Auckland Airport 1 hr 31
Ambury Regional Park (1 hr 25) Camping & hiking are popular at this farm park with wildlife, pastured animals & lava flows. Waitākere Ranges Regional Park (1 hr 45) Butterfly Creek (1 hr 20) A mix of zoo exhibits, including a butterfly house, plus a dinosaur area, playground & train. Āwhitu Regional Park (15 min) Spookers Haunted Attraction Theme Park (51 min) Horror theme park in a former psychiatric hospital, with actors playing evil clowns & zombie brides. Piha (2 hr 6) Beach renowned for black sand & strong waves ideal for surfing, with panoramic views. Manukau Heads Lighthouse (18 min) Secluded beacon accessible by long drive, surrounded by grounds popular for picnicking & sea views. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium (1 hr 24) Astronomy venue with planetarium shows, courtyard telescope viewing & an interactive space gallery. Māngere Mountain (1 hr 19) Mountain and volcano Kitekite Falls (2 hr 7) Large, dramatic waterfall in the forest with hiking paths, wildlife & a swimming hole. Villa Maria Estate (1 hr 20) Bucolic winery with tastings, a full lunch menu & terrace seating with vineyard views. Waitakere Ranges (1 hr 56) Lush rainforest regional park with waterfalls, hiking trails in native bush & black sandy beaches. Whatipu Beach (2 hr 15) Rugged, remote beach accessed by a gravel road, with dense, dark sand for walking & nearby caves. Lion Rock (2 hr 8) Beach and climbing Arataki Visitor Centre (1 hr 43) Typical tourist information hub with free Wi-Fi, restrooms & park rangers to answer questions. |