Internationally renowned talk show host Oprah Winfrey has taken a moment to relax in some of Auckland’s most beautiful parklands.
Ahead of her show at Vector Arena on Wednesday night (16 December), Oprah has been spotted taking in the sights atop Maungawhau-Mt Eden and on Monday enjoyed some of the walking trails in Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.
One Auckland resident got the chance to exchange words with the television queen, who has magazine publishing, radio broadcasting and acting listed in her extensive curriculum vitae.
“I had just finished my hike, along the Montana Heritage Trail, out in Waitākere Ranges Regional Park,” said Chris Smith.
Mr Smith said that Oprah and her companions were polite and asked how his walk was.
“I said it was beautiful and to have a good time in New Zealand. She thanked me and they moved on.”
He later met up with Oprah again, on another walking trail. “She said, ‘Hello again’ as they walked past and I said, ‘We’ve got to stop meeting like this Oprah!’"
“She laughed, touched my shoulder and told me to have a good day.”
Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, a 45km drive from Auckland’s city centre, is famous for its beaches and the Arataki Visitor Centre.
Waitākere’s parkland covers more than 16,000ha of native forest and coastline. The park includes 250km of walking and tramping tracks, beaches, breath-taking vistas, spectacular rocky outcrops, waterfalls and cliffs.
At 196m, Maungawhau or Mount Eden is the highest volcano in Auckland. From the summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city and its harbours. A large, well-preserved crater, some 50m deep, is contained within the summit cone.
Kia ora Oprah – we hope you’re enjoying Tāmaki Makaurau!
