KEY POINTS:
Scandrett Regional Park is Auckland's newest regional park and boasts spectacular views across to Kawau Island.
Where: Scandrett Regional Park, about 65km north of Auckland.
Getting there: From Auckland city head north across the bridge on the northern motorway. Keep going along SH1, past the end of the motorway through Orewa, until you reach Warkworth.
Turn right off the main road and follow the signs to Snells Beach. Keep heading down Mahurangi East Rd, past Algies Bay until you reach Scandrett Rd. Turn left and follow the road to the park.
How long: About 70-80 minutes' drive from Auckland CBD.
What to do: Scandrett, which takes its name from the family who farmed the land for 130 years, is Auckland's newest regional park. It includes several scenic walks, a picturesque beach, regenerating forest, a historic farm precinct and clifftop views over Hauraki Gulf towards Kawau Island. If you feel like an easy walk, take the Scandrett Bay loop track from either car park. The 1km track takes in the park's orchard, stockyards and pigsty as well as part of the Mullet Point Track.
Alternatively, if you head along the Kawau Rd Track to the point you'll come to the historic Maori pa site. This walk takes a little over an hour. Historic Scandrett homestead, built in 1884, is worth a visit as are the other existing farm buildings. Near the homestead is a spectacular grove of old pohutukawa and a huge Norfolk pine given to the Scandrett family by Governor George Grey. If you're staying in the park longer there are two baches available to book.
Hungry? Pack a picnic and enjoy the views.
Want to know more? Visit arc.govt.nz/parks
- Detours, HoS
