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.

If there was a competition to find the coolest beach swing I would have to say Titirangi would win…read morethe prize. My family, and everyone we bring to this beach-side park, agree that the rope swing which can take multiple swingers is a great ride. The rest of the playground is ok too, lots of equipment for the littlies. There is a wide grassy expanse adjacent to the park and then there is beautiful Titirangi Beach itself. This is a tidal beach so if you want a swim it is best to search out the Manukau Harbour timings. Wear shoes if you are walking the beach at low tide because the oyster shells are really sharp. Speaking of low tide, this is a lovely time to explore the bay and shore line. We bring our dog and can spend hours here. So close to Titirangi village that the takeaways are still nice and hot when you are unpacking them on the picnic blanket. We have also had a great time or two in the Titirangi Beach community hall.

We almost bought a house at Titirangi beach a couple of years ago and when the auction went…read moreanother way I was devastated. Titirangi beach is truly incredible. There are two sections for parking and a nice stretch of grass positioned opposite another separate grass field for sports play. There is also agreat little playground with some awesome swings. The playground is reached by going over top of a little creek that runs past the grass area. The beach itself is really nice too. Although in my opinion it is not a beach for sun-baking, swimming and spending the whole day chilling though. I see it as more of a beach made for a family picnic, a sweet stroll or a walk with the dog. Still it is a lovely beach.

Home ground to United Soccer Club, this wide open public park has numerous soccer fields which…read moreswell in numbers through the playing season, doubling as cricket pitches in summer. There is also a very cool kids playground which gets well utilized year round, there are basketball hoops and there is a skateboard ramp. So if you need a little outdoor physical activity head out to this West Auckland park. As a public park, plenty of open air events happen through the year so keep your eyes peeled for the next event on the calendar. It's also one of my top dog walking parks with wide footpaths surrounding the fields. Lots of parking and shady trees too.

Because it is in a somewhat dodgy neighbourhood (only sort of) this park can get that awkward crowd…read moreon the rare occasion, that you might not want around your kids. But on most days it is a delight. I went there plenty as a child with the neighbourhood crew and we loved it. The skate ramp is huge, and crazy dangerous for little ones that trample across it on their plastic boards. The playground is pretty impressive though, with a lot of jungle gym action, and swings and all that. The kids love it. Oh and then there is the park. It isn't my favourite park out west ,but thats only because it is just a flat piece of land. There are no trees for scenery, the park just sits in the midst of suburbia. Which is fine for some, I am just picky. The schools surrounding it use the park for school sports days, and the local athletics club holds a number of sporting events there. It makes for a perfect sporting spot. Less ideal for exercise or mere running though, because it is so bland. You would just feel like you are running in a big circle, because essentially that is what you would be doing.

Lovely park on the shore at Laingholm looking out on the water! This idyllic setting has a long low…read moretide basin - but watch out the tide comes up fast! There is a fishing club on one end of the park and a cute little fish and chips spot across the street. This quiet neighborhood park is relaxing and serene. It was a short walk from the place where we were staying and exactly what I needed after the long flight from home!