LAKE WAINAMU SAND DUNES Less than 1km from Bethells Beach, towering swathes of sand guard a picturesque lake. A 90-minute walk skims the water’s edge, or you can scale the dunes and stride across a dramatic, desert-like landscape.
RIVERHEAD TOWN
ABOVE: Lake Wainamu, Te Henga, West Auckland BELOW: Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, West Auckland © Sam Hartnett
SEE The Hollywood Avondale Tarantino called it ‘the best cinema in New Zealand’ and who could disagree? Also Aotearoa’s longest running cinema, this 1915 neo-classical building is beautiful inside and out. Run by film obsessives, it maintains all the panache of Hollywood’s golden era.
The small town of Riverhead straddles the Waitematā Harbour and is just a 25-minute drive north-west of central Auckland. Hike and bike in Riverhead Forest, descend on Westbrook Winery or visit New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern, The Riverhead. For something extra special, arrive by ferry from downtown Auckland. Titirangi Art Scene The artsy little village of Titirangi boasts Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery and New Zealand painter, Colin McCahon’s former home, which is now a museum. West Lynn Garden & Butterfly House Where the prettiest of nature’s duos come together. Combining a butterfly house with explorable small gardens, relaxation is a sure thing. Secret Fairy Houses A community of fairies have moved into the borough. Twenty tiny fairy cabins climb the trees at Te Onekiritea Point (Bomb Point), Hobsonville Point. Made from every material imaginable, the workmanship is commendable.
WINTER AUCKLAND – FREE OFFICIAL GUIDE
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