With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get out and enjoy this wonderful region of ours. Challenge yourself to explore a new corner of the city on summer staycation, or remind yourself what to show off to holiday visitors. Sarah Ell finds our favourites around the edges of the city.
North
Thanks to the Northern Gateway road, the rolling countryside, wineries, food producers and beaches of the Mahurangi and further north are within an easy drive of the city. Matakana, once just a bend in the road, is now the hub of foodie activity, with its hugely popular Saturday farmers' market, gourmet stores and cafes. If it's wining and dining in a vineyard, treat yourself to lunch or dinner at Plume or the Ascension Osteria, or the Matakana Market Kitchen or refurbished pub if you prefer village bustle.
Alternatively, grab a picnic and get away to one of the beautiful regional parks in the area: the open sanctuary at Tawharanui, the historic farm at Scandrett, or Mahurangi West.
The Mahurangi River, running up to Warkworth, is also home to the Mahurangi Oysters operation. The Shuckle Ferry has foodies raving about the tour of the oyster farm -- tastings included, take-home shopping essential.
A little further north the seaside town of Leigh is worth a visit for its fish - either battered and served with fries from the local chippie, or up close in the wild, at New Zealand's first marine reserve at Goat Island.
Top tip
Enjoy hand-made gelato and sorbet at Charlie's Gelato Garden in Sharp Rd, Matakana; or, once the blueberry season gets under way, fresh berry ice cream and yoghurt at the Oob (Omaha Organic Berries) blueberry orchard at Omaha.
North-west
On the opposite coast, food and wine have also become the signature of Auckland's north-west. A quick trip up the North-western Motorway will take you to Kumeu, the heart of Auckland's oldest wine region. Nominate a sober driver or join a tour and check out the wares at Soljans, Cooper's Creek, Kumeu River and the West Brook winery, among others.
To blow away the cobwebs, head out to the black-sand expanse of Muriwai and watch how more than 1000 gannet pairs get along with their neighbours at the spectacular clifftop colony.
Or throw the bikes in the back and hit the trails in the Woodhill Forest. You can also hire a bike on site, and there are heaps of easy sand-based trails for learners.
Complete your outing with a relaxing soak in the thermal pools at Parakai Springs or adjacent Palm Springs, near Helensville. People have been "taking the waters" here for more than a century, and with good reason.
Top tip
The Boric Food Market, at the intersection of State Highway 16 and the Coatesville-Riverhead Rd, is a treasure trove of artisanal foods, local and imported. Sit on the large deck and enjoy a coffee and the rural views while the kids explore the adjacent playground.
South
The Awhitu Peninsula is only an hour from downtown Auckland, but it's like another world. Huge, rugged hills created from ancient sand dunes, wild black-sand beaches and wind-blown trees on the Tasman side give way to bach settlements and the sheltered waters of the Manukau Harbour in the east.
The area has a rich history, and a museum at Waiuku and the Glenbrook Vintage Railway steams up on summer weekends.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse.
At the tip of the peninsula is the replica Manukau Heads lighthouse, offering spectacular views over the Manukau and back to the Waitakeres, seemingly just a stone's throw away across the often-turbulent waters.
You can get to the black sand at Hamilton's Gap, or at Karioitahi Beach further south, where locals go land-yachting, horse-riding, hang-gliding, surf-casting and generally feeling the wind in their hair. For a touch of luxury amid the wildness, Castaways Resort at Karioitahi offers luxury accommodation, a restaurant and day spa.
Top tip
Book a wine tasting at Awhitu Wines, near the top of the peninsula, to try a local syrah, rose or chardonnay.
There's plenty to explore going deeper into the wild west coast and the forest-cloaked Waitakere Ranges. Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is wild and undeveloped, while Anawhata can be accessed only on foot. Karekare, made famous as one of the locations for The Piano and where Crowded House recorded its Together Alone album, has its pohutukawa and an easy walk to a pretty waterfall.
Karekare Beach.
The vista from the top of the hill before descending to the black sand of Piha is one of Auckland's best views. Grab a coffee at the Piha Cafe or get sand in your chips from the takeaway down by the surf club.
At the northern entrance to the Manukau Harbour is windswept Whatipu - just getting there is an adventure, through a ford and along a metalled road. On the way, stop at the Huia Foodstore for great coffee, spectacular baking (in generous portions), fresh burgers or fish and chips.
There are plenty of walking trails in the Waitakeres too: if you don't feel like taking on the whole four-day Hillary Trail, there are plenty of short walks. Drop into the Arataki Visitor Centre for ideas.
Top tip
For spectacular views and the chance to pose in the same spot as Justin Timberlake during his 2014 visit to Auckland, trek the Omanawanui Track, overlooking Whatipu and the Manukau Harbour.
The spreading eastern city stops quite abruptly on the ridge above Botany and, next thing you know, you're in the countryside, heading for Whitford, Clevedon and the string of parks along the aptly named Pohutukawa Coast.
Vigorous sorts can mountain bike or a more gentle outing is an icecream and a walk on the beach at Maraetai or Magazine Bay. At low tide explore Motukaraka Island off Beachlands, after stocking up at the French-influenced Pine Harbour Fresh Market at the marina grounds (on Saturday mornings).
Further east are the Duder, Waitawa, Tawhitokino, Tapapakanga and Waharau regional parks. Each has its own flavour and offers spectacular views of the Tamaki Strait and the Firth of Thames. If you're into kayaking, Te Ara Moana (the sea-going pathway) links the six parks on this coast (starting at the Omana park at Maraetai) over five days, or you could just do one or two sectors.
Inland is the charming country town of Clevedon, for weekend markets, polo grounds and artisan food and wine producers. Backing it are the Hunua Ranges' interesting walks, mountain-bike trails and big dams to wonder at.
Top tip
Take your frisbee and try the disc-golf course at Waitawa, one of Auckland's newest regional parks.
