Imagine a geothermal hot pool experience as a reward for fish n chips on the beach. Places to go include the imaginative garden centre Kaipara Coast Gardens with its sculpture trail and newly constructed Conservation trail. Take a quick peek at Helensville, the location for the TV Series ‘BrokenWood.’
Attractions & Places to Go
For other trips and holiday inspiration check out Auckland Road Trips.
Departing from Auckland, city of sails you travel through West Auckland and Kumeu, the home of Auckland’s oldest wine regions with temptations to linger in one of the many vineyard cafes and explore the Kumeu weekend market scene. From Kumeu a quick detour for heritage lovers and fans of the TV series ‘BrokenWood’ to view the TV series ‘Police Station.’ The actual building is heritage listed Helensville Post Office.
You are following the trails of pre-European Maori, timber merchants seeking kauri trees (tall straight ancient dense wood suitable for sailing ship spars) and settlers seeking land for farming.
The now quiet Kaipara Harbour and trails of the Kauri Coast are a fascinating glimpse into patterns of human occupation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Admire the elegant lines of the former Post Office and grab the selfie before exploring Helensville’s walkway. The walkway feature’s tracks boardwalks and bridges, with a lookout over the Kaipara River where there has been extensive planting of native trees and shrubs.
A handful of access points to the track include:
Helensville Riverside Walkway One km of easy walking starting from the main entry / exit at Creek Lane – the hub of Helensville. This walkway takes you on a narrow band between the Kaipara river and the rail line. Sign boards explaining the history of the river are displayed along the walkway to help you relate what you are seeing to the historic timber trade of times gone by.
Parakai Springs is the classic family destination for Auckland locals looking for a day out, Parakai Springs is tired and worn out. Although kids don’t mind flaking paint and a lack of maintenance parents might be concerned about the lack of hygiene and care of the premises. The hydro slides, the open air geothermal pool still is a place of joy for kids.
RECOMMENDED: Palm Springs Geothermal Pools. Palm Springs Geothermal Pools are a great alternative for couples or visitors looking for an up to date thermal pool experience.
There are three pools ranging from 34°C to 42°C. Temperature might change depending on season.
Opening Hours:
Public Holidays: 10am – 9pm
(Dates for closures will be notices 2 weeks prior to closing date)
The unassuming garden centre, stocked with the usual bedding plants, roses and shrubs holds a secret door complete with a keypad entrance.
Behind the door (there is an entry fee) is an amazing naturalised garden stacked with an array of sculptures, installations and public art works which are mostly for sale.
You are invited to take a picnic with you and relax in the gardens where a heritage orchard has a delightful installation or grab a coffee from the garden cafe and enjoy sipping your beverage while admiring the backside of a large elephant artwork.
A highlight of the day trip and a superb reason for art lovers, culture buffs to check out local artists in an attractive garden setting.
Fish and chips, a burger or an ice cream from the local convenience store / cafe while watching locals launch boats, kids jump off the jetty and dog walkers. The Kaipara Harbour is part of Kauri Coast beaches things to do & see and is a hidden gem with its world class Matakohe Kauri Museum, extraordinary shallow harbour and settlements.
While relaxing watching the world go by you could consider whether you have the energy to:
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