Did you know that there is an Auckland Rainforest? It’s a subtropical rainforest with trails, black sand beaches, wildlife, and waterfalls. Swimming, surfing, hiking, bird viewing, and wine tastings are among the many things to do in West Auckland New Zealand. Just one hour from the city centre and you have entered a different world.
A temperate rainforest separates Auckland’s city centre from its west coast. Hikers head to hundreds of kilometres of trails, while surfers grab their boards and head to Waitakere beaches. Bird watchers, art lovers, and adventure seekers also make their way here.
The list of things to do in West Auckland makes it an ideal day trip from the city centre. After all, it’s a rare opportunity to see this kind of natural beauty less than an hour from a major metropolis.
Things to do in West Auckland: Waitakere Beaches
Regardless of which West Auckland beach you select, you will quickly understand how the area earned its nickname of the wild west coast. Huge surf, black sand, and dramatic rock outcroppings fill the coastline. Remember to respect the sea and to swim between the flags put up by surf lifesaving.
Our two favourite beaches in West Auckland are Muriwai and Piha. We go to each for different reasons.
Piha Beach
Piha is probably Auckland’s most popular surfing beach, made even more famous by the reality-style TV show Piha Rescue. The massive outcropping that separates Piha Beach from Little Piha is called Lion Rock. A steep track up offers lovely views of Piha as well as Māori carving, but the top portion of Lion Rock is considered unsafe for walking.
If you’re looking for a surfing lesson, check for discounts depending on the day and times you choose.
Just north of Piha beach is a colony of Little Blue Penguins that usually come home at twilight. (We did see a raft of penguins come home on the Otago Peninsula while we were on the South Island.)
Muriwai Beach
We try to visit Muriwai Beach between late August and March to see the colony of 1,200 Australian Gannets that fly over 2000 km to breed on Muriwai’s clifftop. Access is via boardwalk to a viewing platform. Muriwai’s rugged landscape, caves, huge surf, black sand, and sea stars (visible at extreme low tides) make it a favourite spot for photography.
Muriwai is also a great surf beach, with discounts often available on surf lessons with this link.
Karekare Beach
Another local’s favourite, Karekare is a black sand beach is ideal for surfing, bodyboarding on the dunes, and swimming.
Fun Facts: Crowded House recorded their ‘Together Alone‘ album at this beach. Karekare was also a filming location for The Piano (Oscar-winning movie) and Xena: Warrior Princess.
Bethells Beach (Te Henga) and Whatipu Beach
Two other notable West Auckland beaches are the more protected Bethells Beach (also called Te Henga), ideal for swimming or sliding down the sand dunes (bring a large piece of cardboard), and Whatipu Beach located amongst caves and wetlands (I have not been to this beach yet).
Things to do in West Auckland: Visit the Rainforest
Waitakere Ranges Walks
Crisp and clean, even the air smells tranquil as you enter the subtropical rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges. We started our day at the Arataki Visitors Centre where Park Rangers offer suggestions based on our goals, ability, and current conditions. (Arataki is often referred to as the Waitakere Ranges Visitor Centre).
With 250 kilometres of trails over 17,000 hectares, there are plenty of Waitakere Ranges walks to choose from, ranging in length from a few minutes to the challenging 70km, four-day Hillary Trail.
⇒ IMPORTANT UPDATE: Many trails have been closed due to tree disease.
Click for a list of open trails.
Waitakere Ranges Waterfalls
The Waitakeres are home to several of stunning waterfalls in Auckland.
Karekare Falls is a five-minute walk down the Taraire Track. The trailhead starts on Lone Kauri Road, just beyond the entrance to the car park at Karekare Beach.
Another easy, family-friendly walk is the Knutzen Track from the Glen Esk Road car park near Piha Beach. It is a one-hour easy loop to Kitekite Falls, and well worth the effort. A popular swimming hole, it attracts locals and tourists.
These are some of the best short walks in Auckland.
Two other popular Waitakere Rangers waterfalls are Fairy Falls and Cascade Falls.
Don’t miss our tips on how to photograph waterfalls
More Things to do in West Auckland
- Native Animal Viewing: At Cascade Kauri Park you will find prolific native birdlife and the oldest kauri trees in the Waitakere Ranges.
