ROAD TRIP - Auckland CBD to Titirangi & Hauraki Gulf

A journey through Waitākere

Auckland to Titirangi via Titirangi Rd 23min, 16.1km

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)

Sometimes 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.

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.

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 coastbeaches; a detour along Scenic Drive will reward with wonderful views, including of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, which is where you’re headed next.

Common Dolphin, Hauraki Gulf

© Auckland Unlimited

CENTRAL AUCKLAND

Before you leave the city, there is a lot of exploring to do. On the waterfront in central Auckland, VIADUCT HARBOUR and WYNYARD QUARTER are home to many bars and restaurants with sparkling harbour views. COMMERCIAL BAY is a mecca of flashy shops and global cuisine. PONSONBY RD is also on-trend for food and while you’re there, check out the designer boutiques. Shop for labels on QUEEN ST and on nearby KARANGAHAPE RD for vintage, retro and quirky. On your way to PARNELL, for elegant boutiques, galleries and cafés, spend time at the AUCKLAND DOMAIN, Auckland’s oldest park and the WINTERGARDENS, a beautiful Victorian-style glasshouse. While you’re there, visit the AUCKLAND MUSEUM. Just up the road is shopping haven NEWMARKET where you’ll find an enormous, modern mall, craft galleries and vintage boutiques. And in MT EDEN, discover a street full of Kiwilife, with shops and eateries mere minutes from a volcanic crater. CORNWALL PARK is an urban oasis. Within the 172ha gem is a working farm, cafés, avenues of elegant trees, walking trails, Stardome Observatory, and the volcanic summit of One Tree Hill.

Auckland waterfront

© Auckland Unlimited

> Sky Tower

> Auckland Zoo

> Kelly Tarlton’s

> MOTAT

> Newmarket

Kelly Tarlton's

© Kelly Tarlton’s, Auckland

HIGHLIGHTS

COLIN MCCAHON HOUSE The famous New Zealand artist’s former home nestles among kauri trees and bush in Titirangi; it’s now a centre offering insights into McCahon’s life and work.

TITIRANGI VILLAGE MARKET Arts, crafts, clothing and more made by ultra-talented locals, held on the last Sunday of each month.

MURIWAI’S GANNETS A major drawcard of Muriwai is the gannet colony at Otakamiro Point. It’s an easy walk from the beach along a well-formed path to vantage points. The best time to visit is between August and March.

BLACK-SAND BEACHES Make sure you visit at least one of these jewels: Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Anawhata, Te Henga/Bethells Beach or Muriwai.

Muriwai

© Chris McLennan

LOPDELL PRECINCT Enjoy the many surprises of Te Uru gallery; the community art at Lopdell House; and the Turkish-inspired menu of Deco Eatery in Titirangi.

WHOA! STUDIOS Fantastical and fun for kids of all ages, with shows, a film studio and a play park. Bonus: kid-friendly fine dining at The Grounds.

RIVERHEAD TAVERN Pub eats on outdoor terraces with water views.

THE BRICKWORKS, NEW LYNN A modern hub of restaurant and café options attached to LynMall. A great place to refuel and get some retail therapy in.

LITTLE CREATURES, HOBSONVILLE POINT Brew pub inside a former seaplane hangar.

HALLERTAU BREWERY, RIVERHEAD Beer garden, brewery and restaurant open for tastings, tours and bistro dining with live music. Now with an outpost in Clevedon, too.

KUMEŪ WINERIES Auckland’s oldest wine region dates back to the 1930s. Knock on cellar doors for tastings at Soljans Estate, Coopers Creek, Westbrook and The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant, as well as smaller boutique producers.

WEST LYNN GARDEN & BUTTERFLY HOUSE Where nature’s beauties come together. This combination of butterflies and explorable gardens promise to make fora relaxing visit.

STRAWBERRY FIELDS Between December and January, Kumeū and Riverhead explode with PYO. berry experiences.

Strawberry

© Oliver Hale

ACTIVE OUT WEST

WAITĀKERE RANGES REGIONAL PARK This truly spectacular bush-clad range is well worth exploring. Visit the Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive to learn about the area and for information on which walking tracks are open. Ask them about the new and improved Te Ara Tūhura/ Hillary Trail, partly reopenedafter years of upgrades.

Clifftop at Te Henga/ Bethells Beach

© Auckland Unlimited

LEARN TO SURF Take on the challenge of the west coast’s waves the smart way – under the guidance of surf school experts in Piha or Muriwai.

Whatipu Beach

© Auckland Unlimited

WOODHILL FOREST Get into mountain biking, fourwheel driving, horse riding, motorcycling and more.

