Phil and Vic's Guidebook
Sightseeing
*note-due to Cyclone Gabrielle the colony is currently closed. Check Auckland council guidelines for current status *
There is a fabulous walk to the gannet colony. Park in the Maori Bay carpark and walk the established paths to get amazing views of the ocean, and up close views of the gannets.
76 locals recommend
Muriwai Gannet Colony
428 Motutara Rd*note-due to Cyclone Gabrielle the colony is currently closed. Check Auckland council guidelines for current status *
There is a fabulous walk to the gannet colony. Park in the Maori Bay carpark and walk the established paths to get amazing views of the ocean, and up close views of the gannets.
Palm Springs Geothermal Pools Complex
155 Parkhurst RoadEnjoy a soak in Palm Springs - about a 20 minute drive away.
This is a breathtaking walk about 10 minute drive away. You can walk the whole way from Muriwai to Bethells, or part of the way. Even just start the walk at Muriwai and walk for 30-45mins and then return. There are fabulous cliff top views on this walk. Start point and car park at Constable Rd, Muriwai.
14 locals recommend
Te Henga Walkway
301 Bethells RdThis is a breathtaking walk about 10 minute drive away. You can walk the whole way from Muriwai to Bethells, or part of the way. Even just start the walk at Muriwai and walk for 30-45mins and then return. There are fabulous cliff top views on this walk. Start point and car park at Constable Rd, Muriwai.
Loads of fun tracks for both beginner and advanced mountain bikers. You can take your own bikes or hire from the park. About a quarter of an hour drive away.
48 locals recommend
Woodhill Mountain Bike Park
Restall RoadLoads of fun tracks for both beginner and advanced mountain bikers. You can take your own bikes or hire from the park. About a quarter of an hour drive away.
Great for kids/teens or those young at heart. Tree adventures is a high ropes course set in the Woodhill forest. A 10 minute car trip will get you there!
29 locals recommend
Tree Adventures [BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL]
Great for kids/teens or those young at heart. Tree adventures is a high ropes course set in the Woodhill forest. A 10 minute car trip will get you there!
This is the nearest mall with all the associated shops you'd expect, including COSTCO! Approximate 20 minute drive away.
48 locals recommend
NorthWest Shopping Centre
7 Fred Taylor DrThis is the nearest mall with all the associated shops you'd expect, including COSTCO! Approximate 20 minute drive away.
Muriwai Surf School
458 Motutara RdGreat crew who will teach you how to surf :)
If you want to go for a drive a bit further a field, our place is a 25mm drive from the Scenic Drive (northern end). From there you can drive the length of the Scenic Rd which is over the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. Stop along the way to get some breath taking views and the Arataki Visitor Center to learn more about the area. From here you can also take an excursion to the famous Piha Beach.
111 locals recommend
Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges
300 Scenic DrIf you want to go for a drive a bit further a field, our place is a 25mm drive from the Scenic Drive (northern end). From there you can drive the length of the Scenic Rd which is over the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. Stop along the way to get some breath taking views and the Arataki Visitor Center to learn more about the area. From here you can also take an excursion to the famous Piha Beach.
Food scene
The Full Moon Cafe
10 Factory RdA great nearby place for brunch.
Espresso Room
19 Factory RdBest place for coffee!
Beautiful meals...and the wine is great too.
35 locals recommend
The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant
307 Waikoukou Valley RdBeautiful meals...and the wine is great too.
Fabulous lunches - with cheeseboards, platters and excellent wine.
24 locals recommend
Westbrook Winery
215 Ararimu Valley RdFabulous lunches - with cheeseboards, platters and excellent wine.
A great little bustling cafe by the beach. Gets super busy in peak times, but worth the wait for the great fries, thickshakes and icecreams.
12 locals recommend
Sand Dunz Beach Cafe
455 Motutara RdA great little bustling cafe by the beach. Gets super busy in peak times, but worth the wait for the great fries, thickshakes and icecreams.
This is a great place to visit if you're after a drink and some snacks. Gorgeous outdoor area with beautiful ambience. Dinner is ok too...but the outdoor setting is what makes it so memorable.
Game Keepers Restaurant at Settlers Country Manor
This is a great place to visit if you're after a drink and some snacks. Gorgeous outdoor area with beautiful ambience. Dinner is ok too...but the outdoor setting is what makes it so memorable.