"'Playground' for a city" Top 5 Page for this destination Auckland Region by vtveen

Auckland Region Travel Guide: 1,613 reviews and 3,041 photos

Tawharanui Regional Park - Auckland Region

Auckland Region consists of the city suburbs, housing a lot of the 'million' inhabitants and on the other side of a lot of beautiful regional parks.

Most of them are located on the east coast along the Hauraki Gulf with lovely beaches.
On the west coast, as usual in New Zealand much wilder, lies Piha Beach, a famous surf spot. Here you will find also Muriwai with its gannet colony and more beaches.

During our visits to New Zealand we often stayed in Kumeu, 35 kilometres Northwest of Auckland. So we explored this part of the country very well. To this our cousin was Director Parks and Recration of Auckland Regional Council, so he showed us a lot of 'his' parks.

I couldn't make up my mind where to place my tips, because they are more or less off the beaten path for most tourists.
But the places are so beautifull and I decided to add them all to the 'things to do' activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:close to Auckland
In a nutshell:great places for a daytrip from Auckland

Last visit to Auckland Region: Jan 2006
Intro Updated Apr 22, 2009
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Reviews (15)

Atiu Creek Farm: view over Kaipara Harbour - Auckland Region

Atiu Creek Farm (newest regional park) Off The Beaten Path (1)

A real 'off the beaten path' tip, because the Atiu Creek Farm is not open for the public on this moment. We were able to... more travel advice

Rangitoto: view to Devonport and Auckland - Auckland Region

Rangitoto: Auckland's youngest volcano Things to Do (14)

During our visits to Auckland and driving along the waterfront we always had a view to the striking cone of Rangitoto... more travel advice

Piha: also a nice walk Things to Do (14)

Piha has a lot more to offer than just the famous surf beach. It is also starting point for several tracks through the... more travel advice

Anawhata Beach Things to Do (14)

Perhaps one of the most remoted beaches in New Zealand, although situated less than 1 hour drive from downtown Auckland.... more travel advice

Comments (10)

kid-keith Feb 27, 2008 at 6:43 AM Report Abuse

Nice tips and pictures, i really want to do a working holiday for a year or so in New Zealand. take care Keith
angiebabe Jun 15, 2007 at 2:41 AM Report Abuse

very nice pics and coverage of the Auckland region!
VeronicaG Nov 16, 2006 at 6:39 AM Report Abuse

Auckland had some spectacular ocean views (nice photos)--some areas look extremely rugged. You must have had a wonderful time exploring the countryside!
Sininen Jul 11, 2006 at 9:19 AM Report Abuse

Such detailed and informative tips with beautiful pictures...an excellent page on Auckland region. Happy birthdya from Finland!
jag17 May 1, 2006 at 9:43 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful...love the Muriwai Beach photos.
deecat Apr 12, 2006 at 9:39 AM Report Abuse

Stunning photographs of an amazingly beautiful Auckland Region. It's obvious that you love the area and that you truly relish travel. I find your enthusiasm and positive insights quite refreshing.
travelgirl3 Mar 7, 2005 at 10:22 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful Auckland Region page, Jaap. Your photos and descriptions are excellent -great job.
hailsbails Feb 20, 2005 at 4:01 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful pages Jaap, youve done a awesome job!! Hope you see you around next time you get back here =) Hayley xo
cnango Feb 16, 2005 at 8:02 PM Report Abuse

Wow you have some amazing pictures in here! I going back to NZ in 2 days so the tips really are helpful !! Thanks for sharing, I will have to make some post cards from your pics !!
Wann Jan 12, 2005 at 6:20 AM Report Abuse

Great page Jaap ! Very informative info and always great photos ...