Waitakere Ward Parks and Open Space Information
 |
 |
Waitakere Brochure
Click for more info |
Lake Wainamu Scenic
Reserve |
History
Location
map & brochure
Popular parks
Facilities key
Playgrounds
Walkways
Parks homepage
History
 Like
other parts of Waitakere City, the Waitakere ward is steeped
in history. The Maori were the first to value the land,
tempted to the area by the rich
Manukau Harbour and coastal
belt along the west coast. Archaeology and ethnology reveal
a rich Maori heritage much of which still remains, such as
the Pa site on Lion rock at Piha and the Watchman at
Karekare, defensive fortification cations for
Te
Kawerau a Maki.
Early European settlers valued the land for its economic
potential with timber milling, gum digging, logging for firewood and the harvesting of flax beginning in the 1830's
and continuing on for around 100 years. Farming took over
once the land was cleared, but unlike other parts of
Waitakere City it did not succeed due to the unsuitability
of the landscape. By the end of the 19th and beginning of
the 20th century Auckland newspapers were promoting the area
as a tourist destination and with accommodation offered
travel was limited to boat and coach, the latter of which
had to compete with poor road quality. As roading improved
in the 1920's and 30's the population began to steadily rise
and the completion of telephone lines by the 1920's ended
the isolation of some of the coastal settlements such as
Karekare and Bethells.
Signs of early settlement are made up of predominantly
family homes kept in good condition over the past century.
Remains of earth dams and mill sites remain throughout the
ranges. Two historic buildings are open to the public; Rose
Hellaby House on Scenic Drive and Oratia Folk Museum in
Oratia. Rose Hellaby House offers a historical display for
visitors look into the Maori and European history of West
Auckland. The Oratia Folk Museum is an early settlers
cottage built from Kauri trees between 1855 and 1870.
Today the ward is dominated by the Waitakere Ranges which
from 2008 is officially protected as a heritage site under
the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Act 2008. This ensures
preservation of ecological, historical and cultural heritage
for most of the Waitakere Ward.
Location map and brochure
Click to view PDF version of brochure
& map |
Download the Waitakere Ward Parks and Open Space Information
Brochure for a Map and information on popular
parks, playgrounds and walkways in this area.
Brochures are available from all libraries
and Council reception
or contact us
for a copy.
Note: You will need to have 
Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer in order to view and print this document. For
help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful
Tips.
Waitakere Ward - Parks and Open Spaces Information Brochure
and Map (Size 1451K)
Other brochures in this series:
Popular Parks
Swanson Station Park |
Waitakere War Memorial Park |
|
Swanson Station Park is a mix of nature, activity and history all on one site. Catch
the train to or from the park and relax. Have a picnic
or BBQ and watch as the kids speed around the playground and
zoom down the flying fox.
A significant historic weatherboard building, Swanson Station
was moved from Avondale and restored to its present state.
Come and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea and a muffin and help
keep Waitakere's heritage alive.
How to get there: Swanson Road, Swanson.
|
Waitakere War Memorial park is a quiet reserve set in a
tranquil semi rural neighbourhood at the start of the road
to Bethells Beach. Throw a ball or frisbee or play fetch
with man's best friend. This domain has soccer posts
permanently set up for the public so come down and enjoy a
friendly game of soccer with friends.
How to get there:
From Swanson Road take Waitakere Road until you reach the
bridge at Waitakere Township. Turn left after the bridge
onto Bethells Road. The park is opposite the school on
the right.
|
Te Henga / Bethells Beach |
Lake Wainamu Scenic Reserve |
|
Bethells/Te Henga means sand and there's black sand for
almost as far as you can see. A single lifeguard tower
breaks up the skyline, the base for lifeguards who watch
over the summer crowds swimming and surfing at this wild
surf beach. This beach is isolated and relatively untouched
and not quite as busy as its other famous neighbours. A calm
lagoon is great for small children to play in and you can
follow the stream away from the coast to the Te Henga
Wetland. There is also a large grassy domain near the main
car park which is sheltered from the wind by the large
dunes. Don't forget to swim between the flags.
How to get there:
Bethells Road via Waitakere Road.
|
Sand, sand and more sand! Lake Wainamu Scenic
Reserve offers a rolling dune landscape made up of
fine grained black sand. Scamper over the heated
grains in the summer and then cool off as you follow
the meandering stream to Lake Wainamu. Bring a
chilly bin full of cold drinks and snacks as you
laze in the warm sun, take a cool dip in the lake or
have energetic races up and down the steep dunes.
