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.

Parrs Park is great for bringing together locals to play sports whether it'll be competitive or…read moresocial grade. Conditions of the grounds most the time is excellent. I run Social Rippa Rugby/Tag (during summer) for anyone that is keen to play & Parrs Park has given me the opportunity to do exactly that. Alot of our players would bring their families along, and if they did'nt want to play there is a footpath that goes all around the entire field for those that wanted to go for a walk or light jog. There's a playground, cricket nets, skateboarding ramp, basketball court & even artificial turf. Car park is never an issue. As 'regulars' to the grounds, we all contribute to making sure that the ground is well respected. Whether it'll be to have a friendly word/reminder to people whom we see leaving rubbish around or us picking up rubbish that we come across & binning it. These little things help give back to Parrs Park in keeping it in good spirits

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!