Guidebook for Auckland
Parks & Nature
You just have to see the iconic black volcanic sand and the enormous waves when the surf is up. Good weather, want a swim? Watch out for rips - and ensure you only enter the water between the flags. In the summer that black sand is very very hot! On a stormy day Piha is even more spectacular - even when the wind is doing its best to knock you sideways.
229 locals recommend
Piha
You just have to see the iconic black volcanic sand and the enormous waves when the surf is up. Good weather, want a swim? Watch out for rips - and ensure you only enter the water between the flags. In the summer that black sand is very very hot! On a stormy day Piha is even more spectacular - even when the wind is doing its best to knock you sideways.
Not just the beach, stunning though it is. Not just the amazing coastal walk from Bethells round to Muriwai. Worth your time also is Lake Wainamu, only 5 minutes from Bethells Beach. There is a carpark on Bethells Road before you get to the beach, and it takes about 30 minutes to walk from the car park to the lake (signposts aren't too bad). Take the route through the stream (the sand dunes get too hot). Take food and water with you as no restaurants round here! The scenery at the lake is very impressive, and the water will be calm (unlike the nearby beaches). It does get deep quite quickly though.
106 locals recommend
Bethells Beach
Not just the beach, stunning though it is. Not just the amazing coastal walk from Bethells round to Muriwai. Worth your time also is Lake Wainamu, only 5 minutes from Bethells Beach. There is a carpark on Bethells Road before you get to the beach, and it takes about 30 minutes to walk from the car park to the lake (signposts aren't too bad). Take the route through the stream (the sand dunes get too hot). Take food and water with you as no restaurants round here! The scenery at the lake is very impressive, and the water will be calm (unlike the nearby beaches). It does get deep quite quickly though.
Arts & Culture
Open daily, and always something new to see.
61 locals recommend
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
420 Titirangi RdOpen daily, and always something new to see.
Exhibitions in the upstairs gallery, plus amazing views from the rooftop terrace. Also houses the Titirangi Theatre.
21 locals recommend
Lopdell Precinct
418 Titirangi RdExhibitions in the upstairs gallery, plus amazing views from the rooftop terrace. Also houses the Titirangi Theatre.
Entertainment & Activities
Very inexpensive night out. Access to cinemas is via the 'foodie end' of the mall. Great to grab a bite to eat before or after the movie.
50 locals recommend
Reading Cinemas
3058 Great N RdVery inexpensive night out. Access to cinemas is via the 'foodie end' of the mall. Great to grab a bite to eat before or after the movie.
Shopping
Last Sunday of the month, the Titirangi market is not to be missed. An Arts & Crafts market and lots of foodie treats. 140 stalls. Great place to buy gifts.
34 locals recommend
Titirangi
Last Sunday of the month, the Titirangi market is not to be missed. An Arts & Crafts market and lots of foodie treats. 140 stalls. Great place to buy gifts.
Essentials
If you don't want to face a shopping mall, New World in New Lynn is a great option. Have a wide selection of everything you'd expect from a supermarket with plenty of parking out front.
19 locals recommend
New World New Lynn
6 Crown Lynn PlIf you don't want to face a shopping mall, New World in New Lynn is a great option. Have a wide selection of everything you'd expect from a supermarket with plenty of parking out front.
Food Scene
Lots of restaurants to choose from at Auckland's Viaduct Basin. Casual dining their speciality so usually no need to book. Enjoyable walk also around the water.
223 locals recommend
Viaduct Basin
Lots of restaurants to choose from at Auckland's Viaduct Basin. Casual dining their speciality so usually no need to book. Enjoyable walk also around the water.
Getting Around
Regular trains to the city. Final stop, Britomart, is close to the waterfront and the ferry terminal. Ferries depart to the North Shore (a visit to Devonport is inexpensive and fun), and also to Waiheke Island.
There's been a lot of development in downtown Auckland, and just a short walk from Britomart takes you all around the Viaduct Harbour.
34 locals recommend
New Lynn Transport Centre station
Regular trains to the city. Final stop, Britomart, is close to the waterfront and the ferry terminal. Ferries depart to the North Shore (a visit to Devonport is inexpensive and fun), and also to Waiheke Island.
There's been a lot of development in downtown Auckland, and just a short walk from Britomart takes you all around the Viaduct Harbour.