Auckland’s beautiful Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is home to more than 16,000 hectares of native forest and coastline. The gateway to the ranges is the Arataki Visitor Centre, where you can discover more about the conservation and history of this unique area.
With new outdoor binoculars installed this August, you can take in the stunning views over Nihotupu Valley and Manukau Harbour.
From the elevated deck you can see kererū (wood pigeon) and tūī in the forest trees.
“The Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is one of Auckland’s treasured gems,” says Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee member Christine Fletcher.
“It’s a wonderful refuge from the fast pace of urban life.”
There are several walking tracks that start at Arataki, from a 150 metre walk to the lookout which offers 360 degree views of the Waitākere Ranges and Oratia farmland, to the 90-minute Nihotupu Valley Circuit which takes you into the quiet of the forest and returns along the Beveridge Track to Arataki.
There are often new displays and events at Arataki making it the ideal place to take visitors to Auckland this winter.