Thursday January 5, 2012
There are a number of great places to go hiking around Auckland, but none more so than in the Waitakere Ranges to the west of the city. This rainforest area is filled with tracks of all lengths and levels of difficulty. You can walk for a few hours or a few days, exploring forests and beaches (the area borders the west coast).
When planning a hike a good place to start is with a visit to the Arataki Visitor Center. Here you can get advice on weather conditions as well as the trails most suitable for you.
Less than an hour from central Auckland, walking in the Waitakere Ranges is very popular with the locals. You will enjoy it too!
More About West Auckland
Image Courtesy of Malene Holm
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Tuesday January 3, 2012
Although Auckland ranks as a truly international city, there are a number of small settlements within its boundaries that still retain a village feel. One of these is Titirangi, nestled in the Waitakere Ranges to the west.
Most people head out west for the beaches and forest walks, but if you're looking for a cafe or restaurant in the area then Titirangi is definitely the place to go. There are three Indian restaurants and several other cafes and eateries.
Titirangi has also been home to several prominent New Zealand artists and the village still maintains an artistic feel. A stroll around the local art gallery and nearby shops is a charming way to spend some time.
Discover the Waitakere Rangers
More About The Auckaland Area
Image Courtesy of Malene Holm
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Wednesday December 28, 2011
The Waikato (which means "flowing water" in Maori) is the longest river in New Zealand and one of the most interesting. It begins at Lake Taupo (itself fed by the mountains of the Tongariro National Park) and winds for 425 kilometers north west to the sea at Port Waikato.
There are many places of interest along the river. The Huka Falls near Lake Taupo are spectacular. There are also several dams along its length, including the Aratiatia Dam (Aratiatia Dam Image gallery).
Where the Waikato flows into the Tasman Sea is the popular holiday spot of Port Waikato. With an ocean beach and a quiet lagoon, this is a lovely place to spend some time.
If traveling south from Auckland keep an eye out for glimpses of the Waikato River.
More Things to Explore Around the Waikato River:
Image Courtesy of Malene Holm
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Monday December 26, 2011
Less than an hour's drive west from Auckland are the wild beaches and pristine rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. These tall bush-clad hills are clearly visible from the centre of the city and provide a buffer for the prevailing westerly weather coming across from Australia.
With a good network of roads and tracks, this is an accessible and very enjoyable part of the Auckland region to spend some time in. You can go on a forest walk, swim or surf at the beaches, or enjoy a coffee in the charming little village of Titirangi.
If you have some time in Auckland, spend a day "out west" in the Waitakeres. It's a unique environment and a world away from the city.
Image Courtesy of Malene Holm
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