If you want a stunning view of Tāmaki Makaurau, then go visit the Arataki Visitor Centre in West Auckland.  Seen as the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, the Centre has fantastic information about the 16,000 hectares that surround the area.  It features breathtaking lookouts of the city, interactive displays, video presentations, maps and charts, and changing art exhibitions (we saw the vibrant works of Shane Hansen, but unfortunately his exhibition finishes today!).

For those who wish to take bush walks around the Ranges, then take heed of the following advice from Auckland Council:

A rāhui has been placed over the Waitākere Ranges by iwi Te Kawerau a Maki. This cultural restriction by the mana whenua of the area urges people to stay away from the ranges to allow the forest to heal. The council supports the principles of the rāhui and recommends alternative walking and tramping tracks across the Auckland region.

Information on the closed tracks can be found here.

Despite the unavailability of the tracks, a visit to the Arataki Visitors Centre is well worth a visit, especially as it provides quick access into Titirangi Village (lots of cafe and art options) as well as the iconic West Coast beaches; Piha, Te Henga (Bethells Beach), Muriwai to name a few.

#xmascountdown2017  From 1-24 December I will blog daily suggestions with tips and advice on awesome things to do, see or experience during the festive season.  The summer also represents a perfect opportunity on mental and physical wellbeing; a time to re-charge, re-energise and to re-focus.  You’re welcome.