Long long ago, Maui, a mischievous demigod, went fishing one day with his brothers, deep in the southern ocean. Using his grandmother's jawbone for a hook, he caught a huge fish and hauled it out of the sea. His brothers were jealous and fought over the fish for tasty pieces. The fish became the North Island of New Zealand, and the landforms were created by their actions, the sea flowing into the Long long ago, Maui, a mischievous demigod, went fishing one day with his brothers, deep in the southern ocean. Using his grandmother's jawbone for a hook, he caught a huge fish and hauled it out of the sea. His brothers were jealous and fought over the fish for tasty pieces. The fish became the North Island of New Zealand, and the landforms were created by their actions, the sea flowing into the gaps left by the hungry brothers. The resulting narrow Auckland isthmus was surrounded by water, between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea.
The iwi, or tribes, of the Auckland area descend from those who arrived in the original waka (canoes) from Hawaii about 800 years ago. They brought with them the dog and native rat and food plants such as taro, gourd, yam and kumara. Their descendants include Tainui, Hauraki and Kawerau iwi, and Ngati Whatua from the north, considered to be the official tangata whenua, (people of the land), of Auckland today.
Auckland is built on an active field of 48 volcanoes, dating back 150,000 years. The youngest, Rangitoto Island, blew up just 600 years ago, and stands like a guardian over the city. The isthmus, Tamaki Makaurau, was fertile with plant, tree, fish and bird life and blessed with a mild climate. Early coastal settlements show evidence of fishing and seasonal food gathering. Later, large-scale agriculture was practiced and archaeological sites frequently show seashell middens and terraces for housing or gardens. There are still many tapu (sacred) places, associated with important events, ancestors and graves of these early inhabitants. The volcanic cones offer the greatest evidence of old Maori settlements and were probably developed as fortified pa during the 17th century, when inter-tribal conflict increased. The volcanoes remain the most distinctive feature of Auckland's landscape and, like most landforms, had great symbolic and spiritual importance to the Maori.
Early European visitors included Captain Cook, missionary Samuel Marsden, British naval boats seeking timber for masts and spars, and whalers and sealers provisioning their ships. They brought iron tools, alcohol and tobacco, serious diseases and, most significantly, muskets! As well as Christianity, the missionaries introduced farm animals, the plough, fruit trees, cereal and vegetable crops. Traditional Maori ways of life were changed forever.
In 1840 many local chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with Britain. There have been problems in defining its true meaning ever since and land disputes have therefore ensued. However, it is an important document, embodying the ideal that "We are One People".
Auckland became the capital of the new colony in 1840 on land purchased from Ngati Whatua. Farming developed along with copper mining and timber, and Maori communities participated widely in agriculture and trade. Relations between them and European settlers were friendly during the 1840s-50s, although military settlements at Onehunga, Otahuhu, Panmure, Howick and Albert Barracks in the city were built then. The Land Wars of the 1860s decimated the South Auckland tribes, and much of their land and that of Tainui was confiscated.
In 1865 the country's capital was transferred to Wellington. Auckland grew to become New Zealand's main industrial center and port over the next 30 years. From 1870 immigration from Britain increased, and gum digging, brick making, flour milling, brewing and boat building were added to the local trades. The introduction of refrigeration in the late 1880s had a major impact on the entire country. Now it was possible to transport fresh food to Britain and much produce passed through the port of Auckland.
Through the 1880s Auckland had 8,000 inhabitants and 20,000 people lived on the isthmus. Many large buildings were built, such as the Customhouse, City Library and Art Gallery. Fortifications at Takapuna, Bastion Point, North Head and Mt Victoria were built to defend the city in case of attack.
By the 1890s Auckland was described as a "sophisticated cosmopolitan centre". Venues such as the Domain were developed for sport, and new leisure activities included steamer excursions to beaches like Devonport and the Gulf Islands, horse racing, walking, cycling and brass band concerts. After the hard early pioneering days, people could now discover and enjoy the attractions of the Auckland region.
During the early 1900s, the Ferry Building, the Post Office, the Town Hall and the Parnell Baths were all examples of new building thought suitable for a sophisticated and civilised city. Grafton Bridge was built and internationally acclaimed as the first reinforced concrete arch in the Southern Hemisphere. The Maori population, however, was decreasing. It was assumed they would die out!
