I absolutely had to see a black sand beach on my trip to New Zealand and on our way to Hamilton we…read moredrove along the coast to Manu Bay. There are several small seaside towns to visit on the drive and though we didn't stay long to look around, it appeared there were some places for tourist shopping and some dining options. This beach was beautiful and I really wish I had more time to spend here. The black sand is striking yet soft on the footsies. There was a great menagerie of shells and rocks washed up along the beach that were fun to pick through. There are a lot of hills around, and there was a short little hike to a lookout point with a great view. Apparently one of the best surf sites on the North Islands west coast, it did have some surfers out there despite the weather being a bit nasty. There were places to rent gear if you're interested in some water activities. We also passed by several nice looking camping and recreation areas. Great stop and very glad I didn't miss it!!

The Waitakere ranges was one of the biggest draw cards for my husband and I to settling out West…read morewhen we moved here last year from Australia. The West of Auckland has a hit and miss reputation, but that is ok, so does Tasmania in Aus where we were living for the last five years. We have managed to go camping out in Whatipu, Waitakere Ranges, once so far, visited most of the beaches, and done a couple of tramps around the bush a bit closer to the city side. No major, hard-core tramps/camps for days on end, but more leisurely 'park the car day trips' kind of thing. I would highly recommend going with the kids if you are interested too, there is a variety of walks set out that would suit many levels of fitness. It is also well maintained with conservation awareness well set up, so taking the kids would be educational as well as the many other blessings you get when you go.

This past Easter weekend, my family and I spent two of the four days travelling across the…read moreWaitakere ranges. First visit was to the amazing Bethells Beach to get through the ranges, we had to start our journey at scenic drive, merging with Te Henga road, and then Bethells road which travels up the northern ridge of the ranges. We travelled through the beautiful cascade Kauri zone (where if you're keen for stretching the legs walk the 8 km track to see the biggest Kauri trees in Auckland) and finally arrived at the west coast- Bethells Beach. The drive is purely scenic as its name describes, and nature at its finest. The other journey I took was to Huia and Whatipu Beach, We started at Titirangi, and following signs headed towards the southern part of the ranges, first you past turn off's for Cornwallis, Huia and once in Little Huia, follow the Whatipu road which climbs up into the forest before plunging down towards Whatipu and the beach- this road is gravel and very twisty so be prepared for the drive. I really enjoyed my adventures through the ranges and loved the scenery and beaches I found.

Probably the most aptly named road you'll find, Pigeon Mountain Rd leads to indeed, Pigeon Mountain…read moreWetlands. Named after the Pigeons that used to live here, this dormant volcano is now home to cute pukekos, stilts and swampland. There's plenty of board walks, gravel roads and shrubbery to guide yourself through. I took my dog along (they have to stay on the leash) and she found the wire netting on the board walk extremely weird. She kept dancing on it like it was hot coals! Incredibly funny. Then the pukeko's arrived to size her up, and she was ready to flee. They were far more afraid of her than she was of them though, as they quickly leapt off the board walk and into the flax! Anyway, it's a pleasant, short walk for those inclined to take adventures around East Auckland.

I always thought Pigeon Mountain was a euphamism for a really big pile of pigeon poo. So you can…read moreimagine what I thought Pigeon Mountain Wetland was. These misunderstandings aside, I love walking here these days I bring my dog and she has a great time being alternately brave and fearful of the pukekos. I adore getting so close up to pukeko, they're such little weirdos, but really cute. This is a nice place to bring out-of-towners who are into photography - they'll be able to get some amazing shots. The walkway is in good condition and the walk isn't too long, so it's nice for the whole family too.

Cathedral Cove was an amazing experience. To be walking in farmland amongst a bunch of sheep one…read moreminute and then be in a tropical jungle next to a beach the next is amazing. The scenery was like something out of a movie. This is a must see on any New Zealand trip.

35 years ago this place was da bomb. Now, it's over-crowded beyond belief. In the late 1980s and…read moreearly 1990s it was a pristine place where you could have this gorgeous beach all to yourself that only locals knew how to get. Now there's a water taxi, a 1-way 5 minute boat ride from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove for $80NZ, there's kayak tours and other signs of commercialization that make this beautiful place swarming with people. It's about an hour walk, up and down hills that are steep, yet paved, with a few steep stairways as well. The amount of tourists overwhelms the beauty, in my humble opinion. Super beautiful spot, but waaaaay too crowded to enjoy the true beauty.

While staying in hahei, i went onthe 'remote coast tour'. I like kayaking, and am more interested…read morein impressive coastlines and discovering sea caves. Well, the tour certainly did not disappoint. What i liked: - great guides - impressive caves - good explanation of the geology of the area (volcanoes, lava, continental drifting) - small group (we were with 5) - good quality of gear including dry bag Tip:if you have a dry bag, do bring it. The dry bags provided are limited size.

