Just over an hour away from central Auckland, Āwhitu Regional Park offers visitors the chance to enjoy one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most beautiful natural environments. Because it’s rarely crowded, it’s the perfect place to slip away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Āwhitu Regional Park can be found below the Manukau Heads on the southwestern shores of the Manukau Harbour, and there are so many activities to occupy your time – everything from beaches to bush walks, pastures to wetlands and some excellent council-run accommodation.
Kids love the working farm where they can see sheep, cows and horses, as well as native birds. There are also several short walks, including a popular 3km loop that takes about 90 minutes and skirts wetlands, sandy beaches and historic homesteads, all the while offering incredible views of the harbour.
You can even ride a horse here, whether you get a permit to bring your own horse or you sign up for a horse trek. If you prefer wheels to hooves, mountain bikers can take advantage of the 3km Settlers Farm Track. Or try your hand at orienteering – downloadable maps are available that will navigate you to 29 different waypoints, allowing you to discover all manner of things along the way.
Of course, you could also just settle in at one of the tranquil beaches and read (or snooze) beneath the shade of a pōhutukawa tree.
