I was truly excited to visit Whatipu Beach because I have been to so many of our West Auckland…read morebeach favourites, but I had not experienced this wonder. Upon arrival I was off with my family to walk the 20 minute/1.5km track to the Whatipu Caves. On the walk to the biggest cave you pass smaller old sea caves along the track, they are really fun to walk into for some exploring. The big cave was very impressive; I really enjoyed walking around and hearing my voice bounce around its walls. I made sure I listened to the department of conservation- and sprayed a disinfectant on the bottoms of my shoes before and after entering the walk; this would help prevent the deadly Kauri collar rot which is easily passed from soiled footwear to trees. After the cave walk, I headed to the beach for a bite of lunch and a chance to soak in the scenery, hardly a sole to see. Picturesque waves rolled in to the shore, while in the distance the Manukau bar dramatically splashed up almost to say check me out I'm dangerous. I will be back Whatipu I promised as I departed this afternoon- you are a mysterious beauty.

Over Christmas my husband and I knew we wanted to go camping but also wanted some quietude, so we…read morelooked somewhere close to home, the Waitakere ranges were it, and Whatipu Lodge camp grounds looked quite remote but interesting. It took quite a windy drive to get to, passing very close to the oceans edge and down some narrow curly passes but with just a mild case of nausea (for me) we eventually got there. The space was very open and had one other camper nearby, a family tenting. We have a van decked out, which was ideal as the place was very windy and wet. It rained the whole time, but I liked it none the less, it wasn't cold and a bit of rain is no drama in my world. The hike up the big hill was easy and gave amazing views of the coast that we had walked along earlier in the day. The wind up on the cliffs did mean we had to keep our wits about us, and no rock climbing. We tried to get to the caves but it wasn't really possible without more serious wet weather gear, we got soggy shoes and socks even through the mere attempt to get at them. I recently read about all the ghost sightings in this place, we saw, nor felt, none, but it did give off a rather haunting feel. But that could also be because it felt like such an isolated environment and was so wet and windy. We did, however, see a lot of bird life. Bird watching is not a hobby of mine but it was kind of cool to see so many and all their antics. The lodge caretakers came over to the car and collected the $15 (per night, per car) and had a brief chat soon after we had arrived. Bookings are essential before you arrive.

Did the Glenbrook Vintage train ride on Jan 1st, 2023 with the "First Class Experience" - that's…read morethe one in the enclosed parlour carriage with High Tea served. It is about an hour's round trip on the train going through the countryside. Our group enjoyed the trip and the tea/refreshments served by the train volunteers. This is about 10 minutes drive out from Pukekohe.

Railway Enthusiasts this way please!…read more This is such a gem of vintage railway history, which dates back to 1922. The current train tracks run from Glenbrook as far as Waiuku which is just less than 8 KM. I am not a enthusiast as such, but ventured to Glenbrook just the other day in fact for a special event- The Thomas the Tank day with my son, who has of lately become thrilled with the little engine. I was very impressed as all the people who bring this wonderful railway together are volunteers they do not get paid, however are happy to share with us the fruits of their labor. A self supported vintage steam train railway. If you would like to take a ride on one of the vintage trains at the station, pay your fee at the ticket office, 18 dollars for adults, and if your child is under four they are free, or from 4-14 years old they pay 9 dollars. There is a little tuck shop; with sandwiches and coffee, or tea, and ice cream should you find yourself a little peckish. Glenbrook Vintage Railway is a sure treat for all.

Love Tui Glen Reserve. Super popular with families - especially the flying fox. For really little…read moreones (pre-toddler years) there is a smaller playground about 60 metres across the park with small swings and slides. Great place to bring a picnic and relax under the large shade trees.

I understand this place used to be a camping park years ago and one of the closet camping parks to…read morethe city. It's a huge playground with all sorts of climbing contraptions and flying foxes now and attracts a big crowd on the weekend and during the school holidays. There are plenty of smaller playgrounds around but the attractions here are really big and it would almost make you want to be a kid again. It might not suit younger kids and it can get a bit rough with all the older kids competing for space. There are these holiday chalets around it so not sure if tourists still come here. There are plenty of seats where you can sit down for a picnic and the area has running water. If you have kids, it's certainly worth a visit as they will love it. There is a nice walking/cycling trail that eventually leads down to the North Western bikeway path. If you are in the car however, your best bet is to take Edmonton Road towards Henderson and it's the last turn on the right.

