Huge gannet colonies line the cliffs and New Zealand fur seals patrol the beaches.
Kumeu is where you’ll find Auckland’s oldest established vineyards, while charming rural townships like Titirangi are home to colonies of artists rather than seabirds. Tucked into the rainforest, Titirangi is also a great café stop and the gateway to the bush-clad Waitakere Ranges.
West Auckland's beaches seem to stretch on forever. Piha and Muriwai are some of the easiest to access. Others include Bethells Te Henga, Karekare, Anawhata and the more remote Whatipu.
Further north, Woodhill Forest is a natural playground with mountain bike trails, quad-biking and tree canopy adventures. Helensville township is just nearby. Established in the timber milling days of the 1800s it sits on the vast Kaipara Harbour.
Wind your way deeply through the Waitakere Ranges and its native bush to the surf community of Piha. Notorious for its tempestuous weather and rocky terrain, you’ll be struck by the pounding surf and black volcanic sands on the beach. Lion Rock stands solidly guarding the northern end of Piha beach.
The countryside of Kumeu is a refreshing blend of green farmland, orchards and vineyards. With a number of wineries in the area including Auckland’s oldest, you can stop for a cellar-door tasting, a delicious lunch or to attend one of the popular summer events.
As part of your West Auckland adventure spend a little time in Titirangi exploring the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges. It’s a great place to take a break and refuel with a steaming hot cuppa and a large slice of homemade carrot cake.
It’s hard to believe that you can be in the middle of Auckland’s cosmopolitan city centre one moment and immersed in a subtropical rainforest in just 40 minutes. Discover black sand beaches, dramatic landscapes, magical waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife in the Waitakere Ranges.
Brave the windswept rugged coastline of Muriwai to see the impressive sight of the gannets. Muriwai beach is also a popular surf beach with a well-equipped surf school for those keen to take a lesson or two. You can also hire blokarts, bikes and kites.
A natural playground of adventure with mountain bike trails and quadbiking adventures. The huge forest covers 12,500 hectares of land and reaches all the way from Muriwai in the south to South Head in the north.
Helensville has a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle to offer visitors. Enjoy a walk around the tranquil gardens, take a leisurely cruise on the Kaipara harbour and river, or soak in the hot pools.