- Wine Tastings and Vineyard Tours: Kumeu, in West Auckland, is the oldest of the three wine-growing regions in Auckland, the other two being Waiheke Island and Matakana. Check price and reviews on this top-rated Muriwai scenic wine tour from Auckland
- Unusual Art Gallery: Te Uru Contemporary Gallery is a regional art gallery offering interesting and unusual artistic exhibits. There is also an impressive art gallery in Piha. The gallery is in Titirangi at 420 Titirangi Road. Open daily from 10 am-4.30 pm.
- Riverboat: If you are seeking a relaxing day, take a riverboat from Auckland to Riverhead Tavern, New Zealand’s oldest riverside bar.
- Adventure: Adrenaline junkies can head to the Woodhill Forest to enjoy the mountain biking or Tree Adventures.
Practical Information on visiting the Auckland rainforest and West Auckland region
- The destinations on the above things to do in West Auckland list are somewhat spread out. It is easy to get to all of them if you have a car. If not consider a tour. Discover several great Waitakere Ranges tours.
- If you are headed to the rainforest, remember to bring food, water, insect repellent, and a jacket for the ever-changing weather. Also, to help prevent Kauri dieback (a tree disease) from spreading, please use the trackside footwear cleaner at the trailheads before entering the trails.
- At the beach, look for the red and yellow surf lifesaving flags, and be sure to swim between the flags. This is the area that is both determined to be safest on the day, and the area patrolled by the lifeguards.
- If you want to learn more about the region’s history before you arrive, read: Untamed Coast: Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges and Heritage Area.
- The Arataki Visitor Centre is at 300 Scenic Drive, Titirangi. It is open 9 am to 5 pm in summer, and 10 am to 4 pm in winter and always free. It can be a destination in itself or the starting point for adventure. A popular option is the hour-long Arataki nature trail, or simply step out onto a viewing platform to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views before you head back.
⇒ Read Next: 75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand
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- Private guides: we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
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What are your favourite things to do in West Auckland?
More from Auckland you might also like … starting with these 75 free and nearly free things to do in the city
Christopher Mitchell
I think you’ve done a wonderful job of describing just what I’m missing. This looks just sensational and the photos are just gorgeous. Well done!
Holly
Good tips for the rainforest. Never heard of that tree disease before. Beautiful waterfall.
Rhonda Albom
It might be a New Zealand tree disease.
Trisha Velarmino
You have explored West Auckland really well! I think Piha beach is my favorite among the beaches that you have listed. It seems like the black sand and the waves have magic, beautiful magic. <3
Rhonda Albom
They are magical, and also magnetic.
Jennifer Melroy
I could spend hours hiking on each of these beaches. The black sand looks amazing. The waves look like a lot of fun for a surfer.
Rhonda Albom
The surfers really love these beaches.
Candiss
When I was in Auckland I only had time to check out Piha before I needed to be at the airport to return home but I would have loved to see more of the sites in the area. The rainforest walks and the other black sand beaches all sound and look epic!
Rhonda Albom
At least you got to see Piha. Maybe next time you do even more.
eileen g
I like rugged and scenic beaches and would enjoy exploring Piha and Muriwai a lot, especially at low tide. I do have to say i’m not keen on black sand though as it can get very hot very easily and i hate wearing shoes on the beach. i like feeling sand between my toes.
Rhonda Albom
I think we would need really hot weather for the sand to get hot, it just doesn’t get hot here.
Aanchal Iyer
Simply beautiful! I’m a beach baby and these beaches are so pleasant and calm. Have to plan for sure to visit such a wonderful place.
Keep posting Cheers 🙂
Rhonda Albom
They are pleasant, but not calm. Nicknamed the wild west, this is an area of big surfing waves.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute
Wow, those beaches are amazing. The black sand at Piha beach looks silky smooth. My favorite picture, though, is the starfish. #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
Time your next visit to New Zealand to be here during the king tides, and you can see them too.
Ron Meker
First of all – Pinned it for future use!
Besides that I really like the photography, the lighting, really gave a feeling of being there myself.
Tons of good quality info is always something that makes me come back 😀
Kerri
You really do Auckland justice. I know in Australia, Auckland is not really ever promoted as a destination. It;s promoted as a transit point. The beaches here look amazing. Personally, I’d love KareKare Beach even if only for the Crowded House connection. I’d always follow your lead on bird activity as I’ve never known anyone who knows birds like you do. Really loved this expose on Auckland…so much to draw us in.
