Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WEST AUCKLAND
West Auckland epitomises rugged: wild black-sand beaches, bush-shrouded ranges, and
mullet-haired, black-T-shirt-wearing 'Westies'. The latter is just one of several stereotypes
of the area's denizens. Others include the back-to-nature hippie, the eccentric bohemian
artist and the dope-smoking surfer dude, all attracted to a simple life at the edge of the
bush.
Add to the mix Croatian immigrants, earning the fertile fields at the base of the
Waitakere Ranges the nickname 'Dallie Valley' after the Dalmatian coast where many
hailed from. These pioneering families planted grapes and made wine, founding one of
NZ's major industries.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Titirangi
POP 3200
This little village marks the end of Auckland's suburban sprawl and is a good place to spot
all of the stereotypes mentioned above over a coffee, wine or cold beer. Once home to NZ's
greatest modern painter, Colin McCahon, there remains an artsy feel to the place. Titirangi
means 'Fringe of Heaven' - an apt name for the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges. This is
the last stop for petrol and ATMs on your way west.
Sights
McCahon House
(
www.mccahonhouse.org.nz
; 67 Otitori Bay Rd; admission $5; 10am-3pm Wed, Sat & Sun)
It's a mark of the
esteem in which Colin McCahon is held that the house he lived and painted in during the
1950s has been opened to the public as a mini-museum. The swish pad next door is home
to the artist lucky enough to win the McCahon Arts Residency. Look for the signposts
pointing down Park Rd, just before you reach Titirangi village.
MUSEUM
Lopdell House Gallery
GALLERY
