Auckland - Surroundings

A particular attraction is the Auckland Centennial Park (64 sq.km), to the south of the Waitakere Ranges area. An information bureau 5km west of Titirangi provides details about the flora of the region, particularly the last stands of kauri trees in this area.

20km southeast of the city center is the Otara district, with a Polynesian market where visitors can feel something of the atmosphere of the South Seas. On the main square and in the community house there are colorful displays, particularly on Saturday mornings, of foodstuffs, clothing and arts and crafts.

The green hills of the Waitakere Ranges, southwest of Auckland, are a popular recreation area.

Just under 50km north of Auckland on Highway 1 is the pretty little beach settlement of Waiwera. Its hot medicinal springs were already famed in the 19th C; many people came here to take the cure and spa establishments and hotels were built to cater for them.

To the north of Waiwera is the Wenderholm Reserve, a small nature reserve with attractive picnic areas and fine views of the Hauraki Gulf.