Auckland A-Z - Free Official Guide 2013

Itineraries
See the beautiful Maori carvings guarding Omaha Beach
North Auckland
Map on page 150
I have: No time Explore the countryside on horseback as you trek over
the picturesque farmland and through lush forest. Or grab your snorkel and
flippers or hire local scuba gear and head to Goat Island Marine Reserve. If you
prefer to keep your feet dry, enjoy a cruise on a glass bottom boat and marvel at
the teeming shoals of fish and other sea life.
I have: A Bit of time Spend a leisurely two hours kayaking up the
Puhoi River. Listen out for the herons, pukekos and kingfishers as you meander
down the wide estuary to the Wenderholm Regional Park before returning to
Puhoi by courtesy shuttle. The Puhoi Pub, with its collection of artefacts and
colourful characters, is a great spot to refuel before a visit to the Bohemian
Museum. Cheese lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Puhoi Valley Café and
Cheese Store, where you can view the cheese-making process first-hand and
sample some of the range.
I have: PleNty of time Grab a picnic lunch from the superb
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market (on Saturdays) and head to Tawharanui
Regional Park, where you can explore one of Auckland’s best kept secrets – an
open sanctuary where kiwis breed and native plants flourish. Pick up a Matakana
Wine Trail map or take a tour and enjoy boutique wines. At Brick Bay Wines,
experience the outdoor Sculpture Trail that winds through native landscape.
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