Auckland Off the Beaten Path Tips by keeweechic

This large group of buildings was once known as the Lunatic Asylum (or the ‘Whau’). It was built in 1865 from plans drawn up in England. At the time it was one of the largest buildings in the colony. In 1877 it was gutted by fire but fortunately the original drawings were kept and the hospital was reconstructed. In 1992 the hospital was closed by the Auckland Area Health Board and offered up for sale. The Carrington Polytec bought and refurbished the building and opened in October 1994 as the UNITEC school of architecture and design.

Location : Carrington Road, Pt Chevalier

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Pt Chev (as it is known) is a suburb west of the city. Situated on a triangular shaped peninsular, the suburb was at one time a military encampment during the NZ Wars of the 1860’s and was named after musketry instructor, Captain G.R. Chevalier. Pt Chev beach is popular today as it was during the inter war period for families to picnic during the summer although the tramlines have gone now . There are several parks in the area, Coyle Park, Walker Park and the Eric Armshaw Reserve. You can obtain a great view of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Rangitoto from this peninsular area – although nicer when the tide isn’t out.

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Sitting on a busy road is the Bharatiya Mandir Temple. It was built in 1993 and caters for the Auckland Hindu community as well as the celebrations of important festivals, social and cultural services. On Sundays there are clases in languages (Hindi, Gujerati and Sanskrit) and music.

The temple is open : Aarati 8.15am & 7pm daily; 8am-10am & 5.30pm-8pm Mon-Fri; 8am-8pm Sat, Sun & public holidays; Balvikas Kendra 9.30am-10.30am Sun.

Location : 252-254 Balmoral Road, Mt Albert

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This building was constructed on the highest point of what was the Whataroa Pa and was affectionally known as ‘The Pah’. Built between 1877 and 1879 in an Italiante style, there is a central tower with rounded windows. The interior features Italian marble mantelpieces, fine woodword and inlaid floors. The building is now owned by the Sisters of Mercy and part of it is used for emergency housing.

Location : 72 Hillsborough Road, Hillborough

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Tucked away amongst old shady trees is this beautiful mansion. It was built in 1863 as a farmhouse but later was expanded to 18 rooms along with decorative verandahs and fairy-tale towers. The Alberton was well known during the 19th century for its balls, garden parties, music and hunts. The owners was Allan Kerr Taylor and his wife Sophia. Allan was a landowner, investor and politician. They had 10 children and Sophia when she wasn’t busy raising children, was an outspoken advocate for the vote of women. She was also a singer and gardener. When her husband died, she continued to run the estate for 40 years along with her three unmarried daughters. The house still contains the original family furniture and other possessions and in several of the rooms, you can still see the original nineteenth century wallpaper.

The Alberton is open 10.30am - 12 noon; 1.00pm - 4.30pm Wednesday – Sunday but it is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Christmas Day and Good Friday

Location : 100 Mount Albert Road, Mount Albert

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Rangitoto a famous Auckland landmark, is both the youngest and largest of the many volcanoes throughout in New Zealand. The island is symmetrical and can be seen from anywhere in the Hauraki Gulf. Its evolution was from a short intense period of volcanic activity around 500 years ago.

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Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/130fa/1cb79a/

North of Auckland is Gulf Harbour which is on the Whangaparaoa peninsular. This area was developed after NZ won the America's Cup. With upwards of 1000 berths it is one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. From the Whangaporoa Peninsular, you can get great views of the Hauraki Gulf where the yachting takes place.

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Piha is Auckland's west coast beach and one of New Zealand's best surfing beaches. Only about 40 mins drive from the city, this beach is unique because of its black sand. There are bush tracks which lead to the Waitakere Ranges.

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Browns Island lies in the harbour just out from Ladies Bay. The island is a low volcanic hill of 60 hectares lying at the mouth of the Tamaki River. It was originally named Motukorea (island of the pied oystercatcher bird) by the Maoris. When it was originally purchased in 1840, a pg farm was established there. The island is now public domain and is popular for its swimming beaches on either side and sheltered conditions in all winds. There is limited accommodation and camping.

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The Waitakere Ranges National Park is only 20 km from the city centre. The park has 200 kms of walking tracks, lush green sub-tropical native rainforest, cascading waterfalls and rugged West Coast surf beaches.

(pronounced : Why Tack Er Rees)

Where I last lived in Auckland before I moved overseas, I had wonderful views of them from the back of my house... it wasn't far to take a leisurely Sunday drive through them as well.

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