TRIP 1 AUCKLAND Sunset at Mt Heale hut, Great Barrier Island © Todd Eyre Photography
T RIP 1
a journey through
Waitākere
Auckland to Titirangi via Titirangi Rd 23min, 16.1km
S
ometimes a straight line isn’t the best way to a destination – especially when that destination is Waitākere, the area named for the ranges that run along the western edge of Auckland. Head along the northwestern motorway and watch for signposted turn-offs to Titirangi, to begin exploring. Auckland to Hauraki Gulf Islands Downtown Auckland to Rangitoto Island, 25min ferry ride Downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island, 35min ferry ride Downtown Auckland to Great Barrier Island, 4.5hr ferry ride (or 35min flight from Auckland Airport) ABOVE: Dining on Waiheke Island © Chris McLennan
58 |
M U S T D O ’ S • A UCK LA N D
There’s much to discover, from Māori settlement and inter-tribal conflict, to how Croatian immigrants created the thriving Auckland wine industry. Dig your feet into iron-rich sand and hear the surf boom, then walk through lush native bush in the Waitākere Ranges. Formed approximately 15 million years ago by volcanic activity, the ranges enjoy a higher annual rainfall (2000mm) than central Auckland (1268mm) – so pack a raincoat if skies look grey. Snugly wrapped in a coat of green, bush-clad Titirangi village feels light years away from other Auckland suburbs. It’s the jumping-off point from which to visit many of the west coast beaches, yet Titirangi is also a destination in its own right.
