MyCityDiscovered - Auckland More than 60 unique locations for you to discover

The Guide for Resident Adventurers NOT Tourists Find more content online at www.mycitydiscovered.com

Introduction Aucklanders, this is your city, don’t leave it to the tourists, get out there and explore. You have in your hands the ‘travel’ guide for the people who live in this fabulous city, for those adventurous souls who want to make the most of the city and the surrounding area. All of the places and things to do in this book can be found within an easy drive of where you live, or perhaps one or two are right on your doorstep. Some you may be familiar with, others new to you but all are achievable without leaving the place you call home. The content in this book is intended to inspire you to think more about the city we inhabit to consider it as a place to journey to, as a growing living thing with many exciting destinations to enjoy and share. Each of the ‘attractions’ listed in this book are described in detail and each includes a section for you to record the date you went there, who you went with and how much you enjoyed the experience. Some are presented as challenges, can you locate and photograph each of the items shown? An example of this is the page on Public Art, your challenge is to find them all, sometimes it is not about having that big adventure but taking your time to hunt out spots you have never been to before. In this case the sculptures we have listed will take you all over the city in your search. This book does not stop with the printed material in your hands, the accompanying website has additional content to make your journey of discovery that much more interesting, discovery tips, historical information, additional photos and more. The website also allows you to upload your photographs to prove you have been there and we encourage you to do so, we hope to make this book evolutionary, you may well find your photograph included in a future edition. The best part of it all? Everything is right outside your door, you don’t need to make extensive travel plans, to book accommodation, to spend hours of travel to get there, just pick a good weather day, pack a day bag and in the blink of an eye you’re there. After your travels you even get to sleep in the comfort of your own bed. The authors have had a lot of fun hunting out these places now it is your turn to get out there, to discover and tell your mates, yeah, been there, done that.

CONTENTS Pararaha Stream

6

Public Tennis

36

Hunua Falls

8

Native Avian Wildlife

38

Mangere Mountain

10

Lake Wainamu

40

Rangitoto Lava Caves

12

Te Tokoroa

42

Otuataua

14

Children’s Playgrounds

44

Puketapapa Coastal Walk

16

Forest Giants

46

The Forts of Auckland

18

Cycleways

48

Kawakawa Bay

20

Sandspits

50

Mt. Auckland

22

Public BBQs

52

The Forgotten Volcanoes

24

Waterfalls

54

Totara Park : MTB

26

Outdoor Gym

56

Maori Pa Sites

28

Puhinui : MTB

58

Islands to Walk to

30

Nationally Vulnerable Birds

60

Public Art : Sculptures

32

Rototoa

62

Auckland Heights

34

Auckland Heights

Kohukohunui looking north to Waiheke

Mt Donald McLean overlooking Whatipu to the west

Tamahunga east to Omaha and the Coromandel

On the way to Te Toiokawharu, the view south to Huia and Awhitu

Description Auckland is not known for its mountainous heights, in fact there are only a few peaks that reach over 400m above sea level. For those looking for a view or for the challenge of a steep hill climb we show you where to get your head amongst the clouds. You will need to be physically fit to summit each of these hills as there is a lot of walking, steep gradients and stairs to climb. Best done in late spring as the ground starts to dry out and the daytime temperatures are still reasonable.

How to get there Kohukohunui - 668m Te Toiokawharu - 474m Tamahunga - 437m Mt Donald McLean - 389m Conical Peak - 385m Moir Hill - 357m Goat Hill - 352m

Rating Difficulty

Danger

Duration

These heights involve some steep and challenging tracks, be prepared for lots of walking.

Medium

Plan for a least half a day for each big hill.

The majority of the big hills are in the Hunua and Waitakere Ranges. Te Toiokawharu and Mt Donald McLean and Goat Hill are all close by, it is possible to summit all of these in one day. Tamahunga is in the Omaha Forest off the Matakana Valley Road and, along with Conical Peak and Moir hill, can be found along Te Araroa Trail.

Been There Done That! Date: Friends who tagged along:

What do I need to know? The formation of the Auckland Super City saw the carve up of the Hunua Ranges between the Auckland and Waikato Regions. Kohukohunui is just on the border but the best access is to begin your climb from Waharau, from here it is a five to six hour walk whereas starting from the Auckland side will take quite a bit longer. Always carry plenty of water, we recommend at least one litre per person, two litres preferably.

Notes:

MyCityDiscovered - Auckland is packed full of interesting places within the city waiting for you to discover. Here you will find a collection of locations to get you thinking differently about the city in which you live. From volcanic reefs to thunderous waterfalls, endangered wildlife to council run facilities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Designed for the residents of this city you will need to dedicate many weekends to hunt out all of the sites listed. The locations aim to take you far and wide throughout the many special and varied environments your city has to offer, from the white sands of the east coast beaches to half way down Dominion Road. While visitors to the city may find some of these sites of interest it is the people who live in this fair city that will gain the most from this book.

ISBN 978-0-473-31304-3

From bush to beach to bikes, this book has it all. 9

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