Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.lopdell.org.nz
;
418 Titirangi Rd; 10am-4.30pm)
An excellent modern art gallery
housed in the former Hotel Titirangi (1930), on the edge of the village. A significant res-
toration from 2012-2014 has further restored the building's heritage glory.
Sleeping & Eating
Fringe of Heaven
( 09-817 8682;
www.fringeofheaven.com
; 4 Otitori Bay Rd; r $230)
Surrounded by native bush, this
Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired house offers glorious views over Manukau Harbour, an out-
door bath, glowworms in the garden and a songbird choir - all within 20 minutes of the
city centre.
B&B
$$$
Hardware Cafe
(
www.hardwarecafe.org.nz
; 404 Titirangi Rd; brunch $10-18, dinner $18-28; 6am-4.30pm Sun-Tue, 6am-late Wed-
Sat)
This popular licensed cafe serves delicious, reasonably priced cooked breakfasts and
lunches along with tempting counter food. More substantial evening meals start from $18.
CAFE
$$
TOP OF CHAPTER
Waitakere Ranges
This 160-sq-km wilderness was covered in kauri until the mid-19th century, when logging
claimed most of the giant trees. A few stands of ancient kauri and other mature natives
survive amid the dense bush of the regenerating rainforest, which is now protected inside
the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Bordered to the west by wildly beautiful beaches on
the Tasman Sea, the park's rugged terrain makes an excellent day trip from Auckland.
Sights & Activities
Arataki
( 09-817 0077;
www.arc.govt.nz
;
Scenic Dr; 9am-5pm)
As well as providing information on
the 250km of trails within the park, this impressive centre also features Maori carvings
and spectacular views. The carvings at the entrance depict the ancestors of the Kawerau
iwi
. You can also book here for several basic campsites (adult/child $6/4) within the park.
VISITORS CENTRE
