Auckland Region Off The Beaten Path

  Life Guards?
by rabbit06
 
  • Life Guards?
      Life Guards?
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  • not much surf today!
      not much surf today!
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  • Famous!
      Famous!
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  • Rugged!
      Rugged!
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  • Swing bridge, be carefull Shirley!!!
      Swing bridge, be carefull Shirley!!!
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Most Viewed Off The Beaten Path in Auckland Region

1.

West Coast Beaches   Auckland

West Coast Beaches, Auckland

 10 Reviews  Our local West Coast Beach is great for some fresh air, a walk along this beach is fantastic! Always popular for swimming, surfing, picnicking and fishing but not as crowded as other West Coast... 

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2.

Auckland Botanic Gardens   Auckland

Auckland Botanic Gardens, Auckland

 7 Reviews  On the edge of the large Central Lawn area is the Potter Children’s Garden which is designed with the little ones in mind. There is a maze and an interactive walled garden with stories of the puriri... 

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3.

Sightseeing   Auckland

Sightseeing, Auckland

 15 Reviews  One of the nice little suburbs of Auckland is Mission Bay, with the beautiful water view and the nice park set against the beach, this is definitely worth the 10 minute drive from downtown. Sarah is... 

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4.

Hauraki Gulf   Auckland

Hauraki Gulf, Auckland

 9 Reviews  Update 24 July 2008 The ferry company operating the trip to Tiritiri Matangi has changed (and if only the name...) since I wrote my tip: It is no more the Kawau Cat Ferry but 360 Discovery - and it... 

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5.

Auckland Zoological Park   Auckland

Auckland Zoological Park, Auckland

 1 Review  Auckland Zoo may not be particularly vast on a world scale, nor does it have the diverse range of animals of some world zoos, but it is one of my favourite ways to spend a day. The gardens are really... 

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6.

Ponsonby.   Auckland

Ponsonby., Auckland

 1 Review  Western Park, Te Rimu Tahi, in the suburb of Ponsonby and near Freemans Bay, is one of Auckland's oldest parks. Opened, officially to the public, on 17 Nov 1879. It is a great place to sit in the sun... 

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7.

Mt Eden   Auckland

Mt Eden, Auckland

 1 Review  The Eden Garden is a privately operated garden open to the public on the slopes of Auckland's largest mainland volcano, Mt Eden. The garden occupies an abandoned quarry and was developed from 1964.... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Atiu Creek Farm (newest regional park)

by vtveen

A real 'off the beaten path' tip, because the Atiu Creek Farm is not open for the public on this moment. We were able to visit the owners with our cousin (Director Parks & Recreation of the Auckland Regional Council) and made also a drive over the property.Atiu Creek Farm has been gifted to the ARC by Mr. And Mrs. Chatelanat, the present farm owners. It has to become the 23rd regional park and ARC will take over ownership from on 1 July 2006.Atiu Creek Farm is expected to be formally opened in 2011, but in the meantime the ARC is planning a series of open days with guided walks, planting days and opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy the park.If you are interested to take a look in this new regional park you have to follow announcements in the papers or to contact the Auckland Regional Council.Atiu Creek farm is situated on the Kaipara Harbour about 20km west of Wellsford. It...

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Muriwai Beach and Regional Park

by kiwigal_1

Muriwai Beach is located in West Auckland. It is best known for the Gannet colonies that are located in a sanctuary just off the coast in the area which forms the Muriwai Regional Park. The beach itself has black sand like a lot of Auckland's west coast. The colour is due to the high iron content in the sand.Surfing is the main pastime enjoyed at this rough and wild beach. Other activities inlude parasailing and hang gliding, fishing (although dangerous in many places). Bush walking is a great activity to undertake here, with boardwalks in place. There are also many mountain bike trails up in the pines, mainly downhill and freeride trails.

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Auckland Domain, Museum and Wintergarden

by kiwigal_1

The Auckland Domain is a park built on one of Aucklands' extinct volcanic cones. At the highest point is the Auckland War Memorial Museum which houses a great collection of Maori and Polynesian exhibits and I believe is a must-see for any visitor to Auckland. There is a wonderful view of Auckland harbour from in front of the museum and you can see one of my favourite Auckland landmarks - Rangitoto Island from here.The Wintergarden is a greenhouse that houses an ever-changing array of tropical and temperate plants. It is located near the duck pond, not far from the Auckland Hospital park entrance.

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MOTAT Museum

by kiwigal_1

MOTAT is the Museum of Transport and Technology located in Western Springs, Auckland. It is an interesting place to visit, especially if you have children and there is plenty to see and do.This is me in 1993 sitting in the stocks. These stocks were used in the 1840's outside the Supreme Court on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets for the public punishment of minor law breakers.For more information, including current events and exhibitions, call the MOTAT Office Hours are 8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday,805 Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland City.

