'''Waitakere City''' is a local authority area that forms the western part of the Auckland metropolitan area of the North Island of New Zealand. Colloquially it is referred to as '''West Auckland''' and its inhabitants as ''Westies''.

Understand

'''Geography''' Waitakere City has a land area of 367km2, with the urban area being 25.8km2. With a population as at the 2006 Census of 194,000, giving it a population density of 533 people per square kilometre overall. 39% of the population are less than 24 years of age. '''Ethnicity''' In the reigion 71.9% of people are of European decent, 14.5% of Pacific Island, 11.0% Asian and 11.0% Maori, with 68% born in New Zealand.

'''Lauguage''' While English is spoken by the majority of residents, Samoan is the next most common language with 5.7% of people speaking it, followed by Maori at 4.5%.

'''Employment''' The average annual wage for a Waitakere resident is $20,800, higher than the national average of $18,500. 28.9% of people have some form of tertiary education, but 26.6% leave school with no formal qualifications, these are both lower than national averages. Unemployment is currently running at about 8.3%. The majority of the population who work in Waitakere work in manufacturing around 10% or so, followed by retail at around 8%.

Get around

Waitakere City is best seen by car. Although buses and trains do service the area, many are slow and serve those living in the suburbs as opposed to those looking to see sites. Information on public transport can be found at [http://www.maxx.co.nz MAXX]Auckland Regional Transport, it allows you to select bus, train or ferry and so help to plan an itineray.

See

If you are only visiting Auckland or the North Island, Waitakere offers many of the the native delights, such as trees, bushes and flowers that make New Zealand unique.

  • Waitakere City houses some of New Zealands best wineries. These can be found in two main areas, '''Henderson Valley''' and '''Kumeu'''. In summer, on weekends, these will be packed with those looking to sit in the sun, have a bottle of wine and a relaxed late lunch. On Sundays '''Pleasant Valley''' on Henderson Valley road can be a good afternoon, often having live music. Other Vineyards in the area include '''Delagats''' and '''Montana''', although these are much harder to find and do not have regular food service.
  • Another Micro Winery in the area is '''Artisans''' on Parrs Cross Road, here you can sample a variety of wines made and sold on site. You can stroll through the vineyards or look at the onsite gallery that sells a range of artwork and toys made by local artists, they also have a well priced and tasty breakfast and lunch menu.
  • The '''Kumeu''' area, makes for a wonderful day trip. Follow the North-Western motorway to the end and take state highway 16 to Kumeu. Within 10-15 minutes you will start to see a vineyards that have cafes and immaculate gardens. Stop for lunch before heading further on to Muriwai Beach, vineyards include, Coopers Creek, Soljans and Kumeu River.
  • '''Muriwai Beach''' is even more rugged and more natural and less unrbanised than Piha. It is a huge black sand beach that stretches as far as the eye can see (it infact does not stop until the kaipara harbour). The south head houses cabins and a camp ground, an ice cream shop and a fish and chip shop, as well as the main beach and the life guards tower. The north end is dominated by those in 4X4's and dirt bikes.
  • In Muriwai the forest has a '''bike park''' where many children learn how to ride on tracks amongst the trees. The entrance to this can be found approx. 10 minutes further on state highway 16 after the beach turnoff. Other activities in the area include '''BMX trails''' and racing and a huge high ropes course set in the forest called '''Tree Adventures''' (bookings recommended) there are 8 courses to do and it can take 2-4 hours depending on skill and fitness. Fruit shops offer good selections of fresh seasonal produce. When strawberries are in high season, 3 punnets will usually cost about $5.
  • Another attraction popular with tour groups it '''Arataki Visitors Centre''' on Scenic Drive, Titirangi. Around the centre there are nature trails which signpost the native trees and birds found in the area. Trails range from 10 minutes to 4-5 hours and are all fully pathed and signposted. The centre itself features models, history and facts of native birds and the surrounding area. The view from scenic drive is amazing, the west coast one side and the city the other.
  • Do

