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 Tourist route past Kumeu |
Route 16 Helensville Auckland 1250 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) http://www.helensville.co.nz |
Helensville is an old river and timber town at the southern reaches of the Kaipara Harbour, north of Auckland. With some fine old buildings and newer shops and cafes, Helensville is undergoing a renaissance. Just to the north are the Aquatic Park Parakai Springs and a number of cafes. If you want to stay overnight, there are several motels, bed and breakfast and homestay places listed on the Helensville web site address above. Leave the city on the North Western Motorway and then follow Route 16. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Gutmann |
 More than just a vineyard |
Waikoukou Valley Road Waimauku Auckland 1250 New Zealand +64 9 411 8301 http://www.matua.co.nz |
This vineyard and winery is more than just that. It not only offers group wine-tasting (by appointment), there is also the Hunting Lodge in vineyard cottages. For the family's day out, this place offers beautiful picnic areas, gardens, a children's playground, and courts for croquet and petanque. The wine shop is full of fine Matua Valley Wines, some of New Zealand's finest, available for tasting and purchase. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: shewhoeats |
 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 |
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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 |
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 Photo: Irina Yun |
 Photo: Irina Yun |
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 Photo: sparda7767 |
 Photo: mark_whatmough |
 Photo: Shane Jaxson |
 Photo: Warren Russell |
 Photo: f_freitag2003 |
 Photo: kwanjit74 |
 Photo: Aaron Gillon |
 Photo: Phil Davies |