Places to go in and around Auckland

They are most easily spotted at Bastion point and while driving around Tamaki Drive. These gun emplacements were built around the turn of the century when the government feared invasion from the Russians. The tunnels at North Head have been the cause of much speculation over the years. There was rumoured to be fighter planes stored in underground bunkers and even tunnels leading all the way to Rangitoto. No proof has surfaced to date, but you just never know!

Piha and other Westcoast Beaches

Westcoast Beaches - Auckland is famous for it's black sand beaches fringing nearly 90 km of coastal forest. Separating the beaches from the city is the Waitakere ranges, over 17,000 hectares of lush subtropical rainforest. There are a myriad of short and multi day walks in the park. Tall podocarp forests, manuka scrubland, flax lined swamps, water falls, rocky pools, twisted Pohutukawa's and a frequently angry sea are all synonymous with the Westcoast's rugged and moody persona. There is an excellent information centre at Arataki near Titirangi, other great spots to visit include Muriwai beach which is also home to a gannet colony, Piha Beach, one of New Zealand's best surf beaches and, Karekare Beach, the location of the 1993 Oscar winning film by Jane Campion, 'The Piano'.

Tamaki Drive

Tamaki Drive runs from the city towards the Eastern suburbs via the harbour front. It winds it's way along a rocky Pohutukawa lined sea wall past Okuhu Bay, Mission Bay and St Helliers Bay. Any of these places are great spots to watch kiwi's being kiwi's during the summer months, a game of touch footy, back yard cricket, a relaxing picnic or a dip in the sea. Mission Bay has some great ice cream shops, well worth a stop on a sunny afternoon! There are excellent views across the harbour from the Michael Joseph Savage memorial reserve at Bastion Point. Keep your eye's peeled for the many gun emplacements dotted around the harbour.

Must Do's in Auckland - Tersia (Ace Auckland)

The Skyjump is quite an experience! Kelly Tarltons Underwater World is amazing!