West Auckland
- An Area Not To Be Missed
- Kate - 19/12/97

Over the next few months NZine will bring you up to date information on places of interest, regional parks, beaches and activities around the Auckland region. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand you can browse these articles at leisure before arriving 'downunder'. Then you will be able to make a more informed choice of what you wish to see and do around Auckland especially when time is limited.

Welcome to West Auckland
Most of West Auckland is within the boundaries of Waitakere City, the sixth largest city in New Zealand. However this is not your usual city environment. The large open spaces, beaches and areas of magnificent bush give it a unique character unlike the other parts of the Auckland region.

Bordered on one side by the Tasman sea and nestling beside the bush covered Waitakere Ranges, Waitakere is a successful eco city recognised by a recent overseas award for its clean, green image. The lower region with its more fertile land is home to many market gardens, orchards and vineyards.

So when you arrive in Auckland jet lagged after a long flight, take time out in West Auckland. It's only 20-30 minutes from the city but the contrast will amaze you...

Historical Background
The European settlement of the area began in the 1840's when the new arrivals discovered the high number of kauri trees - majestic towering specimens which they valued for the hard timber and resin. Many of these were cut down and moved away and then farming and gum digging became the major sources of employment. After a time farming became uneconomic and so the land was left to regenerate. Remains of the bush railways and timber dams are still around and can be reached from walking tracks. If you would like more information visit the Kauri Gum Store and Museum at Riverhead, the Settlers Museum at Huia, the Oratia Folk Museum or the Pioneer Museum at Helensville.

Beaches
There are three harbours in the area - the Waitemata, Manukau and Kaipara - each offering a range of activities for visitors. The West Auckland beaches are wild and rugged and much more isolated than the east coast beaches - ideal if 'getting away from it all' appeals to you.

Cornwallis Beach

However, surfers do come from far and wide to ride the waves at Piha, notable for its high rollers and pounding surf. If swimming appeals a slight caution is necessary. In some areas there are strong rips so always choose a safe beach or a beach where there are Lifesavers patrolling marked areas. The black sandy beaches of Cornwallis and Huia on the Manukau harbour are more sheltered and safe than Piha, Bethels and Karekare (where the film 'The Piano' was made) which are on the ocean side.

Further north Muriwai beach is a favourite spot for viewing New Zealand's northernmost breeding colony of gannets. The headland and off shore islands are a favourite home for white-fronted terns. An absence of commercialism and people is what I feel makes these beaches special. Here you can enjoy long stretches of coastline and take bush walks with mainly just the birds and sounds of nature for company. Definitely recommended for reducing stress levels.

Centennial Memorial Park
The park covers an area of over 10,000ha and includes many of the west coast beaches as well as the Waitakere Ranges where the native bush, small streams, tumbling waterfalls and bird life all add to enjoyment. There are over 200kms of walking and hiking tracks in the area which are graded to suit people's needs.

An ideal starting point is the Arataki Park Visitors centre 5 km beyond Titirangi on Scenic Drive. From here you can enjoy wonderful views, see the displays and learn about the bush by taking the Arataki Nature Trail. There are picnic tables provided at the centre so why not pack a lunch and take a leisurely walk along the trail.

View from the Arataki Park Visitors Centre