See, play, stay: WEST AUCKLAND

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.

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.

Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, West Auckland © Sam Hartnett

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.

Catalina Bay Farmers’ Market

Teetering on the northern-most part of Hobsonville Point, this market runs three days a week from Friday through Sunday: 10am to 2pm. Buy fresh bagels, artisan bread, meats and cheese and then fill your boots with handmade candles, oils and more.

Piha Karekare Rainforest Wine Tour

Where tropical beauty meets world-class wine. Enjoy guided wine tastings with stops at Piha Beach, Karekare Waterfalls and the Arataki Visitor Centre.

Karekare Falls, West Auckland © Camilla Rutherford

Treehouse-style dining

At iTi, a smart yet casual bistro elevated in the trees in Titirangi. There’s both a dining room and veranda with winter-proof retractable roof to bring the outdoors in.

Little Creatures Brewing

Located in Hobsonville Point on the water’s edge in an enormous air force hangar, several eateries and the Little Creatures brewery rub shoulders under one roof. Dine indoors or out – and bring your dog along, too.

The Tasting Shed, Kumeū

A converted outbuilding with a coveted sharing menu. You can’t go wrong with the $60pp Chefs Suggestion and a decadent cocktail.

Whoa! Studio, Henderson

A fun-for-all family attraction with film studio, puppet show, The Grounds eatery by celebrity chef Ben Bayly and colourful crochet playground.

Whoa! Studio, West Auckland © Whoa! Studio

Horse trekking on Muriwai Beach

If it’s good enough for Billy Eilish, it’s good enough for you. Trot along the dark and brooding sands of Muriwai Beach on a guided horse trek. Suitable for every age, experience – and globally-renowned songstresses, too.

Woodhill Forest

Home to Woodhill Mountain Bike Park and an exhilarating zipline and obstacle course elevated in the treetops.

Woodhill Mountain Bike Park, West Auckland

Kiwi Valley Farm Park and Maze

A day out to delight adults and kids alike. Tractor rides, farm walks, pony treks and infant animals in the nursery – all set in Henderson’s rural paddocks. There’s a café here, too.

Paradice Ice Skating, Avondale

Skaters of every ilk will have fun at this international-sized ice arena. From newbies through to veterans, there are skating lessons and disco nights.

Dumplings at Whoa! Studio, West Auckland © Whoa! Studio

Main Image: Lake Wainamu, Te Henga, West Auckland