  • [http://www.aucklandexplorer.co.nz/waitakereranges/waitakereranges.html Waitakere Ranges], The Waitakere Ranges are Auckland_fs best kept secret. With stunning waterfalls breath taking views and rugged but beautiful beaches. This is a slice of paradise not to be missed.
  • Hiking in the Waitakere Ranges
  • The west coast beaches, such as Piha Beach , offer sand, surf and are popular for swimming, though dangerous for the unwary, with surf that changes with the tides, unpredictable deep holes, undertows and rips. Wherever possible, swim between the red and yellow flags and pay attention to the lifeguards on duty.
  • If the weather is not so good try the '''Waitakere Aquatic Centre''', Alderman Drive, Henderson. Home of the 1992 Commonwealth Games competition pools, they have been though major expansion and renovation over the past 3 years. Now the complex consists of 2 x 50m 8 lane pools, a drive pool with 9 boards, a hydroslide, 2 toddlers pools, spa, sauna, steam room facilities, a lazy river and a wave pool. There is also an onsite gym and a cafe, entry is $6.50 Adults, $4 Children.
  • Should you wish to really indulge yourself, visit '''Tonic skin.body.spa''' [http://tonicspa.co.nz], an award winning Day Spa with relaxation and therapy spaces inside and out.
  • Buy

  • Visit the West Coast Gallery, in Piha, [http://www.westcoastgallery.co.nz]. Well worth it. Housed in Piha's old fire station.
  • Eat

    Many types of food can be had in West Auckland. Great North Road, which runs through a lot of Waitakere, has many establishments offering food. New Lynn has many cafes and sandwich bars.

    Kelston doesn't really have anything special except a Halal butcher.

    Glendene is a good place to head to find excellent kebabs, roast dinners and lovely homemade pizza, as well as gourmet burgers(expensive but good) and a regular fish and chip shop, the bakery behind the shops has the best chicken sandwiches out west and the best chocolate chip shortcake caramel slice ever its $1.50 and simply devine. Last stop on Great North Road is Henderson. There is a Thai takeaway (main & rice $10-13), a vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant at the far end. Up by the bridge and the bus stop is another fish and chip shop.

  • Te Atatu Peninsula, has the only 24 hour kumara (sweet potato) chips and roast chicken in Waitakere.
  • Hadads on the main road has chicken, fish and chips and kebabs. Further past the round about there is an excellent ice cream parlour where a double scoop of locally made ice cream will cost about $2.20, 5 scoops around $3.70, milkshakes $3. These should be taken in the car and then head down to the beach (2 mins away). You can then sit in the car or walk around the reserve. This looks back un-interrupted across the harbour to the city, which on a Sunday day is very beautiful.
  • Drink

  • '''The Thirsty Rooster''' Glendene. Features Colin McCann artwork in the pub.
  • When in Waitakere City, keep in mind that liquor licensing is controlled by two trusts the Portage and the Waitakere. This means that everyone who sells alcohol must be registered by either one. It is not possible to buy beer or wine in the supermarket unlike the rest of Auckland. The trusts are non-profit organisation that reinvest the taxes on alcohol back into the local communities, schools, parks and sports teams. Although this is obviously less convenient, the local referendum always supports the trusts as they would prefer money going back into the community and not into supermarkets profits (lower prices, lower margins, less levied for the community). This does not mean that its more expensive to buy alcohol, but it is more controlled and hours are more restrictive. Another argument made for this is that there is more control over young people buying alcohol and in attempt to reduce under-age drinking.

    Sleep

    Worth visiting is Piha Beach. There are no hotels or motels in Piha however there are a few private accommodation providers.

  • '''The Kauri Suite''', 9 Sylvan Glade, Piha, [http://www.pihabeach.co.nz/]. A nice suite, close to the beach, suitable for two people.
  • '''Tui Suite''', 9 Sylvan Glade, Piha, [http://www.pihabeach.co.nz/]. A slightly smaller suite also in Piha.
  • '''Beach Cabin''', 9 Sylvan Glade, Piha, [http://www.pihabeach.co.nz/]. Budget suite just two minutes from the beach.
  • Get out

    Most parts of Waitakere are close to the rest of Auckland. Auckland Airport can be reached in off-peak times in about 40 minutes heading through Hillsbourough Road. The North Shore can also be reached via Upper Harbour drive without the need for the Harbour Bridge. The Waitakere City Council Offices can reach Downtown Auckland Off-Peak in around 20 minutes only being 18km away from Union Street via the North-Western Motorway.