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The Auckland supercity sprawls 90km north of the CBD to just past the point where SH16 and SH1 converge at Wellsford. The semirural area north of Auckland's suburban sprawl encompasses beautiful beaches, regional parks, tramping trails, quaint villages and wineries. Plus there are excellent opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Consider visiting on a day trip from Auckland or as a way to break up your trip on the journey north.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout North Auckland.
Wildlife Reserve
Only 3km from Leigh, this 547-hectare aquatic area was established in 1975 as the country’s first marine reserve. In less than 40 years the sea has reverted to a giant aquarium, giving an impression of what the NZ coast must have been like before humans arrived. You only need step knee-deep into the water to see snapper (the big fish with blue dots and fins), blue maomao and stripy parore swimming around.
Beach
A partly unsealed road leads to this 588-hectare reserve at the end of a peninsula. This special place is an open sanctuary for native birds, protected by a pest-proof fence, while the northern coast is a marine park (bring a snorkel). There are plenty of walking tracks (1½ to four hours), but the main attraction is Anchor Bay, one of the region’s finest white-sand beaches.
Park
Straddling the head of Mahurangi Harbour, Mahurangi Regional Park is a boater's paradise incorporating areas of coastal forest, pā sites and a historic homestead and cemetery. Its sheltered beaches offer prime sandy spots for a dip or picnic, and there are loop walks ranging from 1½ to 2½ hours.
Park
Squeezed between the Waiwera and Puhoi Rivers, the exquisite 134-hectare Wenderholm Regional Park has a diverse ecology, abundant bird life, beaches and walks (30 minutes to 2½ hours). The Couldrey family were the original colonial settlers of the Wenderholm area, and their homestead dating from the 1860s is now a museum. The camping ground (site per adult/child $15/6) provides only tap water and toilets, and the council also rents three comfortable self-contained houses ($133 to $171).
Gardens
After taking an hour-long artistic ramble through the beautiful grounds and native bush of Brick Bay Wines, recuperate with a wine tasting at the architecturally impressive cafe. Ask about the annual 'Folly' competition, where an up-and-coming NZ artist is funded to construct their winning design, which is subsequently installed at Brick Bay.
Park
On the ocean side of the Mahurangi Peninsula, Scandrett Regional Park has a sandy beach, walking tracks, patches of regenerating forest, a historic homestead, pā sites and great views towards Kawau Island. Three baches (sleeping six to eight) are available for rent and there's room for campervans (per adult/child $9/4.50).
Aquarium
Staffed by marine experts and graduate students from the University of Auckland, this centre is packed with interesting exhibitions on the ecosystem of the marine reserve, and is worth visiting before venturing into Goat Island's waters. The interactive displays and the tide pool full of marine creatures are great for children.
Cultural Centre
You'll see the terraces of a lot of historic pā (fortified village) sites etched into hillsides all around NZ, but if you want to get an idea of how these Māori villages actually looked, take a one-hour guided tour of the recreated pā at Te Hana. It's best to book ahead.
Beach
The nearest swimming beach to Matakana, Omaha has a long stretch of white sand, good surf and ritzy holiday homes. It's the kind of place where you might see a former NZ prime minister on the golf course, which is set a few genteel blocks back from the beach.