Top Things to do in West Auckland
Amazing Things to Do in West Auckland
Are you visiting the biggest city of New Zealand and looking for some incredible experiences and outdoor activities in West Auckland you’ll remember for years to come?
West Auckland is home to the stunning Waitakere Ranges, fabulous beaches, and of course, delicious food. Get to know the very best things to do in West Auckland with this guide, then hire a RaD rental car and get exploring!
Discover the surfing paradise of the West Coast
Surf all year at Muriwai Beach
These expansive, black-sand beaches cast an impressive sight. You’ll spot surfers drawn by the great surfing conditions and paragliders who come to soar amongst the birds.
The Muriwai Surf School sits just past the Sand Dunz Beach Cafe, where you can hire a wetsuit and a surfboard.
Experience amazing surfing at Piha Beach
Piha beach is New Zealand’s most famous surf beach. But it’s not for the faint-hearted. During the Uncle Toby’s Iron Man competition in 1997, contestants’ canoes were snapped in two by the powerful waves rolling in from the Tasman Sea.
However, Piha remains one of the most popular surfing destinations in West Auckland, and many visitors love to stroll the black-iron sand under the sunny Auckland sky and admire the sweeping West Coast views.
Surf, swim and fish at Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach, also known as Te Henga, is covered by glimmering black volcanic sand, which stretches for almost two kilometres. At the southern end is a large cave beckoning for exploration. When you enter the well-lit, 30-40-metre-deep cavern, you can admire the spectacular views of the bay.
Test your agility up in the heights at Tree Adventures
Ready to test your balance and channel your inner monkey in a tree-top challenge course?
Zip, leap, play and swing through suspended obstacles at Tree Adventures in Woodhill Forest. Bookings are essential, and you’ll find toilets, picnic areas, and a canteen offering cold drinks and food onsite.
Visit Arataki Visitor Centre - gateway to the Waitakere Ranges
Visit the Arataki Visitor Centre to discover Maori carvings, learn local history, and engage in interactive displays. Head through to the Regional Park and take on a section of the 250-km walking tracks to spot native plants, wild animals, and sweeping views.
Enjoy West Auckland’s local Village Markets
Titirangi Village Market
Just 20 minutes from Auckland City is the Titirangi Village Market. Open on the last Sunday of each month, the Village Market features over 130 arts, crafts, and produce stalls for you to explore. Grab an organic coffee and pastry and enjoy live music from some of Auckland's best folk musicians.
Blockhouse Bay Village Market
Join Blockhouse Bay businesses and community and browse stalls featuring handmade crafts, baked goods, clothes, flowers, regional produce, and more every Sunday.
Strawberry picking at West Auckland’s strawberry gardens
Take the family to the Sweet Red Strawberry Farm to pick “the world’s best sweet red strawberries” in the lush hills of West Auckland - or if you’re just stopping for a quick road trip break, grab a punnet or two at the farm shop. Make sure you buy some strawberry ice cream, strawberry and blueberry smoothies, milkshakes, or juices for the ride home.
Go off-road biking at Woodhill Mountain Bike Park
Woodhill Mountain Bike Park is a single-track mountain biking network through a sand-covered forest and is a great day out in nature for the whole family. Book in advance, so the trained staff can ensure you receive the best bike for optimum enjoyment and safety.
See the sand dunes at Lake Wainamu
Take a dip in the calm, fresh waters of Lake Wainamu, protected from the wind by impressive black sandy dunes. Then, take a walk along the scenic trail around the lake, which leads to a magnificent waterfall.
Drive to Kumeu for afternoon wine tours
Plenty of New Zealand's oldest wineries flourish in the warm and fertile region of West Auckland. Take a tour to sample some world-famous wine.
Discover more road trip ideas with RaD
What are you waiting for? Grab a great rental deal from RaD Car Hire West Auckland and map out your own adventure around West Auckland. See more inspiration for your New Zealand itinerary on our travel tips page.