Weekend in... Auckland I 63
created in 1885 to protect Auckland from a perceived threat by the Russian Pacific Fleet. It never materialised, but today a huge WWII gun remains on the summit, and the view south across the harbour to the city skyline is picture-perfect, as is the northeastern vista towards Rangitoto volcano.
Our final destination is the west coast, only 45-60 minutes away. We drive out through the western suburbs and rise through thick forest into the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, stopping at the Arataki Visitor Centre for yet more endless views, this time east towards the city and west to Manukau Harbour and the Tasman Sea. A huge Maori totem pole fronts the centre, its grimacing characters welcoming tourists and school trippers inside to learn about the natural wealth of the area. The four-day hiking track called the Hillary Trail – named after the renowned climber of Everest fame – passes through here, but the native rainforest of Waitakere also offers easy walks to refreshing waterfalls
businesstraveller.com
Clockwise from top left: A waterfall in the Waitakere Ranges; Mudbrick Vineyard at sunset; wine tasting at Obsidian Wines; the ritual Maori greeting known as the hong
such as Kitekite, or gigantic ancient kauri trees, which once covered northern New Zealand but were so popular for building that only 5 per cent remain today. Our last stop is the spectacular Piha Beach on the west coast. Imposing cliffs look down on a black-sand beach that is a magnet for surfers… and everyone else, it seems. Ceillhe finishes our tour with a honey tasting, allowing us to sample half a dozen honeys harvested from hives whose bees garner nectar from different flowers. The range in colour, scent and flavour is astonishing – we all know Manuka honey but there are many more from which to choose. It’s a lovely way to end our day, leaving us with sweet memories as we head back to town. n
Ananda Tours is a Waiheke Island specialist, ananda.
co.nz; Time Unlimited Tours offers a range of Auckland and broader-reaching tours focusing on the culture and natural beauty of New Zealand,
timeunlimited.co.nz
NOVEMBER 2016
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