TREE ADVENTURES Also located in Woodhill Forest, challenge your dexterity with a series of ziplines and obstacle courses high in the treetops.

Woodhill Forest

© Auckland Unlimited

KAYAK THE MOTU MĀNAWA-POLLEN ISLAND MARINE RESERVELaunch a kayak at the end of Pt Chevalier’s Walker Rd to explore tidal channels rich in white-faced herons and godwits as well as the endangered banded rail.

AWOL CANYONING Daring cave jumps and waterfall abseils in Piha Canyon.

A DOSE OF ART

TE URU WAITĀKERE CONTEMPORARY GALLERY in Titirangi is something special. Soft light and curved spaces dominate the interior of this architecturally lauded building,which houses world-class exhibitions and offers glorious views. If you’d like to take something special home, local artists and crafts peopleare well-represented in Te Uru’s excellent gift shop.

Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, Titirangi

© Sam Hartnett

WESTBROOK WINERY IN RIVERHEAD The wine tastings, views and food (especially cheese!) are all to die for. Nibble on winematched platters alfresco-style by the lake.

BORIC FOOD MARKET This family-owned Kumeū establishment offers a specialty food market, deli and farm-style playground. Much of the produce is grown next door.

PHIL GREIG STRAWBERRY GARDENS Home to seasonal PYO strawberry fun and a truly humongous real fruit ice cream called ‘The Mega’.

AVONDALE MARKET Every Sunday, an estimated 15,000-20,000 people converge on Avondale Racecourse. There are strong Polynesian and Asian influences in the produce, food, crafts and clothes on sale.

GREEN BAY STREET FOOD Run by volunteers, zero waste and full of food trucks – this is a market with heart. Check their Facebook page for locations.

GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

Ruggedly beautiful, isolated Great Barrier Island is on the edge of the Hauraki Gulf, a 40-minute flight or a 4.5-hour ferry trip away. Stay at least a few days to explore.

Great Barrier was the first island in the world to become a DARK SKY SANCTUARY. It’s claimed that 5000 stars are visible on a clear night – about 10 times as many as across the rest of Auckland.

Stargazing, Great Barrier Island

© Auckland Unlimited

A drive along the east coast reveals WHITE-SAND BEACHES, in contrast to the western side where the beaches are rocky and sheltered.

The AOTEA TRACK makes an enticing multi-day walk for both beginners and hardened hikers with huts en route.

Book a CHARTER A FISHING BOAT or join a HELI-FISHING tour to find the best fishing spots around the island.

Discover the island’s NATIVE WILDLIFE, with great birdwatching, snorkelling and diving spots.

KAITOKE HOT SPRINGS An easy, 30-minute walk leads to these natural hot springs.

DAY TRIPS TO THE GULF ISLANDS

Home to New Zealand’s largest marine reserve, the HAURAKI GULF stretches from Auckland’s shores all the way to the Coromandel Peninsula. Many islands are accessible by ferry from downtown Auckland. Each is special and worth visiting, for day trips or for longer stays.

KAWAU ISLAND A 30-minute ferry from Sandspit Wharf. The island enjoys its own microclimate, Mansion House, various walks and Aotearoa’s first copper mines.

TIRITIRI MATANGI An island sanctuary for New Zealand native birds, accessed by a 75-minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland.

RANGITOTO ISLAND The youngest of Auckland’s volcanoes, a 25-minute ferry from downtown Auckland. Hike to the top and explore lava caves.

Rangitoto Coastal Walk

© Auckland Unlimited

MOTUTAPU ISLAND Attached to Rangitoto Island by a causeway, there’s a DOC campsite by the water.

ROTOROA ISLAND Discover history and sandy coves. The ferry operates weekends only.

Rotoroa – an island of restoration

© Rotoroa Island Trust

WAIHEKE ISLAND

Waiheke Island is top of the visitor list for those seeking top-quality wineries and restaurants, classy cafés, boutique shopping and art galleries. As well as its sophisticated side, Waiheke has many great beaches, walking trails and historic sites to explore.

Just 40 minutes away by ferry, Waiheke Island feels like a world away. It’s a suburb of Auckland, with many residents commuting to the city each day, so has more infrastructure than other islands in the Gulf. Several ferries run every day.

Gelato, Waiheke Island

© Auckland Unlimited

There is plenty of accommodation here and getting around is easy too, via buses, taxies, rental cars, bikes and mopeds. Hire stylish retro scooters from Island Scoot, all painted in original Italian colours.

Man O’ War Tasting Room, Waiheke Island

© Man O’ War