beautiful, three-kilometres long, white sand beach on the north shore of Waiheke Island, is ideal for sunbathing, bodysurfing and just plain relaxing. Take the bus from the ferry landing if coming from Auckland, it is a 20-minute ride. Onetangi Village has a couple of friendly hotels with accommodation, meals and entertainment as well as shops and a petrol station. At the shop you can rent kayaks to play in the surf. At the far western end of Onetangi Beach, clothing is optional. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bill Pickard |
 Photo: Michael C. Place |
 Photo: Michael C. Place |
 Photo: Gareth Wills |
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Busy beach |
State Highway One Orewa Auckland 1461 New Zealand +64 9 426 0076 (Hibiscus Coast Visitor Information Centre) http://www.orewa-beach.co.nz/ |
Orewa is a fast-growing tourist destination featuring a beautiful beach, cafés and restaurants and a beach-front holiday park. On windy days watch for sand yachts whizzing up and down the beach. It is officially classified as a public thoroughfare and can be driven upon at low tide. The Orewa Beach Lookout, located just north of Orewa on the eastern side of State Highway One, provides a spellbinding vista of the entire sweep of Orewa Beach as well as the Hauraki Gulf islands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tajinder Singh |
 Photo: Allan Lee |
 Photo: Tim Williams |
 Photo: Ron Dixon, Dallas |
 Photo: radek.sedlacik |
 Photo: David Henriquez. |
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Sea kayaking adventures |
7A Westech Place Kelston Auckland 1007 New Zealand +1 800 99 9636 http://www.nzkayak.co.nz team@odnz.co.nz |
Outdoor Discoveries offer an exciting range of sea kayaking adventures within the Hauraki Gulf. In the summer, twilight or night kayaking is available. Some longer trips are also available including tailor-made overnighters and corporate packages. Small groups are lead by skilled and qualified guides. Equipment, right down to jackets and footwear, is provided. Caving and abseiling adventures are also arranged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pakiri Beach Horse Riding |
Pakiri Beach R.D.2 Wellsford Auckland 1242 New Zealand +64 (9) 422 6275 http://www.horseride-nz.co.nz pakirihorse@xtra.co.nz |
Experience the freedom and exhilaration of horseback riding on one of New Zealand's clean and unspoilt beaches. Choose from a one-hour beach ride, to a seven-day trek, taking in the beach, pine forest, and native bush. There are horses to suit all ages and levels of riding skill, with tuition available. Safety helmets are provided. Overnight accommodation is in comfortable cabins, and excellent farmhouse cooking is provided. Alternatively, there is a good restaurant in nearby Leigh. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thiago Almeida |
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Surf's up and it's a blast! |
Waitakere Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Piha Beach, on the wild Tasman coast is famous for the Lion Rock vistas, black sand beaches, great surf and deadly rips. If you venture into the water, do so only between the lifeguard flags. Changing rooms, a shop and campground are available. If coming in summer bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat as it can be blistering hot on the black sand. The beach is also spectacular on a wild, windy day. From north Piha there are walking tracks to more secluded beaches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: redking |
 Photo: Greg Clark |
 Photo: Bryan Lowe |
 Photo: Sascha SpangenbergUK |
 Photo: Lawrence Wilkinson |
 Photo: Pete Anderson |
 Photo: Shiro_insidious |
 Photo: Miss Lele |
 Photo: france gipsy |
 Photo: Megan McChesney |
 Photo: Laura Brown |
 Photo: Emily Olson |
 Photo: Daniel Fowlie |
 Photo: Tim Renouf |
 Photo: SILVIA PONDE AUSTIN |
 Photo: Kurt Preshaw |
 Photo: Scott Andrews |
 Photo: Jacqui Hanson |
 Photo: Cecile la photomaniaque |
 Photo: Dafna Lakritz |
 Photo: Ana Raquel Hernandes |
 Photo: M!NG |
 Photo: Grace Tali |
 Photo: sharon watkinson |
 Photo: vini00 |
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Far end of Tamaki Drive |
Tamaki Drive Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 (0)9 979 2333 http://www.stheliers.com/ |
St Heliers Beach is the last stop along Tamaki Drive and boasts of a one kilometer-long white sand beach popular with families. A children's playground is on the eastern end. You can walk along the cliffs at low tide to Ladies Bay, a more secluded beach at the mouth of the Tamaki Estuary. Paragliders can be seen floating over the headland when the wind conditions are right. Saint Heliers village has a full complement of beach front cafes and shops. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Graham Warren |
 Photo: Gregory Bodnar |
 Photo: Fabio Costa |
 Photo: Donald Campbell |
 Photo: Pablo Garbarino |
 Photo: Rocio Gomez |
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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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Tawharanui Regional Park |
Takatu Road, RD6 Warkworth, Auckland New Zealand 09 366 2000 http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/... info@arc.govt.nz |
Located on the rugged Tokatu Peninsula just north of Kawau Island and east of Warkworth, Tawharanui (588 hectares) has been a focal point for human habitation since the earliest days of Maori occupation. With regenerating forests, secluded beaches, surf and rock fishing and an extensive network of walking tracks, the park has much to offer. A marine protected area, offshore snorkelling provides a glimpse of colourful fish and rock formations. Camping is available by contacting the Auckland Regional Parks Council number given below. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Clark |
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Seaside viewing |
Kawakawa Bay Between Duder Regional Park & Orere Point Auckland 1750 New Zealand +64 9 366 2000 (Auckland Regional Council Parks) / +1 800 80 6040 http://www.arc.govt.nz info@arc.govt.nz |
