Auckland
- Dargaville
185 km (116 miles)
Approximately 2.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway/Motorway
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.
At the hill village of Titirangi you’ll begin the scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges to the township of Waitakere. After Kumeu, a wine and farming centre, the road takes you to Helensville, where you can enjoy a soak at the local hot springs. Enjoy amazing harbour and hill views all the way to Wellsford. Further on is Kaiwaka, a town known for its Dutch cheese.
At the base of the Brynderwyn Range you’ll turn towards Maungaturoto, where you’ll find craft and antique shops. To discover the history of the Dargaville area, spend some time at Matakohe’s kauri museum.
The river town of Dargaville is a perfect base for exploring the Kaipara Harbour, which offers fishing, quad biking, schooner trips and bird watching. The west coast beaches in this area form part of the longest driveable beach in New Zealand.
Scenic Highlights
Auckland's volcanic cones
Climb green volcanic cones in the heart of a large city to peer into deep craters and explore ancient Maori earthworks. Look out over the harbours, islands and beyond.
Devonport & North Head
Discover colonial cottages, stately waterfront homes and World War II defences that run deep into a volcanic cone.
Hunua Ranges
Enjoy nature walks, mountain biking, fishing and camping in the largest mainland forest within the Auckland region.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Learn about plants from New Zealand and around the world. This beautiful garden offers 64 hectares of cleverly themed displays.
Tamaki Drive and beaches
Enjoy on-street cafes, park-like picnic areas and safe sandy beaches just minutes from Auckland's central business district.
Parnell Historic Walk
Explore the historic houses and buildings of Parnell, New Zealand's first suburb. Be tempted by great cafes and specialty shops along the way.
Coast to Coast Walk
Walk across New Zealand in one day. This 16 kilometre walkway explores parks, volcanic cones and historic suburbs across the Auckland isthmus.
Long Bay Regional Park
Pack a picnic and head for a waterfront park just 20 kilometres from the city centre. Relax on the long sandy beach or hike along the headland.
Auckland Domain
Fly a kite, feed ducks, walk through native forest or follow a trail of outdoor sculptures in this magnificent inner city park.
Auckland's North Shore beaches
Dip your toes into the North Shore's beachy lifestyle. A series of sandy bays stretches from Cheltenham to Torbay.
Pouto Peninsula and Ripiro Beach
A remote wilderness of sand, sea and sky, the Pouto Peninsula and Ripiro Beach make an excellent day trip from Dargaville.
Waipoua Kauri Forest
A five minute walk from the roadside will bring you to the foot of Tane Mahuta, probably the largest tree you'll ever lay eyes upon.
Kai Iwi Sand Lakes
Camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and relaxing are all great reasons to visit Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland.
Trounson Kauri Park
A night walk through Trounson Kauri Park is an unforgettable experience. The owls call 'morepork' and kiwi roam the forest floor.
Tokatoka Peak
Tokatoka Peak is an extraordinary mountain near the edge of the Wairoa River in Northland. It only takes 20 minutes to walk to the summit.
Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve, Waitemata Harbour
A haven for wading and sea birds, you can see this marine reserve from Auckland's northwestern motorway.
Motuihe Island
Visit a picturesque island that is becoming a new wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy walks, beautiful sandy beaches and glimpses of the island's intriguing history.
Rangitoto Island
Cross the harbour on a ferry to step onto an alien volcanic landscape. Explore native forests and lava caves on the way to panoramic views from the edge of the summit crater.
Waitakere Ranges
In half an hour you can leave the city behind to explore a vast forest park with waterfalls, rivers, giant kauri trees and wild ocean beaches.
Activities
Auckland
Off Road Driving Adventure (4),
Walking/Trekking (9)
Northland
Cultural Attractions (6),
Off Road Driving Adventure (4)
Tour and Sightseeing
Auckland
Off Road Driving Adventure (1),
Walking/Trekking (7)
Tour and Sightseeing
Northland
Cultural Attractions (8),
Off Road Driving Adventure (3)
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