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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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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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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 |
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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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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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 |
 Walking Historic Devonport |
Devonport Auckland 1309 New Zealand +64 9 979 7060 (Tourist Information) |
The route is laid out in 'The Old Devonport Walk' brochure, available from the Information Centre, Windsor Reserve, Devonport. The first Tainui canoe landed on the foreshore about 1350AD, followed by the British Navy in 1840. The route passes historic monuments, churches, fine old houses, the cemetery, the ferry wharf, volcanic cones and lava flows. The Devonport Museum organizes regular conducted tours around this route. A number of the buildings are privately owned and not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Irene Wood |
 Photo: crouchingPantha |
 Photo: crouchingPantha |
 Photo: Paula Turner |
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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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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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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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Auckland New Zealand |
West Auckland offers rugged scenic beauty and, as home to the Dalmatian population, has a unique cultural heritage. To fully appreciate its natural attractions, drive 45 minutes west from the city to the black-sand surf beaches--Piha, Karekare and Muriwai (also to view the Gannet Colony). For outdoor enthusiasts there are over 140 bushwalks in the Waitakere Ranges, trails for bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles, and horse riding opportunities. There are a number of established family wineries here too, notably Delegat's and Corbans, near Henderson and Matua Valley, House of Nobilo and Coopers Creek, near Kumeu. Several of the wineries have excellent restaurants--the Hunting Lodge at Matua Valley and Allely House at Selaks are both worth the drive to enjoy their beautiful settings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James & Clara |
 Photo: James & Clara |
 Photo: Peter Evans |
 Photo: Adam Oliveira |
 Photo: tom woods |
 Photo: Samantha |
 Photo: Irina Yun |
 Photo: Irina Yun |
 Photo: William Liew |
 Photo: sparda7767 |
 Photo: mark_whatmough |
 Photo: Shane Jaxson |
 Photo: Warren Russell |
 Photo: f_freitag2003 |
 Photo: kwanjit74 |
 Photo: Aaron Gillon |
 Photo: Phil Davies |
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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 |