Best places in Waitākere Ranges

Discover the best places in Waitākere Ranges, curated using our unique algorithm blending 'Top Rated' and 'Most Reviewed' establishments. Uncover the city's gems and must-visit locales for an unforgettable experience. Please note that certain places categories are intentionally excluded to ensure a refined selection. Ratings are based from 146 places in the city.

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Mercer Bay Loop Walk image
1
Mercer Bay Loop Walk
Outdoor activities
Popular hiking area known for scenic views of a picturesque rugged coastline & shady areas.
4.80 (668 reviews)
Piha Beach image
2
Piha Beach
Beach
Beach renowned for black sand & strong waves ideal for surfing, with panoramic views.
4.70 (3K reviews)
Piha Beach Lookout, Piha Road image
3
Piha Beach Lookout, Piha Road
Vista point
👍👍 Beautiful view of this wild West Coast beach.
4.80 (636 reviews)
Arataki Visitor Centre image
4
Arataki Visitor Centre
Tourist information center
Typical tourist information hub with free Wi-Fi, restrooms & park rangers to answer questions.
4.70 (1.9K reviews)
Piha Beach image
5
Piha Beach
Public beach
👍👍 Amazing black sand beach that is an experience of a life time. Felt very privileged to get to see it after the storm as only locals and people who have accommodation booked can actually visit at this time. (Many friendly police around asking to check bookings through out the day we were there) Was...
4.80 (576 reviews)
Te Henga Walkway image
6
Te Henga Walkway
Tourist attraction
Scenic, hilly walk & ocean overlook with sweeping views of a rocky coast & some steep areas.
4.80 (502 reviews)
Karekare Falls image
7
Karekare Falls
Tourist attraction
👍👍 Some of the best falls in Auckland with a short 5 min walk from the beach carpark (parking is very limited) just some helpful notes are that the road to the Falls are very narrow and you will have to stop and allow cars to pass in places. If you are not a confident driver you may find this intimidat...
4.70 (794 reviews)
Sozo Coffee House image
8
Sozo Coffee House
Coffee shop
👍👍 I’ve been on a mission to try as many cafes in West Auckland since moving here and this would have to be one of my all time favourites. The coffee is great each time, and to boot the general vibes are awesome. The staff are always chatty and happy in an authentic unforced way and the place is always...
$ $$$
4.80 (393 reviews)
Lucky Gs West Auckland image
9
Lucky Gs West Auckland
Takeout restaurant
👍👍 Best Burger experience on my new zealand visit! The fries were also damn good, you definitely have to try them 🫠
4.90 (249 reviews)
Karekare Beach image
10
Karekare Beach
Beach
👍👍 This huge, wide, and beautiful black sand beach is famous because it has been the filming site for many movies and TV shows. It is most famous as the beach where a scene was filmed for the Oscar winning movie, The Piano, where the piano was left behind. It is popular and can get busy on weekends or...
4.70 (440 reviews)
La Rosa Restaurant image
11
La Rosa Restaurant
Italian restaurant
👍👍 Lovely staff and fantastic food. I went to La Rosa to celebrate my birthday and it was totally worth it. Being a foodie, I have tried and tasted at most of the Italian restaurants and have found La Rosa to be one of the best. The slow cooked lamb is a must have. Would definitely come back! Keep up...
$$ $$
4.60 (937 reviews)
Kakamatua Inlet image
12
Kakamatua Inlet
Park
👍👍 Stunning beach with views out to the Manakau heads. Dog paradise! If you're not into dogs go to Cornwallis beach just around the corner.
4.80 (254 reviews)
Parrs Park image
13
Parrs Park
Park
👍👍 The perfect park for sport like, football, cricket, volleyball, and kids activities. Love the place to spend leisure time with kids.
4.50 (2K reviews)
Tasman Lookout image
14
Tasman Lookout
Scenic spot
👍👍 A “must-do” little hike for the views up to Tasman Lookout when you visit Piha Beach. It’s only 20 minutes or less up the trail from the end of the parking lot on the South end of Piha Beach to the lookout. Beautiful views from there of the beaches, the ocean, the town of Piha and the surrounding mo...
4.80 (218 reviews)
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery image
15
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
Art gallery
👍👍 Te Uru is a wonderful contemporary art gallery. Highest recommendation. This is the place to come to in order to experience exciting new art. The building is a brilliant example of Judy Stout and David Mitchell's architecture. Here's some close up photos of the architecture's careful detailing. Wond...
4.70 (290 reviews)
Whatipu Beach image
16
Whatipu Beach
Park
👍👍 The beach is unique. And there is more than a beach. You will find awesome mountains around, that you can hike to reach outstanding lookout. The site with its regional park is worth to explore.
4.80 (187 reviews)
Soy & Ginger (Titirangi) image
17
Soy & Ginger (Titirangi)
Sushi restaurant
👍👍 Consistently great food. The crispy tofu bowl is hands down my favourite, my partner and I order it almost weekly. The cabinet sushi is great with a huge selection, plus there are loads of other tasty things on the menu (bao buns, dumplings etc) plus smoothies and juices too. Highly recommend if you...
4.70 (250 reviews)
Piha Beachstay Accommodation image
18
Piha Beachstay Accommodation
Hotel
Relaxed homestay offering free parking & a living area with a kitchen, a fireplace & a dining table.
$95/night
4.80 (184 reviews)
Huia Point Lookout image
19
Huia Point Lookout
Tourist attraction
😠 A bit of a mission to get there, but worth the effort. Excellent view of the Manukau Harbor heads and bar crossing. Both the settlements of Huia and Cornwallis,[which you will travel through] have good examples of the simple sea side cottages built for an era fifty years or more now past .
4.70 (233 reviews)
Cornwallis Beach image
20
Cornwallis Beach
Beach
👍👍 Lovelly place for a family picnic, a good walk or paddleboard when the tide is up. Easy access from West Auckland. Good facilities - bathroom, shower, water fountain and two carparks - but be aware the carparka can fill in quite kickly on a sunny day.
4.60 (344 reviews)
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