Top picks:

• Indulge your artistic side at the Pumphouse Theatre
•  Walk along the coast from Milford Beach to Takapuna Beach
• Enjoy a swim and picnic at Takapuna Beach

Fact file:

• Lake Pupuke is a freshwater lake occupying a volcanic crater
• The Pumphouse Theatre was formerly a water pumping station that supplied water to local early settlers
• Takapuna Beach has great views of Rangitoto and other Hauraki Gulf islands

Why visit?

The vibrant commercial hub of Takapuna is a great shopping area. Grab your wallet and hit the shops which range from the designer Department Store to indoor malls, boutique stores and factory outlets. There are many excellent cafés and restaurants in the area and also a lively Sunday market.

The long stretch of white sand at Takapuna Beach is less than 100 metres away and is popular for a range of water activities. Locals and visitors alike flock to the beach to picnic, swim and watch watersports. There’s also a large boat ramp making it a fantastic place to launch boats. Sit back and watch the world sail by with uninterrupted views of the islands at this prime beach spot.

To take in more of the area stretch your legs along the Takapuna to Milford coastal walk which follows the heritage trail. At low tide the route takes in a mixture of paved promenade, beach, lava rocks and private property. Thanks to the goodwill of local residents this walk is enjoyed by many Aucklanders.

Other places on the must-do list include a visit to Lake Pupuke – a favourite spot for rowing, sailing and canoeing. Plus there’s the Pumphouse Theatre, which is a centre for performing and visual arts, and you can visit The Arts Gallery to view pieces from local artists.

Location

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