Hiking Vacations

West Auckland, Waitakere Ranges

A good place to start your New Zealand hiking vacations in West Auckland is the Arataki Visitor Centre at the border of the Waitakere Ranges. It is found about six kilometres from Titirangi on Scenic Drive. Follow the link to locate the Arataki Centre on Google maps.

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• You are welcome to write about your own experiences out west....

The Arataki Centre is a place for visitors to gather information about the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and things to do in 26 regional parks around Auckland. So the Maori name Arataki that translates into "to lead" makes perfect sense.

• Experienced staff helps to plan short or long bush walks, more extensive Waitakere Ranges hiking tours or guided tours.
• Plan and book overnight stays on bush camping sites or lodges.
• Learn about regional history, rainforest, or bush.
• Find out about the animal life that belongs into the Ranges and the one that poses a thread to NZ fauna and flora. Further learn how park rangers and volunteers help together to reduce the damage done by introduced species. 
• Find exhilarating New Zealand, Auckland outdoor hiking:
• Beach walks
• Coastal walks
• Family walking
• Picnic places
• Multiple days, outdoor adventure tour
• and about Maori art and culture

• About Maori art and culture in Auckland Regional Parks
• How to prepare for hiking in the Waitakeres
• Maps and literature to guide and give background knowledge

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• First impressions on what to expect of regional New Zealand forest, rainforest, and bush.

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Those who prefer guided tours to visit the Waitakere Ranges find them at GoDo . Exploring the region independently on your own terms may require a car. Ace rental cars provides budget and premium vehicles for all travel purposes. More information about the parks all around Auckland is found on the website of  the Auckland Regional Council.

What is your favourite track?

Do you have a must do track? Here is the place to let others know about it.