Veer off the tourist trail to experience Auckland's west coast on a full-day trip to the Waitakere Ranges. Only 40 minutes from the city, you can amble through forests of ancient kauri trees to arrive at a beach covered in black sand, wind-lashed bluffs overlooking the Tasman Sea, and a hidden waterfall on a guided four- to five-hour walk. Along the way, spot New Zealand’s native flora and fauna, dip your toes in the ocean and refuel with a picnic lunch.
