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Waitakere Ranges

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Visitors to the Waitakere Ranges will find no shortage of activities and attractions here! Well maintained walking tracks criss-cross the ranges, and the famous West Coast surf beaches are in easy reach.

With parks, walks and hikes in every direction, the Waitakere Ranges are a bushland paradise just minutes from Auckland city. The 22 conservation parks offer more than 500km of walking tracks. The Arataki Visitor Centre in west Auckland provides information about the parks, beaches and walking tracks in the area.

The West Coast surf beaches of Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Bethels and Muriwai are unforgettable for their soulful beachscapes. Be sure to check out the avian aviators at the Muriwai gannet colony. Put on your mask and snorkel to meet the friendly locals at Goat Island Marine Reserve - follow the signs to Leigh from Warkworth (north of Auckland).

Waitakere Ranges
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Things to do: *Make the visitor information centre your first stop. Gather some info and maps, and *take in the 360 degree views Put on your walking shoes and hit the ranges' 500km of trails *Snorkel at nearby Goat Island Marine Reserve *Catch a wave at one of NZ's top surf breaks *Admire the grace of the giant gannets at the Muriwai colony