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Visit Muriwai Gannet Colony

by kiwi

A very easily accessible Gannet colony to visit can be found about an hours drive North West of Auckland city. Via both the North West Motorway, and the Northern Motorway (over the Harbour Bridge) you can access State Highway 16 and head to Waimauku. Here you find a left turn towards the West to a beach called Muriwai. This is a great coastal beach to visit anyway, but take the very short drive to Maori Bay (from Muriwai) and you find this Gannet Colony. During October they are nesting and you see views as seen in my photos. Interesting both from the symmetrical nesting grid as well as the amazing flying display put on especially on a windy day. Both Maori Bay and Muriwai Beach are on the coastline well known for it's black sand. This is worth checking out if you have never seen before. Be sure to dig a hole to see the wet sand when it appears jet black. Dry sand on the beach seems to be...

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Enjoy a day at Wenderholm Regional Park.

by worldkiwi

Wenderholm Regional Park is about 40 minutes drive north of central Auckland, just past the well known township of Waiwera. This regional park has an east facing beach and on the western side of it there is the Puhoi River estuary, which is ideal for kayaking around at high tide, or even swimming. In the summer you can hire kayaks from the estuary edge for $15 for a half hour or $20 for an hour. There are pleasant bushwalks through Nikau groves (New Zealand's native palm) and even a historic building - Couldrey House.The beach is shallow and, unless there is an easterly wind blowing, is quite sheltered. The park has toilet blocks, camping areas, plenty of parking, and barbecues for visitors' use. You must take out all your rubbish with you when you leave.My first real exploration of this park was in January 2006 on a beautiful sunny summer's Sunday. I was impressed by what I saw and can...

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A pleasant town in the north of the region.

by worldkiwi

Warkworth is a pleasant little town in the north of the Auckland Region. It sits at the junction of state highway one and the road to the Matakana valley (full of botique wine vineyards and craft places) and the Omaha Bay, a prime beach spot. Warkworth has a number of nice places to eat and there is a little riverside walkway. Throughout the year there are a number of festivals and local happenings based in the town. Warkworth is the main town for the "Kowhai Coast".

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Parnell Rose Gardens

by kiwigal_1

The Rose Gardens in Parnell are a very popular spot with both tourists and locals alike. In summer and spring it is very common to see wedding ceremonies here or people getting their photographs taken amongst the beautiful roses! If you like rose gardens then you shouldn't miss the Parnell Rose Gardens.

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Waiti Bay

by allikat

Just a 5 minute drive on from Kawakawa Bay, you come to the end of the road, and Waiti Bay, a pretty sandy cove with rocky outcrops. Excellent for swimming, a spot of fishing, or just sitting on the sand. A walk over the rocks will take you on to another similar beach, but watch the tide if you do, as getting back might be tricky.Just follow the road from Kawakawa Bay, past the new boat ramp, along the winding single track road through the pohutakawa trees.

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A world away from Auckland

by allikat

A half hour drive southeast of Auckland you come to Kawakawa Bay. If you follow the coast road, you can visit the little town of Maraetai on the way, and maybe carry on to Thames and the Coromandel.Kawakawa Bay is a tiny scattering of houses along 2 sweeping shallow bays, and it's where I live! Backed by gentle rolling hills, it's a pretty spot, although not good for swimming. However, just a few minutes further on you come to Waiti Bay, a sheltered sandy cove with great swimming, and a footpath over the rocks to some other beaches.Kawakawa Bay has a couple of picnic areas, with public loos, benches and play areas, and a shop selling ice creams and the like.Let me know if you head out this way :o)

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Unique Places in Auckland Region

Top 3 Hotels in Auckland Region

SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland  Auckland

 7 Reviews and 449 Opinions  The rooms and hotel in general were nicer than expected, and service was good. While this hotel may... 

 Hotels in Auckland

Delamore Lodge  Waiheke Island

 41 Opinions

 Hotels in Waiheke Island

Earthsong Lodge  Great Barrier Island

 28 Opinions

 Hotels in Great Barrier Island

266 Hotels in Auckland Region
 
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Reviews and photos of Auckland Region attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Auckland Region sightseeing.

Experience Auckland Region
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in Auckland Region
  1. Auckland Off The Beaten Path
  2. Waiheke Island Off The Beaten Path
  3. Great Barrier Island Off The Beaten Path
  4. Waitakere Ranges Off The Beaten Path
  5. Devonport Off The Beaten Path
  6. Tiritiri Matangi Island Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in Auckland Region

 

Questions and Answers

AnhNgo profile photo

Q:  dear everybody, pls, give me advice , where do i go ( i'll Auckland International Airport) in Auckland ? I 'll visit 3 days. i'll... 

Kakapo2 profile photo

A: There are more beaches in and around Auckland than you can visit. There are black beaches on the west coast (Piha, Bethell's, Karekare), and Muriwai Beach further... 

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