DISCOVER
West Auckland Tāmaki ki te Uru
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 Giant kauri trees pepper the Waitākere Ranges’ regenerating rainforest. Visit Arataki Visitor Centre for detailed information on the forest’s 250km of walking trails and various Māori carvings depicting the ancestry of local Te Kawerau ā Maki. Due to kauri dieback disease, some tracks may be closed.
KAIPARA
© Gibbs Sculpture Farm, West Auckland
Hikers can’t resist the three-day self-guided walk, Kaipara2Kaipara, while art lovers hanker for tickets to the revered Gibbs Sculpture Farm. To discover the area’s underrated beauty, book a five-hour cruise across Kaipara Harbour.
ART SCENE
TE URU
Once home to New Zealand painter, Colin McCahon, Titirangi remains an arty little village fringing the Waitākere Ranges. Artists take their inspiration from the stunning surrounds. Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, West
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Auckland’s public art gallery, blends inspired architecture, a stunning setting and top-quality art. Curated exhibitions are always smart, thought-provoking and surprising. McCahon’s former house is now open to the public as a minimuseum. A little tricky to find, look out for signposts just before you reach the village itself. The house is 2km down the hill.
SUMMER AUCKLAND – FREE OFFICIAL GUIDE