I enjoyed the tour and my guide Brando was very informative. Most of the people participating in…read morethis tour are couples and not all are experienced kayakers. Since I was solo and an experienced kayaker - they made an exception and put me in a solo kayak, which I was quite glad of. The 3-hour tour is about 60 minutes total of kayaking -- after a thorough orientation on the beach with discussion of safety and equipment usage demonstration (including neoprene skirt, PFD and paddle), we headed off to Stingray/Gemstone Bay before going around the point to Cathedral Cove where we all landed for a 45 minute break on the beach. Brando was prepared with a camp stove and fixings for (non-vegan) hot cocoa and coffees, so I grabbed my goggles and went for a swim from Cathedral Cove back to Gemstone Bay. After our break, we went out to some of the other small islands, went through a sea tunnel, and then returned to the coast to look at the "snorkel trail" at Stingray/Gemstone Bay before heading back out and returning to the main beach. Brando was very good at keeping the pace up and engaging with the different members of his tour. All the tour company staff were super efficient, friendly and very well organized. My only regret is that there isn't more time actually kayaking - I would have loved to explore more of the islands and spend more time on the water paddling!

For years I have watched in fascination, awe and terror as crazy people strap themselves in to this…read moreflying, catapulting seated bungy on Victoria Street. It literally looks like my worst nightmare - being hurtled toward the heavens only to then plummet back toward the earth - not my idea of a good time. But everyone else seems to love it. Many of my friends have willingly signed up to ride this contraption (known as the Sky Screamer - need I say more), and every time they do I think 'maybe this is the time they'll realise it's an awful idea', yet this is never the case. Every person I have ever seen come off this ride has been giddy with delight and adrenaline. They love it. Thus, while I cannot personally recommend the Sky Screamer, the hoards of satisfied, excited customers that buzz around this bungy lead me to suggest it to all adrenaline junkies out there. Regardless of whether you are an Auckland local or a first time tourist to New Zealand, if you like pushing the boundaries and losing your stomach, this is the ride for you!

We had seen this attraction for years and never bothered to stop : I can't stand any entertainment…read morethat catapults me off the ground. However we brought two kids in to the city - one was dying to have a go on the bungy so we checked it out. $40 each and a minimum of 2 people. Bummer, nobody else was keen to get on board. $40 is way too expensive though. They were not very busy although lots of people were stopping to check it out. If they halved the cost they would make a LOT more money. As a business owner myself I am always gobsmacked at how short-sighted and greedy some people are. Also, ripping off tourists seems to be commonplace and should be stamped out!

A small portion will have been introduced to the game of bowls by an affectionate grandparent, but…read morefor the majority of people, bowls will conjure up pictures of bowed old people in white outfits and caps. Thankfully, I was in the former of these groups and noticed the master stroke of coupling Epsom Bowls with George FM. A live DJ, BBQ and beer on a Sunday? The perfect disguise to lure my friends to the slow lane. During summer afternoons all this was offered, with unlimited games, for only $10 but any day you can play the greens for only $5. The patrons there will be genuinely happy to show you the ropes, an easy game to pick up but tricky to master. Less aggressive than ten-pin bowling, this game involves more control than speed. With two all-weather greens and pétanque you are basically guaranteed a game. A great way to catch up with friends or challenge workmates and get out in the sun with some competition and super cheap beers.

Great site, extraordinary coastal soaring, regularly on…read more Great instructors. Ideal place to sharpen your top landings. This is without doubt the best training site in the Auckland region. A number of foreign visitors have commented that they found this to be amongst the best coastal sites they have been to in their travels. The setting sun off the west coast makes for epic exhilarating evening flights. And you can park a car close by. Quality accommodation 2km south for long visits. Extraordinarily, the site owner has bought this site to protect it from developers for the paragliding community.

BodyNeed is AMAZING! The team are so knowledgeable & supportive, that no matter what level you are…read moreat - they'll get you to where you want to be!! Natalia's Pilates classes are awesome, and if you're looking to be pushed even harder - Karen's MoveStrong or MoveHIIT are next level!! You will not regret stepping foot inside! It might seem daunting at first, but just do it!!

From the owner: Move well, move more, get fit, strong and capable to get the most out of life!…read more All your health and fitness needs are covered with over 25 small group classes, weekly memberships - Strength Classes, Natural Movement Classes, Pilates, High Intensity Circuit Classes and Yoga; delivered by expert trainers and supported by onsite physio and sports massage. At Bodyneed we are passionate about getting you moving and keeping you moving. Our team of coaches, physiotherapists and massage therapists work together to offer holistic support for life, so you can move better and do more than ever before.