Wild West

SCENIC DRIVE LEAVING AUCKLAND

As we depart Auckland city, we’ll give you a glimpse of a few of the scenic highlights as we ascend into the clouds of Scenic Drive heading towards Aucklands wild west coast. As the name suggests, this winding, often narrow road which traverses the subtropical rainforest called the Waitakere Ranges is wrapped in a lush green blanket of ferns and trees including several young Kauri stands.

arataki visitor centre 

The prestigious Arataki visitor centre nestled amid the stunning native forest landscape is our first port of call. Here the cultural, natural and colonial history and features of the Waitakere region is detailed in an array of medias. 

famous piha beach 

From here we descend to the West Coast black sand beach of Piha where you have the opportunity to climb iconic Lion rock to take in the breathtaking coastal views, or take a walk down the wild black sand beach alongside the surging surf. 

Once we have cleared the cobwebs, there may be an opportunity to take a walk to a gentle cascading waterfall surrounded by lush green native bush*.

*In order to protect our magnificent Kauri Trees from deadly Kauri Dieback disease, a Rahui (traditional prohibition) has been put in place extensively throughout the Waitakere Ranges by local iwi Te Kawarau a Maki and Auckland City Council. Aotea Roadies strongly supports this environmental initiative and our selection of bush walks on this tour may be subject to resulting restrictions.

west auckland wine & food

Next we rejoin Scenic Drive to continue towards the West Auckland wine region with the opportunity to try some excellent wines at some of our favourite Kumeu and Waimauku vineyards and some equally delectable foodie delights from the ample selection of  vineyard restaurants and local cafes. 

muriwai beach and gannet colony 

After lunch, we visit another rugged West coast black sand coastline – this time Muriwai beach. We have a rare opportunity to view the gannet colony between the months of August and March.  Complete your day on our Wild West coast with a barefoot walk on Muriwai Beach before we return you to your drop off point in central Auckland City.