The War Memorial Museum honors the thousands of young New Zealanders killed and wounded in the First World War and other wars. During the Second World War, large coastal gun batteries, such as those along Tamaki Drive, were installed around the city.
Auckland's population reached 630,000 by 1970, due to both urban migration and immigration—mostly from Britain and Holland in the 1950s and the Pacific Islands in the 1960s. Motorways were begun in the 50s and the Harbour Bridge opened in 1959, drawing the North Shore into the growing metropolis.
Auckland has seen its share of debate and political action, from Flower Power and anti-Vietnam War rallies to Peace Squadron anti-nuclear flotillas on the Waitemata Harbour and enormous protests against the 1981 Springbok Tour. Bastion Point was the focus of a long Ngati Whatua occupation in the 1980s and national attempts to resolve Maori land issues continue today. In 1985 French secret agents sank the Greenpeace boat Rainbow Warrior in the harbour.
Auckland's population reached one million in 1996. Waves of new immigrants have recently made Auckland their home and more and more people try to cram onto the narrow isthmus. From the different languages spoken in the street, and the variety of ethnic food now available, you would never guess Auckland to be a small place, right down-under in the South Pacific. Tourism is vital, and an exciting variety of activities and experiences await visitors to this vibrant, multi-cultural city.
Auckland begs to be explored. In Auckland itself are volcanoes, beaches, historic buildings, open air markets, shops, cafés and all the amenities of modern urban life. Within an hour's drive of central Auckland there are wild beaches, pristine sub-tropical rain forests, thermal pools and vineyards.
Exploring on Foot or Bike The best way to see Auckland up close is by foot or bikeAuckland begs to be explored. In Auckland itself are volcanoes, beaches, historic buildings, open air markets, shops, cafés and all the amenities of modern urban life. Within an hour's drive of central Auckland there are wild beaches, pristine sub-tropical rain forests, thermal pools and vineyards.
Exploring on Foot or Bike The best way to see Auckland up close is by foot or bike. The city is linked by a network of council-maintained walkways and bike paths. Two of the best tours are the
The Coast-to-Coast Walkway starts at the Ferry Building and proceeds along Customs Street, reclaimed from the harbor in the 1840s. It then climbs up a once-prominent headland, Point Britomart, which was excavated in the 1880s to reclaim more land. From Albert Park, at the top of the bluff, the Walkway crosses to Auckland Domain, home of the Wintergardens and Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Volcanoes dominate the Auckland isthmus. The Domain itself sits on a 50,000-year-old scoria cone. Mt Eden, also known as Maungawhau (mount of the Whau tree), is rich in Maori heritage. The Walkway passes well-defined defensive earthworks, storage pits and terraces. The walker is rewarded with exquisite views of the city and gulf.
From Mt Eden and One Tree Hill, the Walkway winds down to Manukau Harbour and the Onehunga Heritage Walk. The Coast-to-Coast Walkway is 13 kilometers long and takes about four hours of brisk walking. Bus stops are never far away so it is possible to walk or ride certain stretches.
For cycling enthusiasts, the 50-Kilometre Bike Ride provides a great way to see the sights. The ride follows Tamaki Drive to St Heliers, up over Mt wellington with superb views, and then on to Western Springs before returning to the waterfront via trendy Grey Lynn and Ponsonby. The ride takes a full day of pedaling, but there are any number of distractions, such as pubs and cafés. The route is well-marked with distinctive blue signs.
The Explorer Bus Auckland's Explorer Bus provides another excellent way to see the city's top attractions. It makes a circuit from the Ferry Building, stopping at Auckland's "Top 14" attractions, including Kelly Tarlton's, Parnell, Sky City and Victoria Park Market. Explorer Buses depart from 9am to 4pm on the half-hour from the Ferry Building.
Exploring Further Afield Devonport is also easily accessible on foot from downtown via the <Devonport Ferry, which departs from the Ferry Building for the scenic ride across the Waitemata Harbour on a regular schedule daily. The Old Devonport Walk passes by some of Devonport's historic spots, and short walks to the summits of Mt Victoria and North Head offer spectacular views of Auckland, Rangitotoand the Hauraki Gulf. Give yourself a good half day to see the sights--longer if planning on a leisurely lunch or a visit to one of the picturesque pubs.
