KEY POINTS:
Where: Muriwai Regional Park, 45km out to the west coast from Auckland city.
How to get there: From the city go to the end of the northwestern motorway. At Westgate turn left and then right at the roundabout on to State Highway 16. Follow the road through Kumeu until you reach Waimauku, then turn left into Muriwai Rd, which leads to the park.
How long: About 40 minutes from CBD.
What to do: The gannet refuge. Best seen from platforms at Otakamiro Point. Best from July to October but even out of season the views are spectacular. Also lookout walks and beach caves at Maori Bay.
Hungry? No fires allowed but there are electric barbecues. Or head back to the BeesOnline cafe at Kumeu.
Links: arc.govt.nz/parks