Rhonda Albom
I am not sure it is promoted anywhere as a destination rather than a transit point. Living here, I see it differently.
budget jan
All these photos, scream New Zealand. I really like the seagull and star fish photos and the gorgeous waterfall.
Mags
That’s beautiful. I would love to see the black sand beaches.
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get a chance to some day.
sherianne
Black sand, rocky coast, rainforest and waterfalls — I’m sold!
Rhonda Albom
Me too. I just don’t go out there often enough.
Meagan
How stunning! Is there anything West Auckland doesn’t have?! The wildlife is what looks most appealing to me… penguins and gannets sound like amazing flash-free photo subjects 🙂 thank you for sharing!
Rhonda Albom
Can’t think of anything it doesn’t have, but it is more difficult to get to the most of the rest of Auckland.
Leanne
Looks incredible!
Rhonda Albom
It’s even better in real life.
Karren Haller
What an amazing place to visit, the vegetation is beautiful!
Rhonda Albom
And it’s only an hour from my home.
Megan Jerrard
We had a couple of days in Auckland last year on our way back to Aus from South America, and rented a little cabin in Piha – it was wonderful! Piha Beach was amazing, and when we were there (admittedly winter) there was not a single soul on the beach – we had the incredible black expanse to ourselves. Loved seeing this on your list! Apparently Lorde (one of my favorite singers) frequents here as well!
Rhonda Albom
It would be pretty amazing to be alone on that huge beach, especially if the weather were nice, even if it were winter.
Laura
Such a wonderful list of things to do! I only spent three days in Auckland last year and didn’t really get to escape the city centre that much. If I could go back I’d definitely visit a few of these places… especially Piha beach, the photos look gorgeous!
Rhonda Albom
If you come back, you could do them all in one day, although it’s difficult to get to both Muriwai and Piha in the same day.
Lolo
Oh wow! I’ve never seen a black sand beach before! Or ever found such large star fish!! Such an amazing beach!
Rhonda Albom
I have seen black sand in other parts of the world, but the starfish with all those arms is new to me too.
Carrie
Hiking, beaches, surfing, waterfall-chasing, and penguins (!!) all within day-trip distance of a major city? That’s really amazing. I see why so many people love New Zealand! It’s like the whole world in one little park.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, the close proximity to so many varied places is one of the many things I love about living in New Zealand.
Michelle | michwanderlust
New Zealand scenery is epic. (LOTR, anyone?) Love the black sand beach in particular! There’s something about black sand beaches – they’re so mesmerising and almost otherworldly.
Rhonda Albom
I agree black sand is really special.
Anna @ shenANNAgans
Far out New Zealand is gorgeous, I am particularly taken with the black sand, its so different than what I see where I live in the Whitsundays in Australia. Is the sand really course? Or is it silica sand making it great for sand surfing?
Rhonda Albom
It’s not coarse, and relatively small. It also attracts to magnets.
Natalie
First, your photography is amazing! I really love the starfish picture and had no idea that nine and eleven legged starfish exist.
Second, I have long had New Zealand on the top of my wish list. Not only do I want to see those amazing black beaches, but also the little blue penguin colony! Can you go at twilight and watch them return home?
Ruth | Tanama Tales
You mentioned in one of my posts that Iceland reminds you of New Zealand. I can see the similarities because of the photos you have in this post. I am already dreaming about a road trip in New Zealand (the northern island at least). It was so easy in Iceland (and we saw so much). I am assuming it is kind of the same in New Zealand. Love! #TPThursday #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
As much as I love the North Island, you want to be sure to get to the South Island as well.
Jessi (Two Feet, One World)
Gorgeous pictures! I’ve been visiting the gannets and the Cascades since I was tiny – the West Coast is such a special place 🙂
Rhonda Albom
We try to visit the gannets every year, but don’t always make it out there if we are travelling too much.
Tanja
outstanding natural beauty!
Rhonda Albom
Agreed. I love the west coast.
annette @ A French Collection
Is the Little Blue Penguin colony returning home at twilight something anyone can go to and watch? I was thinking about the Fairy Penguins at Phillip Island, Victoria that have become an option for tourists to enjoy.
Rhonda Albom
I wish I knew. I was only just told about it, but we haven’t gone to see them yet.
jill
The beauty of New Zealand – wow! I love the photos of both beaches especially the rocks at Piha. I’d go to either in a heartbeat!