Further afield is West Auckland, famous for its forests, beaches and vineyards. A good place to start your tour is from the Arataki Visitors Centre, about a 20-minute drive from central Auckland. Scenic Drive follows the crest of the Waitakere Ranges with side trips to the fantastic West Coast surf beaches—Whatipu, Piha, and Te Hanga. Muriwai and the Gannet Colony are accessible from Route 16 just north of Kumeu.
For Wine Lovers Inland at the foot of the Waitakere Ranges is wine country. Noted for excellent Pinot Noirs and Cabernet Sauvignons, about 30 wineries dot the countryside. Matua Vineyards in Kumeu and Delegats in Henderson offer particularly attractive grounds and tasting facilities. Pleasant hot springs in Parakai round out an exquisite full day's tour of West Auckland.
Coastal excursions Two well-marked routes explore the country north and east of Auckland and make excellent excursions—The Twin Coast Discovery Highway and The Pacific Coast Highway. The Twin Coast Highway follows the wine trail to Parakai and Helensville before heading north to the Kai, which was New Zealand's busiest port in the early days of the last century, shipping out kauri logs and gum to the world. Today it is a sleepy backwater more famous for fishing and kumara growing than international commerce.
At Wellsford, the Highway turns south towards Warkworth and the lovely Matakana region, which is becoming a wine and tourism centre. Numerous regional parks such as Tawharanui provide excellent bathing and fishing beaches as well as bush walks. The Highway then returns to Auckland via the thermal pools at Waiwera, Orewa with its brilliant white sand beach and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula with Shakespeare Regional Park. The Twin Coast Discovery Trail can be done easily in a day's drive.
The Pacific Coast Highway explores the country east of Auckland before going on to the Coromandel and Tauranga, about a four-hour drive. A good day trip is to follow the Motorway south to Manukau City and then follow the Highway to Whitford and Omana Regional Park with its mangrove walks and bathing beaches. The Highway then skirts the Hunua, where there are many beautiful bush walks in the Waharau Regional Park. At Miranda are more thermal pools and the Miranda Shorebird Centre. At Miranda you can either follow the Highway to the Coromandel or return to Auckland via Mangatangi. Allow a day for the loop.
Aucklanders and visitors are indeed fortunate to be in such a beautiful area. Within an hour's drive you can be in cathedral-like groves of old growth timber or on deserted wind-swept beaches. Even in the city you can get away to bush-clad reserves that give you a glimpse of what the isthmus was like in the days before the land was cleared for civilization. Happy exploring.... more info
As New Zealand writer Kevin Ireland has wickedly observed, Auckland has a weight problem. "It is one of the biggest cities in the world. Its swollen bulk hangs out over the constricting belt of its isthmus and bulges further than the eye can see. Its head cannot locate its toes."
Two towering, powerful icons emerge from the sprawl—the volcanic cone of Rangitoto IslandAs New Zealand writer Kevin Ireland has wickedly observed, Auckland has a weight problem. "It is one of the biggest cities in the world. Its swollen bulk hangs out over the constricting belt of its isthmus and bulges further than the eye can see. Its head cannot locate its toes."
Two towering, powerful icons emerge from the sprawl—the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island and the futuristic Sky Tower. They may also define its soul. Here is a city of tranquility and sophistication combining a stunning coastline with cultural edge. Hecklers claim Auckland is bold, brash and excessive. Critics may be right about the excess, but there is no stopping growth as the city steadily expands. It is actually four cities—North Shore, Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau—an isthmus of land at the narrowest part of New Zealand. Only nine kilometers separates the Pacific Ocean from the Tasman Sea. Aucklanders' love of the water explains the moniker "City of Sails"—a reputation enhanced on Waitemata Harbour during the America's Cup 2000 and 2003 regatta.
Over a quarter of the nation's inhabitants live in the Auckland region. Since the Maori alighted from their waka (canoes) to occupy the densely forested land, a steady stream of migrants has followed—Europeans, Asians and Polynesians have all made the journey to create the largest Polynesian enclave in the world.
More than 50 volcanoes have erupted, permanently scarring Auckland's landscape. The last of them, the island of Rangitoto Island, was born a mere 600 years ago. The buzz, aggression and vitality of the city today echoes this turbulent past.
