The farm park lies among the southern suburbs fronting the Manukau Harbour. Take in the various farm animals as you wander around the open pasture. Ambury is a significant habitat for shorebirds.
Anawhata is a spectacular beach that can only be reached by foot. Because it is less accessible, it is much quieter than other beaches in the Waitakere Ranges.
The Arataki Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park which has more than 16,000 hectares of native rainforest. It's 250km of walking and tramping tracks provide access to beaches.
Atiu Creek Farm was gifted to the Auckland Regional Council by Jackie and Pierre Chatelanat who wanted to ensure that all New Zealanders could enjoy access to the Kaipara Harbour.
A pleasant drive through Waiuku and 33km beyond, leads to peaceful Awhitu on the southwest shores of the Manukau Harbour. Wander over parkland pastures, explore wetlands or enjoy safe, sandy beaches.
Cascade Kauri, Lake Wainamu and Fairy Falls are located in the northern part of the Waitakere Ranges and offer great places to explore. See giant Kauri trees, huge sand dunes and spectacular waterfalls.
Part of the Waitakere Ranges, Cornwallis is a popular, safe spot for family picnics and swimming. Be sure to visit the 200m long restored Cornwallis wharf, the last of the Manukau's 16 ferry wharves.
Duder park is located on the pohutukawa-fringed Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, which cuts out into the Tamaki Strait. Visitors may feel like they are on their own island as they enjoy the 360 degree views.
Glenfern Sanctuary is a predator controlled regenerating forest, where threatened and endangered species are able to thrive once more. Come visit this regional park and see for yourself!
Huia is a quiet settlement by the Manukau Harbour. It has tidal beaches, picnic spots, campsites and a huge choice of walks.
The Hunua Falls area has a large, flat area with picnic tables, and toilets only 10m from the large car park. Swimming is considered unsafe.
These bush clad ranges with streams, waterfalls and magnificent vistas offer a natural playground less than an hours drive from Auckland. The park is the largest native forest in the Auckland region. Read important information about Kauri Protection.
Karekare is one of Aucklands most spectacular beaches and wilderness areas. Part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Karekare was made famous by the Oscar winning movie The Piano.
Long Bay is a busy seaside park, protecting the most northern of the east coast bays and lying adjacent to the Long Bay - Okura Marine Reserve.
Mahurangi park protects three peninsulas at the mouth of the harbour. Mahurangi spans across the Puhoi River, north of Wenderholm, and along Te Muri Beach to Sullivans Bay and Mita Bay.
A windswept rugged coastline stretching 60km north showcases Muriwai's spectacular black sand surf beaches. At its southern end, Otakamiro Point is the site of one of our few mainland gannet (takapu) breeding colonies.
A green oasis amid Auckland's urban and industrial sprawl, this park offers open pastures and expansive views.
Omana Regional Park is situated on a gently contoured knoll from which visitors can enjoy outstanding views of the inner Hauraki Gulf. An ideal family park with a shelly beach offering safe swimming at high tide.
A stunning piece of coastal land at Pakiri. The 52 hectare piece of land includes 900 metres of sandy coastal foreshore and stands of inspiring mature coastal pohutukawa trees.
Piha is one of Aucklands most famous west coast black sand beaches. Part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Piha is a popular spot for swimmers and surfers.
Perched on the north east tip of the Mahurangi Peninsula, Scandrett Regional Park encompasses Mullet Point, coastal forest, rocky headlands, an attractive beach and a precinct of historic farm buildings.
At the tip of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Shakespear Regional Park has sheltered bays, pastureland, regenerating native forest, cliffs and a lookout with views second to none.
An attractive coastal farm park, Tapapakanga has a rich Maori and European history and offers an accessible, pohutukawa edged beach on the western shores of the Firth of Thames.
Set on a remote peninsula, Tāwharanui Regional Park boasts some of the Auckland region's most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands.
This small scenic park is located at the end of the Kawakawa Bay Coast Road. Accessible from Waiti Bay only at low tide, Tawhitokino offers safe swimming and a beautiful, secluded stretch of white sand beach.
Enjoy nearly 50 hectares of new parkland in the north east of the Rodney region. Te Arai features highly sensitive dune lake ecosystems, wetlands, and regenerating forest.
Te Henga or Bethells Beach is another beach in the Waitakere Ranges worth visiting. Here you will find sand dunes and Lake Wainamu - a popular swimming alternative to the rough west coast beaches.
Te Rau Puriri on the South Kaipara Peninsula is unique because it offers access to one of the best beaches on the Kaipara Harbour and the major lake (Lake Ototoa) on the peninsula.
On the eastern side of the rugged Hunua Ranges, Waharau extends from the range to the coast. Enjoy farmland, river banks and forest for camping, picnics, walking and mountain biking.
Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland includes 250km of walking and tramping tracks, beaches, breathtaking vistas, spectacular rocky outcrops, waterfalls and cliffs.
Located 50km from central Auckland on our south-eastern coast, Waitawa is made up of three small peninsulas and fronts onto four bays.
The picturesque mouth of the Puhoi River, surrounded by forested headlands, is Wenderholm, the first and perhaps still the most beautiful Regional Park. Wenderholm contains one of Aucklands best examples of mainland coastal forest.
Escape overseas and visit this park on the western side of Waiheke Island. Whakanewha offers sheltered swimming on a long, sweeping beach with a panoramic bush clad backdrop. You can also enjoy camping and picnic sites on the foreshore.
Whakatiwai Regional Park is characterised by a series of gravel ridges, which are unique not only in the Auckland region but also internationally significant. The park includes a shelly sand foreshore, and is a haven for migratory birds.
The Whatipu area is a Scientific Reserve owned by the Department of Conservation and managed on behalf by the Auckland Council Regional Parks. It is a spectacular area of coastal dunes and wetlands.