Auckland’s favourite spots

Famous for its stunning harbours, vineyards and beautiful beaches, Auckland has some great places to explore. Here are ten of the most beautiful spots Aucklanders like to visit:

• Karekare Beach 
  This rugged west coast beach, fringed by native bush, has a special wild magic. It provided the setting for the opening scenes of the feature film The Piano and it’s a perfect place to take time out from the city.
• Piha Beach & Kitekite Falls 
  With its black volcanic sand and wild breakers rolling in, Piha is one of Auckland’s favourite west coast beaches and a top spot for surfing. Climb up Lion Rock to enjoy the stunning views or take the bushwalk to Kitekite Falls (you can swim at the base of the falls).
• Murawai Beach 
  This rugged black sand beach on Auckland’s west coast is a great place to go wind surfing and beach combing, and it’s also home to a large gannet colony over summer. The lookout platform has amazing views over the beach. The birds are best viewed from October to February.
• North Head, Devonport
  Climb to the top of this headland in the seaside suburb of Devonport, and you’ll get some of the best views in town over the city and its harbour. There are old military bunkers and tunnels to explore as well, dating back to World War II.
• Takapuna Beach & Milford Coastal Walk
  Bring your togs, a picnic and a Frisbee and have some fun chilling out on sandy Takapuna Beach. There’s an easy coastal walk to neighbouring Milford Beach (about 45 minutes), with lots of rock pools to check out along the way.
• Ambury Park, Mangere Bridge 
  Families will love exploring this working farm on the shores of Auckland’s Manukau Harbour. There are farm animals to pet, lambs to feed in spring and excellent walking and cycling tracks with harbour views.
• Rangitoto Island
  Auckland’s bush-clad volcano is a familiar sight out in the harbour and it’s a great place for a day trip, with bush walks, lava caves and quiet coves. It takes about an hour to climb to the summit but the amazing 360 degree views are worth it. Bring a torch to explore the old lava tubes, and your picnic lunch and drinking water.
• Tiritiri Matangi
  This open wildlife sanctuary is a magical spot, with beautiful bush walks, secluded coves and endangered native wildlife including the tuatara (the native reptile), little spotted kiwi, bellbirds, saddlebacks, the North Island robin and the flightless takahe. Bring your picnic lunch as you can’t buy food here.
• Rotoroa Island  
  This Hauraki Gulf island was just opened to the public last summer. It’s a great place to picnic and swim, with heritage buildings, walking trails, sandy coves and an interesting history (it was once a rehab centre for the Salvation Army).
• Waiheke Island
  Beautiful Waiheke is one of Auckland’s favourite scenic spots and a perfect place for wine and food lovers. There are award-wining vineyards and restaurants, art studios, olive groves, fabulous beaches and coastal walkways to explore.