A tiny (4.4 hectare) regional park overlooking the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel, Tawhitokino features a beautiful pohutukawa fringed beach and a secluded grassy camping site accessible by foot traffic only. Long occupied by Maori, the beach front still contains a series of shell middens, kumara pits and strategically located fortified pa on the headlands at either end of the beach. The land was extensively logged in the late 1800s and is now predominantly pasture and regenerating native bush. Tawhitokino beach is accessible from a car park located at the end of Kawakawa Bay Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: OldWalker |
 Photo: OldWalker |
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Harbour beach |
Shakespear Regional Park Whangaparaoa Peninsula Auckland 1463 New Zealand +64 (0)9 426 0076 http://www.arc.govt.nz/ |
Within Shakespear Regional Park on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Te Haruhi Bay features sandy beaches, safe swimming, a picnic area and many walks along the cliffs, coast and through the scrub-covered valleys. There is a campsite for tents at the eastern end. The park is the home of one of the largest populations of pukeko (native swamp hen) in New Zealand and has good numbers of other native birds including morepork, tui, fantail and shags. A Maori pa site guards the western end of the bay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Law |
 Photo: Tom Law |
 Photo: Peter Asquith |
 Photo: jared boow |
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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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The heart of the City of Sails |
Viaduct Harbour Avenue (CBD Waterfront) Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 300 6682 http://www.viaduct.co.nz/ marina@viaduct.co.nz |
Viaduct Harbour was developed as a base for the America's Cup yachting regatta and racing syndicate. The buzzing cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants ply their trade late into the night. The bronze plaques around the boardwalk detail the maritime history of the area. Water taxi tours of the basin are available outside the Loaded Hog Brewery - keep your eye out for luxury super yachts. The Visitor Information Centre is also based here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: © EJ Chua |
 Photo: © EJ Chua |
 Photo: Daniel McCollum |
 Photo: Leah Perrin |
 Photo: Peter Asquith |
 Photo: Barney J Schmidt |
 Photo: Phil Braithwaite |
 Photo: Fabian Frei |
 Photo: sallyannjohnstone |
 Photo: Ivy Jiang |
 Photo: Stefan Kruger |
 Photo: Aidan Fogarty |
 Photo: Razvan Lerescu |
 Photo: Simon Tung |
 Photo: Fred Stoltz |
 Photo: Simon Clayson |
 Photo: Pieter Gorter |
 Photo: C. Mayola Wyrick |
 Photo: Carolyn Ellis |
 Photo: Nick Stuart |
 Photo: Glenn Olsen |
 Photo: Peter Braun |
 Photo: komakichi |
 Photo: Victor Yaw |
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Seashore camping |
1 km past Pukekereru Lane. Kaiaua Auckland 1870 New Zealand +64 9 366 2000 / +1 800 80 6040 (Auckland Regional Parks Council) http://www.arc.govt.nz/ info@arc.govt.nz |
Waharau Regional Park (238 hectares), extending inland from the Firth of Thames to the Hunua Ranges, provides a diversity of scenery and forest cover. With a large network of tracks and backcountry camping, Waharau provides a good weekend's adventure. Occupied by Maori and then used as a source of lumber during the gold rush days around Thames , Waharau has some large remnants of hard beech forest and regenerating native bush. There is safe swimming at the beaches and a pleasant flowing stream at the back of the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sarah reed |
 Photo: Lee Taylor |
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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... waiheke@iconx.co.nz |
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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Seaside bathing |
Waiwera Auckland 1244 New Zealand +64 9 366 2000 http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/ind... info@arc.govt.nz |
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 |
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Fast joining Auckland |
40 km north of Auckland city Gulf Harbour Auckland 1463 New Zealand +64 9 426 0076 http://www.whangaparaoa.info/ |
Whangaparaoa is fast becoming urbanised--many residents commute to Auckland central on a daily basis. At the tip of the peninsula is the Shakespear Regional Park with facilities including swimming, bush walks, fishing and camping and the Gulf Harbour Country Club. Meaning "Bay of Whales", Whangaparaoa was initially settled by the Ngati Kahu tribe and did not see European settlement until the 1850s. Today the still undeveloped parts of the peninsula feature regenerating forests of puriri, taraire, kowhai and karaka. Native birds are much in evidence as well. Sandstone cliffs separate sandy beaches (with safe swimming) and make for interesting walks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Megan Sloan |
 Photo: Megan Sloan |
 Photo: Franco Carcillo |
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West Coast beach |
Whatipu Road Waitakere Auckland 1008 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Overlooking the Manukau Harbour entrance and South Head, Whatipu is a wild wind and spray-driven beach popular for walking and surfcasting. Accessible from Huia along a twisty gravel road, Whatipu was once a major kauri (native timber) shipping port with a wharf built along Cutter Rock. Manukau Entrance was the scene of the sinking of the HMS Orpheus in 1863 with the loss of 189 souls. Some survivors managed to make it to Cutter Rock. See Orpheus artefacts at the small museum at Huia, open summer weekends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Piotr Zurek |
 Photo: Marcus Gonçalves |
 Photo: Piotr Zurek |
 Photo: Charlotte Franklin |
 Photo: Thomas Beagle |
 Photo: Kieron Lawson |
 Photo: Roger South |
 Photo: Kieron Lawson |
 Photo: _markc |
 Photo: Gareth Sheehan |
 Photo: sudeip |