Being a water sign, I'm attracted to large bodies of water even when they're for practical purposes…read morenot leisurely ones. I always stop here if I am out West and hang out for a bit checking out the water levels (currently not ideal) and marvelling at the big concrete constructs. It's really peaceful and there are a couple of walking tracks from here that I have yet to investigate but definitely will. I always used to think that the Upper and Lower Nihotupu reservoirs were connected by a track but I don't think they actually are which is a shame. I guess the bush is just too dense. There's something cool about dams, canals and the like - I think it has to do with the illusion that man has somehow harnessed the great power of the flood. I know other people must feel the same because there's always a few other visitors here and I really recommend stopping for a nosey next time you're about to see it flash by.

The Waitakere ranges was one of the biggest draw cards for my husband and I to settling out West…read morewhen we moved here last year from Australia. The West of Auckland has a hit and miss reputation, but that is ok, so does Tasmania in Aus where we were living for the last five years. We have managed to go camping out in Whatipu, Waitakere Ranges, once so far, visited most of the beaches, and done a couple of tramps around the bush a bit closer to the city side. No major, hard-core tramps/camps for days on end, but more leisurely 'park the car day trips' kind of thing. I would highly recommend going with the kids if you are interested too, there is a variety of walks set out that would suit many levels of fitness. It is also well maintained with conservation awareness well set up, so taking the kids would be educational as well as the many other blessings you get when you go.

This past Easter weekend, my family and I spent two of the four days travelling across the…read moreWaitakere ranges. First visit was to the amazing Bethells Beach to get through the ranges, we had to start our journey at scenic drive, merging with Te Henga road, and then Bethells road which travels up the northern ridge of the ranges. We travelled through the beautiful cascade Kauri zone (where if you're keen for stretching the legs walk the 8 km track to see the biggest Kauri trees in Auckland) and finally arrived at the west coast- Bethells Beach. The drive is purely scenic as its name describes, and nature at its finest. The other journey I took was to Huia and Whatipu Beach, We started at Titirangi, and following signs headed towards the southern part of the ranges, first you past turn off's for Cornwallis, Huia and once in Little Huia, follow the Whatipu road which climbs up into the forest before plunging down towards Whatipu and the beach- this road is gravel and very twisty so be prepared for the drive. I really enjoyed my adventures through the ranges and loved the scenery and beaches I found.

It's a bit of a drive but Huia National Park is well worth it. Basically a series of bush walks…read morefrom a carpark, there is also a few large spaces for just hanging out if you aren't feeling energetic. This part of the Waitakere Regional Park is also home to parts of the Hillary Trail multi-day bushwalk. For me though the real beauty of this place is the flowing stream with its many swimming holes and small waterfalls. The fresh water is cold (ok frickin freezing - even on a summer's day) but such a different swimming experience to anywhere else. The carpark is rudimentary(and can get pretty full), there's a sprawling picnic area and you can even abseil here with the right permits (and skills!). There's a couple of campgrounds to choose from too if you want to make more than a day of it, but for a day trip it's around a 40 minute drive from central Auckland. The kids absolutely love all the rock jumping and although I wouldn't let my kids do it, there were several large groups of teenagers walking down the streambed rather than using the bush tracks. Fun but a bit scary!

Growing up, I used to walk everywhere, to the zoo, shopping mall or to visit family. People in the…read moretown knew I was an explorer, so nobody called the police when they saw a 6 year old boy walking all over the place. This didn't really change as I grew older, and only really came to an end when I got my first car. Then it stopped, big time; causing the pounds to add to my already comfy midriff. These days I don't mind walking, but it is a mission if you live in a busy suburban area, so I've started to take scenic walks. The Huia Regional Park is a great place to go for a hike, and yes, this is a hike, not to be confused with a walk. The golden oldies in my walking group quickly showed me the way, and I soon realized that I'll have to get my fitness improved if I wanted to avoid being embarrassed by octagerians. The views are awesome, trees majestic and you get excited by even the littlest of things. Plus, the fresh air allows you to recharge and power up.

Until high-school I'd never really had much to do with Craigavon Park. Located on the outskirts of…read moreBlockhouse Bay it's a little further west than I'd ever had reason to venture, but throughout my high-school years cross country runs, fun-runs and various other fundraisers were held at this park. Home to a pretty decent playground, BBQs, a scenic walk and even a skate park - Craigavon Park has activities and events that cater to the whole family. Pack a picnic, the Frisbee, backyard cricket set and your dog - and enjoy the day at one of west Auckland's most popular parks. Bonus: Craigavon Park played host to the Hippie festival late last year. It was such a great day. Travelling painted vans, palm readings, eclectic knick-knacks, decorated lightbulbs, handcrafted wooden toys, and delicious food - the festival was absolutely brilliant and if it ever comes back to Craigavon Park, make sure you don't miss it!

Unfortunately there is an object in the playground here that inadvertently turns me into someone…read morethat pushes children aside; it's a big round disc that you lie in and then can gently swing on. It's both relaxing and good fun at the same time, but of course popular with children, so means I have to casually sit near by and then run for it before anyone else gets on it. Many times I have been thwarted by the faster legs of a small child, and then have to retreat to a seat, ready to make another approach once they are bored. I'm sorry to anyone I have glared at because they snaked me for the disc swing. Aside from a pretty grouse playground (the only downside is that there's no enclosed section, which means it's less relaxing for the responsible adults), Olympic Park also features a spider sanctuary, some art work recreating eels, and a scary make-out point section under a rail bridge. That all makes it sound horrible, but it's actually a pretty cool space, with an art trail, a creek, plenty of places to lie back and look at the clouds, and a great respite from the industrial grimness of New Lynn. At the moment, it really needs a good weed, as there's quite a few weeds popping up, but that's an easy thing to remedy. It also incorporates sports grounds and the athletics track that Arthur Lydiard trained many of his athletes, hence its name.

Lovely park on the shore at Laingholm looking out on the water! This idyllic setting has a long low…read moretide basin - but watch out the tide comes up fast! There is a fishing club on one end of the park and a cute little fish and chips spot across the street. This quiet neighborhood park is relaxing and serene. It was a short walk from the place where we were staying and exactly what I needed after the long flight from home!

Pretty good off lead dog park. Could benefit with some more fencing and definitely needs some…read moredrainage sorting out, it's a bit muddy in places in winter but great in summer. Even has an agility area constructed where your dog can go through tunnels, through hoops etc. The park itself also has areas for humans to train, do chin ups etc off a well formed track around the reserve, with dense native bush in between. Fenced children's playground area.