West Auckland New Zealand Beaches Parks Beaches Picnic Spots and Hiking Trails

Discover Auckland 's scenic locations, secluded bays, surf beaches, hiking trails, bush walks and movie locations in the Waitakere Ranges - the coastal rainforest park west of Auckland City including Piha Beach, KareKare Beach, Cornwalls Beach and Bethells (Te Henga).

Picnic Spots, Walks and Beaches

The Hillary Trail connects a network of existing regional park tracks and basic backpacker campgrounds . It can be experienced over a few days depending on fitness level - camping along the way or hiking for a few hours with pick up arranged by yourself. For maps and further information phone 09 366 2000 or visit the Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive (between Titirangi Village & the Piha Road turnoff)

Kaitarakihi Beach
	A short distance down a winding, unsealed road bordered by lush tree ferns to this hidden treasure. A secluded, sandy beach and grassy picnic area surrounded only by sub-tropical trees and pristine water. From Titirangi, travel down Huia Rd for 15 kilometers past the Cornwallis & Kakamatua exits and turn next left at the Kaitarakihi Beach sign. About 15 minutes from Titirangi Village. Go to the 'maps' link on the index to find this idyllic harbouside location. Approximately 45 minutes from Auckland Central

Cornwallis Beach
	A magical location for picnics and barbeques. A pohutakawa lined cream sandy beach. From Titirangi, travel down Huia Rd for 15 kilometers and turn left at Pine Avenue or take the next left, Cornwallis Wharf Rd. About 40 minutres from Auckland City. About 10 minutes from Titirangi Village. See the 'map' link. Explore this beach

Piha Beach
	Dramatic location with black iron sand and pounding surf. Watch stunning sunsets over the Tasman Sea or walk along meandering streams, through rainforest hiking trails to exotic waterfalls. A popular destination for surfers and visitors. Take Piha Road (off Scenic Drive near the 'Elevation Cafe'). About 25 minutes from Titirangi Village. Open the 'map' link for more location information.. Explore this beach

Karekare Beach and Waterfall
	Popular movie location where rugged rainforest meets the dramatic black sand surf coast. Famous location of the triple Oscar award-winning movie The Piano and the television series Xena Warrior Princess. The stunning waterfall is a short walk from the beach Follow sign on Piha Road (before Piha Beach). About 50 minutes from Auckland City. Click on the 'map' link on the Index. Explore this beach

Bethells Beach
	The wild and wonderful Te Henga - Bethells Beach is a typical west coast, black sand beauty and makes for a spectacular escape. The surf patrol means you can swim in summer. Remember to stay between the flags. About 50 minutes from Auckland City. Click on the 'map' link on the index fo morer location info.

O'Neills Beach (beside Bethells Beach)
	Continue over the hill to another part of Te Henga (Bethells Beach) Take an umbrella to shelter from the sun.

Karamatura Stream - Huia
	Great picnic spot and bushwalk. From Titirangi Village continue on Huia Road past Kaitarakihi and Little Huia.. Drive over causeway and veer left. Sign will show the way. Hiking trails from beside the carpark. Can be muddy in the rainy season. Wear sensible shoes! About 50 minutes from Auckland City. Click on the map link on the index for more location information.

Mokoroa Falls - Goldies Bush Muriwai
	Accessed via Muriwai Road left off Highway 16 at Waimauku. Approx 8 kms to Oaia Rd then 3.5 kms to Constable Rd. Track at left of sign. Visitors Information at Kumeu has maps. Hiking trail suitable for relatively fit.Walking shoes required. Take refreshments. About an hour from Auckland City. Then an hours walk to the falls. On the 'map' link (home page) zoom in to Murwai Beach.

Nine Pin Rock Whatipu
	Whatipu is where the Manukau Harbour meets the Tasman Sea. Follow Huia Road to the end and follow signs to this remote santuary about an hour from Auckland City. Click on the 'map' link on the index for more location info.

French Bay
	Lovely little Pohutakawa lined bayside beach - popular in summer for canoes, sailboats and picnics. At the village from Titirangi Road in to Park Road then down Otitori Bay Road to French Bay (also visit Colin McCahon House). 30 minutes from Auckland city central.

Zig Zag Track to Titirangi Beach
	Cnr. Park Road and Titirangi Beach Road (opposite The Ferns) Winding track through rainforest to Titirangi beach and children's playground. To avoid the hike back up the steep track continue along the beach front past the hall and go up the Bill Haresnape track to Tanekaha Road. Turn left and then left into Otitoria Bay Road back up to Park Road. Go left again and opposite the Zig Zag track entrance is another trail to Titirangi Village.

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Auckland New Zealand beaches, picnic spots, walking tracks and hiking trails in West Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges New Zealand around Titirangi, Laingholm, Cornwallis, Waiatarua Henderson, Kumeu, Piha Beach, KareKare and Bethells beaches