WEST AUCKLAND

Somewhat a microcosm for New Zealand overall, West Auckland is where wild ocean bites at idyllic coastline and roads weave through vineyards and bucolic vistas before untamed rainforest swallows them whole.

THE WAITĀKERE RANGES

Visit Arataki Visitor Centre in Ōratia for information on the area’s 250km of walking trails, giant kauri trees and Māori carvings. Due to kauri dieback disease, many tracks are closed; the team at the Visitor Centre can advise.

KAIPARA REGION

Hikers can’t resist Kaipara2kaipara, a three-day selfguided walk, crossing farmland, Mt Auckland (Atuanui) bush, salt marshes and wetland, while water lovers relish the five-hour cruise across Kaipara Harbour.

Kaipara sunset, West Auckland © Getty Images

THE CATALINA COASTAL WALKWAY

Hugging handsome coastline, this 5km walk in Hobsonville Point loops its way past native bush, large parks (including an off-leash green for your pooch), the harbour and an old rifle range. Cyclists are welcome too.

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.

Lake Wainamu, Te Henga, West Auckland

RIVERHEAD TOWN

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.