As a recent new pet owner I still find myself constantly on the prowl for dog friendly beaches in…read morethe Auckland area. So far a good rule of thumb is that the Regional Parks are a good bet on being dog friendly, Dept of Conservation tracks/parks are usually a no-go zone, and Council land are 50/50. The Kakamatua inlet is basically a dog's dream and it's actually fun for owners too. There's about a 5-minute bush walk to get to the beach and opens up to an ample off-lead beach with no time-of-day restrictions throughout the year. The beach is super tidal so if you go at low tide the beach about triples in size, but don't worry about high tide as there is still ample beach for your pooch. The waves are gentle and swim-friendly for dogs of all sizes and it's a really good place for dogs to brush up on their social skills. The car park can be quite full as it is a real local favorite (especially on the weekend). There are several rubbish bins at various points of the walk to dispose of your pooch's dirty business and there is even a loo for humans too! If you're looking for an off-lead dog friendly beach especially during summer venturing out West to the Kakamatua Inlet won't disappoint!

I love kakamatua because my dog has an amazing time at this beach! She loves too run around and…read moreplay on the huge massive space! I recommend taking your dog/s to play because there is often many other dogs there too! But just be careful because there are crabs in the water so take your water shoes just incase but besides by that the beach is very fun!

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.

Park at Glenesk Road and take the walking track to the bottom of this gorgeous multi-step…read morewaterfall. Bathrooms available as well as outdoor picnic tables here. The first thing you pass on the tramp is this cool Kauri tree trunk eaten by termites that is hollow and you can stand inside it- very neat. Cool rainforest walk that follows a beautiful stream and passes a wooden bridge and past the old milling area. A great wooden picnic table that overlooks the waterfall from a distance- great place to stop for a breather or proper meal. You know you're nearly there when you reach the wooden staircase to the rocks that is a little slippery. Be careful. A large lake-pool at the base that is gorgeous for swimming. Water is quite cold but still so nice. Definitely worth taking a dip. We spotted a giant eel so beware. You are able to climb to the top but it's steep going but still well worth it. Cool several level-led private pools that you can climb down to enjoy- need to come back to nab one of these gorgeous spots. Must see- and not too intensive or long of a walk either. Winner

OMG what a discovery. I was excited to see that we were going on a tramp to a waterfall when I was…read morerecently at camp with my daughter and what an amazing place it turned out to be. I know there's a lot of secret little places in the Piha/Karekare area and this is one of them. Although I've since discovered that most people I've talked to already know about it. Oh well. If you drive to the end of Glenesk Road in Piha the tramp is clearly signposted. The walk is fairly steep in places and takes about 45 minutes (many more with many many children in tow) each way. I thought I was fairly fit and coped really well at the time but my legs felt like jelly at the end and I literally couldn't walk properly for several days - something to do with the steps coming down and the way they affect your calf muscles. Anyway, whatever, it's SO worth it. Remember this though: go right at the fork and come back on the other side (doing an anticlockwise loop). Trust me if we had done the reverse I'm not sure I would have made it out. If you go in the morning as we did the water in the pool will be freezing cold - I truly thought I was having a heart attack. Later in the day the sun comes over the cliff-face which I imagine would warm it up a bit. There's also an amazing rock canyon just down from the swimming hole that can be abseiled into. Just having a peek down there blows your mind, it's very cool. This is one of those idyllic Auckland spots that just has to be seen to be believed and the walk through the bush is so peaceful, even as you are killing your legs.