ROAD TRIP: A journey west to Wellsford

Auckland to Helensville via SH 16 near Woodhill Forest - 41min, 47.9km

Helensville to Wellsford via SH 16 - 49min, 57.3km

Side Trip to Wellsford to Kaipara Harbour via Port Albert Rd, Wharehine Rd & Run Rd - 21min, 22.2km

Kaipara Coast Gardens

Kaipara Coast Plant Centre & Sculpture Gardens

Wind your way out west on SH 16 through northern Waitākere to discover the country charm of Kumeū. There are many adventures to be had in Woodhill and Riverhead Forest and the pleasant stretch of highway that runs alongside the Kaipara Harbour.

Ease into the open countryside just outside Auckland city where you’ll find exceptional local produce in the small hubs of Kumeū and Waimauku.

In Māori, Helensville is known as Te Awaroa, or ‘the valley of the long river’ in reference to its location on the banks of the Kaipara River, at the southern edge of the vast Kaipara Harbour. Stay and explore the harbour itself.

Your journey finishes in the pleasant country town of Wellsford, gateway to Northland at the junction of SH 1 and SH 16.

The Hunting Lodge winery

Todd Eyre

KUMEŪ

Kumeū is best known for its excellent wineries. Here, you can explore cellar doors or linger for a leisurely lunch while sampling the wares of local winemakers and craft beer brewers. Kumeū also has bountiful fresh produce from neighbouring orchards and roadside fruit and vege stalls and a lively village featuring boutique shopping, crafts and galleries.

Coopers Creek Winery

AATP

HELENSVILLE

On the southern edge of the Kaipara Harbour, Helensville is a laid-back hub of heritage and friendly hospitality. Founded on the kauri timber industry that dominated the region in the 1800s, Helensville has excellent museums that recount the tales of the town’s history.

Take a stroll along the banks of the Kaipara River on the scenic Riverside Walkway, grab a bite at one of the local cafés or for some artistic edification, head a short way out of town to the Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens where you can wander amongst impressive artworks set amongst beautiful gardens.

Nearby Palm Springs in Parakai has recently been refurbished and features various hot pools surrounded by rock pools and fountains.

HELENSVILLE MUST-DO'S

> Helensville Museum

> Railway Museum

> Art Centre Helensville

> Palm Springs Hot Pools

> Woodhill Forest

> Sculpture Gardens

Mountain biker

Woodhill Forest

SIDE TRIP to KAIPARA HARBOUR

Sunset off the Kaipara Coast

Getty Images

ESTUARIES AND WHARVES - With more than 800km of convoluted, curving coastline, the Kaipara is New Zealand’s largest harbour. The entrance from the wild Tasman Sea is protected by the peninsulas of South Head and Pōuto in the north.

Lazy hamlets, tidal estuaries rich in mangroves and marine life and pretty sandy bays abound here. Soak up the tranquillity at one of the many campgrounds or reserves where relaxation goes hand-in-hand with picturesque harbour views. Retrace the routes of the historic steamers that used to operate in the harbour on a leisurely cruise to explore the Kaipara from the water, or follow your nose down one of the small side roads to find deserted bays and safe swimming spots in the warm sea.

While here, you can also try your hand at catching dinner on a local fishing charter, or from one of the quiet wharves.

WELLSFORD

Right in the heart of things, Wellsford is the gateway to the east and west coasts and is halfway between Auckland and Whangārei.

To book accommodation en route, go to page 79 of the e-book and at a click of a button you can link directly to a property's website.