Apart from the city and it’s major attractions, there’s plenty to see and do within an hour of the city centre. Hunua, is a country village east of Bombay at the southern end of Auckland. We stayed with family here, but we explored the Hunua Falls which is well signposted from Hunua Village. Amazingly petrol prices in the village were 12 cents a litre less than the main service stations adjacent to the Southern Motorway. Well done Hunua.
Hunua Falls, very popular in summer
There is a large Auckland Regional Council park in this region that offers fabulous walking and cycling tracks. Being so close to Auckland, public holidays will mean plenty of others visiting as well. The Hunua Falls are spectacular. It is a very easy walk suitable to everyone, including those wheelchair bound. On a hot sunny day the large pool at the base of the falls is great for swimming.
The western side of the Firth of Thames is a great place to visit. Hot pools at Miranda, sandy beaches, quiet seaside villages and stunning views. You can complete a circuit heading northwards to see the bay beaches starting out on Front Miranda Road, than the East Coast Road. Ray’s Rest is a freedom camping spot right on the beach. Tons of open places to camp for self contained vehicles only. There are no facilities here so take in and pack out everything you need. Dump stations and water are limited.
One of our favourite places to visit is North Head in Devonport. The seaside village or suburb of the North Shore has a long and rich history and the dwellings here reflect the history.
There are some wonderful beaches, shops, restaurants and cafes as well as local craft shops. On warm sunny days the place can be packed but along with car and bus service access, there is also the ferry from downtown Auckland.
North Head is an easy walk from the town area and is steeped in history as it hosts the old gun batteries from the 1800’s through until the 1950’s. Many of the old tunnels and guns are open to the public to freely wander around. Take a torch as although the tunnels are not complex or long to negotiate, they can be very dark!
One of the many signs found around the grounds.
View back over Devonport with Auckland CBD in the background.
There is parking within the grounds but it is limited, good for cars and motorhomes up to say 7 mtrs. The views towards, Auckland, the gulf islands and north towards Takapuna and even the Whangaparaoa are spectacular.