Get to know East Auckland

East Auckland offers a colour palette that will have you reaching for your camera. With lush green countryside spilling into golden beaches framed by turquoise water, this is nature-made perfection in all its irresistible glory.

HUNUA RANGES REGIONAL PARK

As the largest area of native forest in Auckland, the Hunua Ranges accommodate every type of outdoor pursuit. There are dozens of walking trails and three bike tracks to keep cyclists smiling. The beautiful Hunua Falls impress everyone, especially photographers, while anglers can fish for trout at both Mangatangi and Mangatāwhiri reservoirs.

CREATIVE CLEVEDON

Clevedon Sunday Farmers’ Market is brimming with vendors selling produce and sharing cooking tips. There’s a handful of small wineries in the area and Clevedon Village Market is your go-to for arts and crafts. Clevedon Woolshed specialises in New Zealand-made knits and souvenirs, including merino wool and mānuka honey skincare.

The Clevedon Village Farmers’ Market, East Auckland

HALF MOON BAY & HOWICK

It may be small but Howick Village Market packs a lot of punch. Held every Saturday from 8am to12.30pm, there are crafts, food items and even a town crier. Little-known Mangemangeroa Reserve is rich with wildlife; pack a picnic and walk three hours one way to Cockle Bay. The coastal suburb of Half Moon Bay lies south of Bucklands Beach and boasts a jovial marina and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

With an emphasis on cheap, global cuisine, night markets are held in Mt Wellington on Tuesdays, Botany Downs on Wednesdays and Pakuranga on Saturdays.

NATURAL SURROUNDINGS

When it comes to outdoor attributes, Omana Regional Park has them all. There’s a boardwalk and cycling tracks for walkers and riders, a playground, explorable rockpools and farm animals for kids, and for the truly intrepid, a self-guided sea kayaking tour covering 50km of coastline over five days. In neighbouring Duder Regional Park, follow the sheep and ramble along rolling pastures by foot – or bring some wheels and venture by mountain bike.

Duder Regional Park, East Auckland © Todd Eyre

PICK A BEACH, ANY BEACH

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in this part of Auckland. Bucklands Beach and Howick have grown around some of the loveliest sandy spots in the region, while others, such as Maraetai are not built up at all. Half Moon Bay Marina has a small shopping centre with shops, bars and alfresco restaurants, as well as a walkway that leads to delightful Little Bucklands Beach.

HOWICK HISTORICAL VILLAGE

Howick Historical Village, East Auckland © Howick Historical Village

This is a living museum with more than 30 original colonial buildings. Meander around the recreated village complete with gardens, church and a general store. To enhance the authenticity of your experience, look out for ‘live days’ when locals don full costume and entertain visitors.

Howick Historical Village, East Auckland © Howick Historical Village

CHECK OUT THE ZEN GARDENS

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple welcomes visitors who will encounter impressive architecture, a large Buddha statue, a two-tonne bell, a courtyard with Zen gardens and a vegetarian café. Also on site is Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery and a shop.

The temple’s Water Drop Vegetarian Café serves some of the best vegetarian and vegan lunches in Auckland.