Rhonda Albom
I enjoy the beauty of New Zealand every day, even if I don’t get to those beaches very often.
Dianne Salonga Rosqueta
Stunning shots! I hope I can travel too. I love your determination in photography.
Dianne
http://www.curlydianne.com
Mary-Ellen
So beautiful! Love the waterfalls and the sea stars!
Rhonda Albom
I was pretty impressed with that waterfall too. I was surprised I hadn’t been before.
Mother of 3
Wow! This photography is just stunning! Looks like there are lots of fun things to do there.
Rhonda Albom
If you love the outdoors, there is always something to do here in New Zealand.
Kelleyn Rothaermel
Seriously gorgeous! Love Love Love! Have a wonderful week!
Anda
These beaches look absolutely fabulous, Rhonda, and so do the waterfalls. I’m currently in Kauai so I can’t bee too jealous on you for having so much beauty so close to home, but I would surely love to come visit New Zealand.
Rhonda Albom
You have the advantage of the tropics and the tropical heat. Here it is still winter. And yes, you should come to New Zealand.
Bill
What a beautiful country to live in, no wonder people emigrated there
Rhonda Albom
Agreed. We came here 16 years ago and still are impressed with the natural beauty.
Deb
These pictures are absolutely spectacular ! I was in South Island last year and didn’t get to visit Auckland. Have to make a trip back now 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I’ll bet you saw plenty of spectacular scenery in the South Island. It’s everywhere.
Cori @ Sweet Coralice
Beautiful scenery and I love beaches that have large rock masses (Lions Rock) as a part of them. Plus, it’s really nice that you included practical information about what to do to not only protect yourself from the elements but to protect the environment as well. Great post 💕💕
Rhonda Albom
Thank Cori. New Zealand is clean and green because we look after our environment.
Betty Crow
Beautifully photographed. Makes me want to visit.
Rhonda Albom
And I hope you get a chance to visit. New Zealand is filled with spectacular places like this.
Marie-OR
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous photos! What a beautiful place to visit.
Rhonda Albom
It’s an hour from our home, we really should go more often than we do.
Jeanna
Some breathtaking photos, I love the feel of the surfer turning on the waves and the immensity of the Ranges. You really go all out for your impressive photos, Rhonda. I especially love the sweet pup on the beach and the detail in the star fish.
Amy
I haven’t been to west auckland in a long time but the last time I visited piha it was Summer and the waves were very strong, despite me being a good swimmer.
Rhonda Albom
We generally go to Muriwai to see the gannets, but this recent trip to Piha reminded me how much I love that beach.
Molly
I am in love these pictures. What a truly beautiful place
MOllyx
Sandee
You live in a most beautiful country.
Your photography is outstanding.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I do, but you are in/near one of the most beautiful spots in your country. I loved our drive down the Oregon coast to San Francisco.
Driller's Place
What a great set of images. I really like the surfer setting out at sunrise to catch the first wave of the day.
Rhonda Albom
When I saw the surfer alone on the beach, I knew I had to get the shot. It was sunset, however and he had finished his day.
indah nuria savitri
Beautiful spot! Remind me of how I miss beautiful beaches 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I always miss the beach when I am away from the sea.
Carol
Rhonda your photos are so beautiful. I’d love to wander the beaches.
Rhonda Albom
It does make for a great day, especially if the weather is nice.
L. Diane Wolfe
I love the starfishes. Those beaches look a lot like Oregon beaches. So many pretty cliffs and rocks. The beaches here in NC are so flat and boring.
Rhonda Albom
No wonder I felt so at home in Oregon. Sorry about flat and boring, but at least there is a coast.
stevebethere
Fantastic shots Rhonda and that sea stars close up is fab 🙂
Have a scenictastic week 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Those sea stars were so interesting. I have never seen ones with so many arms before.
ladyfi
Wow – stunning shots!
rupam { xhobdo }
Amazing place. Great pics.
Carol
Lovely pictures! My husband and I are always looking for beautiful beaches. We’re a little old and fat but we love to snorkel and try to balance on those boards. I’m enjoying all your beautiful pics!
Rhonda Albom
These are wild surfing beaches. If you want to snorkel, you will want to be on the east coast and more likely north a bit at Goat Island.
Patrick Weseman
Wow, what beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing these super scenic photos.
Rajesh
Very beautiful and scenic.