Central Business District The main artery of Queen Street, studded with retail and commercial buildings, flows like lava from Newton to Downtown, with the shadow of the Sky Tower reflected in every gleaming, glass tower. Take a cultural stopover at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Auckland Town Hall (The), Aotea Centre, The, the Force Entertainment Center and the Civic (The). The fashion heart is located nearby in High Street, home to some of the world's hottest new labels: World Deluxe Store, Karen Walker and Zambesi. Queen Street eventually converges with the waterfront and the revamped Viaduct Harbour Marina.
A passion for uprooting the past (Auckland was once dubbed "city of cranes") began with Pakeha (European settlers) removing entire volcanic cones to reclaim the waterfront. Now the waterfront is an essential playground for all. NZD42 million has recently been spent beautifying Viaduct Harbour Marina, a perfect backdrop to the America's Cup regatta and home to other attractions, including the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Waitemata Plaza, Ferry Building (The), and a bevy of restaurants and nightspots.
On the inner city fringe lies the infamous Karangahape Road, although its garish sex parlors now compete with exotic shops and restaurants. Also on the fringe is Grafton, location of Auckland Hospital, the ice-cream colored Starship Children's Hospital and Auckland's major recreational park—the Auckland Domain, with its sports fields, Wintergardens (The), duck ponds and Auckland War Memorial Museum.
South of the Domain, you can fully appreciate the city from the summit of Mount Eden (Maungawhau). Try one of the trendy village cafés nestled at its base if you are in need of fortification. Another volcanic vantage point, offering views to both the Waitemata and Manukau harbours, is One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie). Stargazers will enjoy the Auckland Observatory and Star Dome situated in surrounding Cornwall Park.
West of downtown, Ponsonby--The Strip has been Auckland's enduring restaurant strip for the past 20 years. Competition is now fierce with the new waterfront restaurants and bars, but many remain loyal to Ponsonby icons such as Prego, S.P.Q.R. and other institutions such as the Hero Parade—Auckland's own gay pride Mardi Gras—voted best annual event by Metro magazine.
The Eastern Bays Heading east, but still hovering on the fringes of the city, are the suburbs of Newmarket and Parnell. Newmarket is a fashion addict's delight, and perhaps a smarter, slicker version of Parnell, once the domain of yuppie excess. A more sober past is reflected in historic buildings such as Kinder House and Whitby Lodge, which sit alongside a lively mix of shops and restaurants. Further east along Tamaki Drive is Auckland's own Riviera of crescent beaches, stretching from Okahu Bay and Bastion Point to Mission Bay, Kohimarama and Saint Heliers Beach. Along the drive you will find Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World, more street cafés and seaside playgrounds.
South Auckland Manukau City, with its 50 different ethnic communities, is proudly multi-cultural. It shows off its Polynesian flair in a cornucopia of markets, festivals, community churches and some of the region's most diverse shopping, including Otara Market. For an adrenalin rush, there is Rainbow's End theme park.
West Auckland West Auckland offers rugged scenic beauty and, as home to the Dalmatian population, has a unique cultural heritage. To fully appreciate its natural attractions, drive 45 minutes west from the city to the black-sand surf beaches Piha Beach, Karekare Beach and Muriwai Beach (also to view the Gannet Colony). For outdoor enthusiasts there are over 140 bushwalks in the Waitakere Ranges (The), trails for bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles, and horse riding opportunities.
There are a number of established family wineries here too, notably Delegat's and Corbans, near Henderson and Matua Valley, House of Nobilo and Coopers Creek, near Kumeu. Several of the wineries have excellent restaurants--the Hunting Lodge at Matua Valley and Allely House at Selaks are both worth the drive to enjoy their beautiful settings.
The North Shore Across the Harbour Bridge lies North Shore City and kilometers of superb beaches. Seaside suburbs with relaxed shopping centers and restaurants wind their way north, with a major highlight being the historic maritime village of Devonport accessible by ferry from the Ferry Building. To view some expensive real estate, walk along Takapuna Beach and continue on to Milford Beach along the sea wall at low tide.
Beyond the confines of the city lie the 47 islands of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, including Rangitoto Island, Motutapu and Waiheke Island, which attracts many visitors to its idyllic bays and beaches, galleries, vineyards and restaurants, and the annual Montana Waiheke Island of Jazz Festival.... more info
Getting There:
By Air: Auckland International Airport (+64 9 275 0789/ http://www.auckland-airport.co.nz) is New Zealand's largest and busiest airport and is located 21 km (14 miles) from downtown Auckland. The airport provides direct service and connections to domestic and international destinations from the following airlines:
Aerolineas Argentinas (+64 9 379 Getting There:
By Air: Auckland International Airport (+64 9 275 0789/ http://www.auckland-airport.co.nz) is New Zealand's largest and busiest airport and is located 21 km (14 miles) from downtown Auckland. The airport provides direct service and connections to domestic and international destinations from the following airlines:
Thai Airways International (+64 9 377 3886/ http://www.thaiair.com)
Airbus (+64 9 375 4730/ http://www.airbus.co.nz) offers service to and from the airport and Auckland City every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes after 6p.
