West Auckland
Head west along the northern side of the Manukau Harbour to Titirangi village for brunch before driving on to the Arataki Visitor Centre, the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Set on a ridge surrounded by rainforest it offers spectacular views and insights into the area’s heritage and natural history. Pick-up a map and explore the walking tracks in the rugged Waitakere Ranges.
If you’re feeling energetic, there are a variety of tracks to choose from, many of them less than one hour’s walk. Pick up a map to help you find your way around the park or talk to the park staff and get their recommendations.
If you have a penchant for wine, you’ll enjoy the unique cellar-door experiences available in the Kumeu region. The area is steeped in history with wineries dating back to the 1930s and ranging in size from boutique artisan winemakers to some of the best-known names in wine. Take a tour or pick up a wine trail map and experience the region at your own pace.
If adventure is more your thing, head to Parakai for Auckland’s best skydiving experience with Blueskies Skydiving and finish the day with a soak at Parakai’s themal hot pools.
If excitement beckons, drop in to Woodhill Forest where rain or shine, 4-Track Adventures offer fun-filled quad biking experiences. Or join a group of adventure enthusiasts for a day of canyoning in the heart of the Waitakere rainforest.
Pack your wetsuit and spend a few hours surfing the waves that roll in from the Tasman Sea then head up to the viewing platform above Muriwai – here you’ll be able to experience the awesome sight of looking down on a vast gannet colony. About 1,200 pairs nest here from August to March each year.
