Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nearby, a couple of short tracks will take you through beautiful native bush to a
lookout that offers views along the length of the beach. Wild surf and treacherous rips
mean that swimming is safe only when the beach is patrolled (swim between the flags).
Apart from surfing, Muriwai Beach is a popular spot for hang gliding, parapunting, kite-
boarding and horse riding. There are also tennis courts, a golf course and a cafe that
doubles as a takeaway chippie.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Helensville
POP 2600
A smattering of heritage buildings, antique shops and cafes makes village-like Helens-
ville a good whistle-stop for those taking SH16 north.
Activities
Parakai Springs
THERMAL POOLS
(
www.parakaisprings.co.nz
; 150 Parkhurst Rd; adult/child $20/10; 10am-9pm)
Aucklanders
bring their bored children to Parakai, 2km northwest of Helensville, on wet wintry days
as a cheaper alternative to Waiwera. It has large thermally heated swimming pools,
private spas ($8 per hour) and a couple of hydroslides.
Woodhill Mountain
Bike Park
MOUNTAIN BIKING
( 027 278 0949;
www.bikepark.co.nz
; Restall Rd, Woodhill; adult/child $7/2, bike hire per hr $30;
9am-5pm Thu-Tue, 10am-10pm Wed)
Maintains many challenging tracks (including jumps
and beams) within Woodhill Forest, 14km south of Helensville.
Tree Adventures
OUTDOORS
( 0800 827 926;
www.treeadventures.co.nz
; Restall Rd, Woodhill; courses $16-40;
9.30am-5.30pm)
A set of high-ropes courses within Woodhill Forest, consisting of
swinging logs, nets, balance beams, Tarzan swings and a flying fox.
4 Track Adventures
QUAD BIKES
( 09-420 8104;
www.4trackadventures.co.nz
; Restall Rd, Woodhill; 1½/2½/3½hr tours $155/
255/295)
Rattle through Woodhill Forest (and along Muriwai Beach on the longer tours)
on a quad bike. Pick up from Auckland is available at $50 per person.