Taxis and shuttle buses are located at the western side of the International Terminal and in front of the Domestic Terminals. A taxi from the airport to the city center of Auckland is approximately NZD40.
Maui Campervans and Motorhomes (+64 9 275 4748/ http://www.maui-rentals.com)
By Train:
Tranz Scenic (+64 4 495 0775/ http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz) is New Zealand's only passenger rail service. The Overlander route offers service to Auckland from Wellington.
By Bus:
InterCity Coachlines (+64 9 913 6100/ http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz) offers frequent daily coach service throughout all of New Zealand. The bus stops are located at the Sky City Coach Terminal on 102 Hobson Street and outside the main doors of the Auckland International Airport.
Northliner Express (+64 9 307 5873/ http://www.northliner.co.nz) has frequent routes throughout the Northland area with the Auckland stop located at 172 Quay Street.
By Car:
A large motorway network provides direct links to Auckland.
Getting Around:
The Link (+64 9 366 6400 or +64 9 309 6269/ http://www.stagecoach.co.nz) provides bus service between central Auckland locations including Downtown, University, Victoria Park, Sky City, Queen Street and more. Fare is NZD1.30.
Rideline (+64 9 366 6400/ http://www.rideline.co.nz) provides public transportation throughout the Auckland region via bus, ferry and train.
Kawau Kat Cruises (+64 9 425 8006/ http://www.kawaukat.co.nz) offers daily Harbour cruises as well as ferry service to Waiheke Island and Ragitoto Island in Auckland.
Major car and motorcycle rental companies in Auckland include:
A 2 B Rentals Ltd (+64 9 377 0825/ http://www.a2brentals.co.nz)
Hertz (+64 9 367 6350/ http://www.hertz.co.nz)... more info
Currency
NZD
Time Difference
UTC+13
Country Dialing Code
+64
Electricity
240V, 50Hz
Language
English Maori Sign Language
Religions
Anglican 14.9%, Roman Catholic 12.4%, Presbyterian 10.9%, Methodist 2.9%, Pentecostal 1.7%, Baptist 1.3%, other Christian 9.4%, other 3.3%, unspecified 17.2%, none 26%
As New Zealand writer Kevin Ireland has wickedly observed, Auckland has a weight problem. "It is one of the biggest cities in the world. Its swollen bulk hangs out over the constricting belt of its isthmus and bulges further than the eye can see. Its head cannot locate its toes."
Two towering, powerful icons emerge from the sprawl—the volcanic cone of Rangitoto IslandAs New Zealand writer Kevin Ireland has wickedly observed, Auckland has a weight problem. "It is one of the biggest cities in the world. Its swollen bulk hangs out over the constricting belt of its isthmus and bulges further than the eye can see. Its head cannot locate its toes."
Two towering, powerful icons emerge from the sprawl—the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island and the futuristic Sky Tower. They may also define its soul. Here is a city of tranquility and sophistication combining a stunning coastline with cultural edge. Hecklers claim Auckland is bold, brash and excessive. Critics may be right about the excess, but there is no stopping growth as the city steadily expands. It is actually four cities—North Shore, Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau—an isthmus of land at the narrowest part of New Zealand. Only nine kilometers separates the Pacific Ocean from the Tasman Sea. Aucklanders' love of the water explains the moniker "City of Sails"—a reputation enhanced on Waitemata Harbour during the America's Cup 2000 and 2003 regatta.
Over a quarter of the nation's inhabitants live in the Auckland region. Since the Maori alighted from their waka (canoes) to occupy the densely forested land, a steady stream of migrants has followed—Europeans, Asians and Polynesians have all made the journey to create the largest Polynesian enclave in the world.
More than 50 volcanoes have erupted, permanently scarring Auckland's landscape. The last of them, the island of Rangitoto Island, was born a mere 600 years ago. The buzz, aggression and vitality of the city today echoes this turbulent past.