This is an open letter to the good gentlemen who operate the Lotto. Dear Sirs, please can you pick…read morethe correct numbers, as I am doing my share by filling in the little form. The reason I would like you to pick the correct numbers, is so that I can buy a small bach near Mairangi Bay beach. The small beach on Auckland's East Coast Bays, is just the place where I can see myself living. The water is good for swimming, the beach is not too big, and not too small, and the eye candy is plentiful. There is just enough parking to keep away the masses, and it is just a short walk away from Mairangi Bay village. A village filled with excellent dining options, and all the facilities a Lotto winner will need. Thank you, I await your selection.

This golden sand beach is wonderful as it's just behind the strip of many great little cafes and…read moreshops as well as one of the beaches along East Coast bays with the concrete walkway. It's connected to Murrays one way and Campbell's the other way and makes for a nice treat, especially with a buddy or a 4-legged companion. It's best at low tide but it was also a shrieking-good surprise with the waves coming in at high tide as well. The grass is elevated behind a stone wall from the beach with swings above the sand. The Mairangi Bay Surf Life saving Club sits just to one corner with patrols during the weekends. We came and saw littles running one weekend morning doing their water safety training. There were also heaps of people in the water and as well as boat taken out. Definitely a great one for summer

I probably like Milford park more than the average punter because I grew up down the road…read more Throughout my childhood, I spent many a day at Milford Park climbing the trees, playing BYC and go home stay home. Trip down memory lane aside, Milford Park is still a great spot to bring the kiddies. There is a freshly painted, bright blue playground, toilets, BBQ pits AND the Beach is right next door. Not to mention in Summer there is frequently concerts or outdoor movie screenings. Oh, and for all those runners out there every Wednesday night there is a fun run that leaves from the Milford Cruising Club in the park and goes to Takapuna and back for only $7 ($3 for kids), free drink included!

I shouldn't review the park as high as I would prefer to keep this to myself - but better to be…read morehonest. A good little suburban park - good parking, safe kids playground, beach volleyball courts and the beach a hop and a skip away. The Creek provides a bit of action if the tide is in as the yachts and fisher boats trailing and out over the 4 hours of tide. Good takeouts and coffee close by in Milford and it is not surprising the number of people who get fish and chips from PJs (another secret) and eat them on the picnic tables worth a visit

I f you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a weekend afternoon, Duder…read moreregional Park a few kilometres past Maraetai could be just the place for you to visit. Situated on the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula looking out towards the Coromandel, the park offers a choice of walking options. The farmland option provides expansive views of the Hauraki Gulf, with one walk taking about 1i/2 hours and the otherabout 1 hour. However the day we went we chose the short walk soft option along the coast line. The peace and tranquility we encountered, with hardly another soul around made the 50 min drive from Auckland well worth while. There are public toilets at the park entrance, and clearly marked maps available. There are signs warning about leaving valuables in the car, which is a useful reminder.

As far as public toilets are concerned these ones are not all that bad. Though to be honest one…read morewould have to be rather desperate to use public toilets at all especially given the nature of Mt Eden village and it's cafe culture. Look at it this way, most cafe's have toilets so at the most, using one of theirs would be the cost of a price of coffee. $3-$4.5. However if you didn't want to go this route, maybe you don't want to pay to use a toilet and don't feel like coffee or food then here is your solution. Rest assured just behind Fraser's Cafe, opposite Olaf's on Stokes Road are some alright public loos. If you have someone with you there is a park bench right outside for them to take a seat to wait for you while you relieve yourself. The outside is very colourful, it doesn't look dodgy. Be warned they do close them up late at night.

Watching NZ play Australia in World Cup cricket. Couldn't get tickets to the game so had lunch at…read moreMamak and now am at Vulture's Lane. Seems to be the place to be. Massive selection of beers and nachos are $5.00 today. Had a pint of Garage Project and now thinking about a pint of 8WiredSemiconductor!

A charming little lane off Queen Street with lots of good bars and other shops of interest. It's…read morethe little lanes like this that make the CBD interesting and offer welcoming relief from the blandness of Queen Street. There's a few good bars, namely The Belgian Beer Cafe; O Carrolls Irish bar and the best of all: Queensferry Hotel. The first time I came here in 2007 (on holiday) I recall browsing in a cool record store and buying a Bob Dylan album. That store is gone now but it indelibly marked Vulcan Lane as one of the cooler places in the CBD. The Vulcan cafe is a good spot to watch the people go by and another useful addition to the lane is Wishbone Deli. In case you haven't read my review, it's got a great selection of pastas and risottos which are great if you are on the go. A bit of cult place to Aucklanders, there's a lively vibe here and there is always something going on.