One of Auckland's most beautiful western suburbs, Huia is a darling settlement 33km from the centre of Auckland where time seems to have stood still.
The Huia store has been in business for 126 years and is still a focal point for the community and a most excellent place to refuel. And you'll find few better picnic spots than Huia Reserve on the side of Huia Bay where there are picnic tables, a playground, a half pipe for skating and a barbecue.
If this sounds a bit too relaxing, the Lower Huia Dam walkway is a magical two-hour meander through bush to the dam.
Opened in 1929, it still provides a decent amount of Auckland's water. The walk includes a waterfall, a swing bridge and killer views.
There is an abundance of walking tracks and sites to camp in the Karamatura Valley.