Central Business District The main artery of Queen Street, studded with retail and commercial buildings, flows like lava from Newton to Downtown, with the shadow of the Sky Tower reflected in every gleaming, glass tower. Take a cultural stopover at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Auckland Town Hall (The), Aotea Centre, The, the Force Entertainment Center and the Civic (The). The fashion heart is located nearby in High Street, home to some of the world's hottest new labels: World Deluxe Store, Karen Walker and Zambesi. Queen Street eventually converges with the waterfront and the revamped Viaduct Harbour Marina.
A passion for uprooting the past (Auckland was once dubbed "city of cranes") began with Pakeha (European settlers) removing entire volcanic cones to reclaim the waterfront. Now the waterfront is an essential playground for all. NZD42 million has recently been spent beautifying Viaduct Harbour Marina, a perfect backdrop to the America's Cup regatta and home to other attractions, including the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Waitemata Plaza, Ferry Building (The), and a bevy of restaurants and nightspots.
On the inner city fringe lies the infamous Karangahape Road, although its garish sex parlors now compete with exotic shops and restaurants. Also on the fringe is Grafton, location of Auckland Hospital, the ice-cream colored Starship Children's Hospital and Auckland's major recreational park—the Auckland Domain, with its sports fields, Wintergardens (The), duck ponds and Auckland War Memorial Museum.
South of the Domain, you can fully appreciate the city from the summit of Mount Eden (Maungawhau). Try one of the trendy village cafés nestled at its base if you are in need of fortification. Another volcanic vantage point, offering views to both the Waitemata and Manukau harbours, is One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie). Stargazers will enjoy the Auckland Observatory and Star Dome situated in surrounding Cornwall Park.
West of downtown, Ponsonby--The Strip has been Auckland's enduring restaurant strip for the past 20 years. Competition is now fierce with the new waterfront restaurants and bars, but many remain loyal to Ponsonby icons such as Prego, S.P.Q.R. and other institutions such as the Hero Parade—Auckland's own gay pride Mardi Gras—voted best annual event by Metro magazine.
The Eastern Bays Heading east, but still hovering on the fringes of the city, are the suburbs of Newmarket and Parnell. Newmarket is a fashion addict's delight, and perhaps a smarter, slicker version of Parnell, once the domain of yuppie excess. A more sober past is reflected in historic buildings such as Kinder House and Whitby Lodge, which sit alongside a lively mix of shops and restaurants. Further east along Tamaki Drive is Auckland's own Riviera of crescent beaches, stretching from Okahu Bay and Bastion Point to Mission Bay, Kohimarama and Saint Heliers Beach. Along the drive you will find Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World, more street cafés and seaside playgrounds.
South Auckland Manukau City, with its 50 different ethnic communities, is proudly multi-cultural. It shows off its Polynesian flair in a cornucopia of markets, festivals, community churches and some of the region's most diverse shopping, including Otara Market. For an adrenalin rush, there is Rainbow's End theme park.
West Auckland West Auckland offers rugged scenic beauty and, as home to the Dalmatian population, has a unique cultural heritage. To fully appreciate its natural attractions, drive 45 minutes west from the city to the black-sand surf beaches Piha Beach, Karekare Beach and Muriwai Beach (also to view the Gannet Colony). For outdoor enthusiasts there are over 140 bushwalks in the Waitakere Ranges (The), trails for bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles, and horse riding opportunities.
There are a number of established family wineries here too, notably Delegat's and Corbans, near Henderson and Matua Valley, House of Nobilo and Coopers Creek, near Kumeu. Several of the wineries have excellent restaurants--the Hunting Lodge at Matua Valley and Allely House at Selaks are both worth the drive to enjoy their beautiful settings.
The North Shore Across the Harbour Bridge lies North Shore City and kilometers of superb beaches. Seaside suburbs with relaxed shopping centers and restaurants wind their way north, with a major highlight being the historic maritime village of Devonport accessible by ferry from the Ferry Building. To view some expensive real estate, walk along Takapuna Beach and continue on to Milford Beach along the sea wall at low tide.
Beyond the confines of the city lie the 47 islands of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, including Rangitoto Island, Motutapu and Waiheke Island, which attracts many visitors to its idyllic bays and beaches, galleries, vineyards and restaurants, and the annual Montana Waiheke Island of Jazz Festival.... more info
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