Over the last couple of years, New Zealand has become THE place to visit for travellers around the world.
Featuring wonderful sceneries in both North and South island it’s fair to say that it’s a photographer’s paradise.
The West Coast of Auckland wasn’t going to be the exception of course. This amazing piece of land stretches for miles showcasing unreal beauty anywhere you look.
Tamaki's wild west, Auckland’s Maori name, is famous for its rugged beautiful coastline; exactly where the Tasman Sea's mighty surf crashes into unique black sand beaches.
Go West... Karekare, Piha, Anawhata, Bethells and Muriwai beaches all share the same untouched beauty that melts the heart. Luckily, most of these amazing beaches are just under an hour from the city, what makes them perfect for a cheeky get away if you only have a few days to explore.
KAREKARE‘s magnificent landscapes have inspired filmmakers, writers and photographers; it was made famous in 1993 by the Oscar winning movie The Piano. The picturesque Karekare Falls is just a short walk from the main beach.
PIHA is probably THE most famous beach in New Zealand. Renowned for its powerful surf waves, it’s also a great spot for nature lovers as it offers relaxing walks, swims and great views from the top of the Lion rock, a natural formation that divides North and South Piha beaches.
Kitekite Falls are one of the most popular falls in Waitakere Ranges, located at a very short distance from Piha, with six drops into a large lake-like pool at the bottom. The falls can be reached by walking tracks at the end of Glen Esk Road.
ANAWHATA, one of the best-kept secrets in the area. Slightly north of Piha and south of Bethells, sits the unbelievably peaceful Anawhata beach. You will have to drive 10 km of gravel road that descends through the forest and out towards the coast. It’s the perfect place to just chill on the beach or maybe at the top of the lonely bench overlooking the beach, swim, explore rock pools, or even head out for a surf. This beach was our personal favourite one hands down.
BETHELLS, also known as Te Henga, is a bit smaller and more sheltered than the other beaches on the coast, making it a great swimming spot. Only a short walk away you will find behind the sand dunes Lake Wainamu, an alternative and less rough spot to swim.
MURIWAI, probably the easiest to access in this coast; it hosts a stunning coastline with cliff-top trails to a huge gannet colony with convenient viewing platforms that let you get up close. You can only see these amazing birds from August to March.
The beach is unbroken for 50km and extends from Muriwai to the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour. It covers such a big area that there are plenty of things to do: surfing, paragliding, fishing, hiking, mountain bike and more!
So hurry up! Auckland’s West Coast is waiting for you!
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