Olivia’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Great place for a relaxing walk on the beach. Beautiful caves to explore.
106 locals recommend
Bethells Beach
Great place for a relaxing walk on the beach. Beautiful caves to explore.
An easy 40 minutes hike up to the top of the cliff where you will be rewarded with breath taking views of the west coast.
The entrance car park is just 1 km before reaching Bethells Beach, on the right side of the road after you cross a one-lane bridge.
14 locals recommend
Te Henga Walkway
301 Bethells RdAn easy 40 minutes hike up to the top of the cliff where you will be rewarded with breath taking views of the west coast.
The entrance car park is just 1 km before reaching Bethells Beach, on the right side of the road after you cross a one-lane bridge.
Lake Wainamu is perfect for a swim in summer. Also explore the unique black sand dunes. Just 1 km before reaching Bethells Beach, on the left side of the road after you cross a one-lane bridge, you will find the entrance.
8 locals recommend
Lake Wainamu Car Park
224 Bethells RdLake Wainamu is perfect for a swim in summer. Also explore the unique black sand dunes. Just 1 km before reaching Bethells Beach, on the left side of the road after you cross a one-lane bridge, you will find the entrance.
Mokoroa Falls Track is an easy walk in the lush native bush and takes about 40 minutes to reach the falls.
Mokoroa Falls
Mokoroa Falls Track is an easy walk in the lush native bush and takes about 40 minutes to reach the falls.
The Arataki Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Experience the forest, harbours and city from this Scenic Drive location. Enjoy the breath-taking panorama from the viewing decks. Discover the plants, animals, landscapes and histories of the Waitākere Ranges via the discovery centre exhibitions and nature activities.
111 locals recommend
Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges
300 Scenic DrThe Arataki Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Experience the forest, harbours and city from this Scenic Drive location. Enjoy the breath-taking panorama from the viewing decks. Discover the plants, animals, landscapes and histories of the Waitākere Ranges via the discovery centre exhibitions and nature activities.
Food scene
Open on weekends during summer, Bethells Cafe offers delicious burgers and pizzas.
7 locals recommend
Bethells Cafe
100 Bethells RdOpen on weekends during summer, Bethells Cafe offers delicious burgers and pizzas.
New Zealand ’s largest selection of Crystals and Minerals from around the world. Gallery, museum, cafe, animal park and rides. Great place to visit for families.
23 locals recommend
Crystal Mountain
80 Candia RdNew Zealand ’s largest selection of Crystals and Minerals from around the world. Gallery, museum, cafe, animal park and rides. Great place to visit for families.
The local train station has a lovely cafe with a sunny deck where you can enjoy a beautiful cup of coffee and the local atmosphere.
15 locals recommend
Swanson Station Cafe
760 Swanson RdThe local train station has a lovely cafe with a sunny deck where you can enjoy a beautiful cup of coffee and the local atmosphere.
Pacific rim flavoured cuisine with New Zealand's finest and freshest produce complimented by friendly service in a warm inviting atmosphere. It is the perfect place for locals and neighbouring suburbs to enjoy dining out without traveling too far for a wonderful meal.
11 locals recommend
Chikos Restaurant & Cafe
255 Lincoln RdPacific rim flavoured cuisine with New Zealand's finest and freshest produce complimented by friendly service in a warm inviting atmosphere. It is the perfect place for locals and neighbouring suburbs to enjoy dining out without traveling too far for a wonderful meal.
Mamaris Kebabs
704-706 Swanson RdDelicious kebabs.
FreshChoice Ranui
433 Swanson RdThe local super market.
PAK'nSAVE
Big super market with great prices just a bit further out in town.