How to get there:
Bethells Road via Waitakere Road. The carpark is
on the left just after the one way bridge. If you get to the
beach carpark you have gone to far.
|
Piha |
Karekare Scenic Reserve |
|
Piha is New Zealand's most famous surf beach. The scenery
and surf are BIG and so is the adventure. Pack up your
boogie board, frisbee, sun umbrella and plenty of water and
head to the beach for the day. Go early morning or enjoy an
evening sunset to avoid the crowds. There are also
plenty of walking tracks and pohutakawa trees to sit under
to get out of the sun. Stay overnight by the beach at the
campground on Piha Domain, only a hop, skip and a jump from
the beach across the award winning 'Story of the Eel'
footbridge. Don't forget to swim between the flags.
How to get there:
Turn onto Piha Road via Scenic Drive and follow until you
reach the township. The entrance to parking at Piha Domain
is on your left just after the campground.
|
Located at the entrance to the secluded yet powerful Karekare beach, Karekare reserve offers a perfect picnicking spot away from sea spray and sand with the power of the surf echoing up the valley. From the reserve it's just a hop skip and a splash through the stream to the wild west coast beach of Karekare, or indulge in a hike through the cool kiwi bush.
How to get there:
Turn onto Piha Road via Scenic Drive then turn
left onto Karekare Road.
|
Huia Domain |
Armour Bay |
|
Huia Domain sits in a sheltered cove on the Manukau
Harbour. Enjoy a picnic under the heritage pohutakawa trees
and use the free BBQ. A playground and skate ramp is also
located in the domain to keep the kids entertained. If you
are keen for a swim, make sure you head to the area at high
tide! Drive a few minutes past the domain to reach Little
Huia Beach.
How to get there:
From Titirangi Road drive through Titirangi Town
Centre till you get to the large roundabout and turn left
onto Huia Road. Follow Huia Road to Huia with the Domain on
your left.
|
Armour Bay is calling all families. Come and enjoy a stimulating day out in the sun. Play games in the park, challenge each other to a game of petanque or an exhilarating game of tennis with scenic vistas to spur you along. Explore the rock pools, frolic in the cool Manukau waters or paddle around in a dingy or kayak. Bring a packed picnic or make use of the BBQ facilities. Perfect for a sunny summers day. How to get there:
Take Huia Road, go just past Parau and turn left onto Armour Bay Road at the sign marking Armour Bay Reserve. |
Sandy's Parade |
Laingholm Scenic Reserve |
|
Panoramic harbour views greet you as you pull up to Sandy's Parade. Park along the water's edge and lay out your picnic blanket. Sandy's Parade offers a safe place to swim or dip your feet in the cool waters with a dairy across the road for a cool afternoon ice cream. Scenic views offer opportunities for keen photographers looking for that perfect photo. Stroll along the sand with the dog or take a sheltered walk along the bush track at the neighbouring Warner Park.
How to get there:
Take Huia Road and turn left into Laingholm Drive. Follow Laingholm Drive then left onto Warner Park Avenue. Follow the road to the bottom of the hill.
|
Looking for a refreshing walk on a hot sunny day? Laingholm Scenic Reserve lets you wander through cool canopied native bush. Breathe in the moist smell of the bush as you wander the tracks and listen to the melodic sound of native wildlife.
How to get there:
Follow Huia Road and turn left into Victory Road and head into Laingholm. Follow Victory and turn left into Warner Park Avenue, parking is at the top of the hill.
|
Titirangi Beach |
Tamariki Reserve |
|
Titirangi beach offers constant variation to an exciting day out. Bring the family down at high tide and take a dip in the calm waters off the beach. When the tide is out take the opportunity to learn more about the inter-tidal zone, watch the wading birds and let the silty mud squeeze up between your toes as crabs scurry by. Titirangi has a large green open space for fun activities and picnicking and an exciting playground just sitting there waiting for young imaginations to take flight. A secluded picnic area backed by lush native bush is the perfect spot for a romantic wedding.
How to get there:
From South Titirangi Road, turn left into Park Road then
turn right into Titirangi Beach Road, Titirangi.
|
A small neighbourhood park, Tamariki Reserve boasts an exciting playground for all the family. With extra long slides, climbing walls and swings, the playground offers the perfect place for children to unleash their energy. Make it a fun game and time their descent down the slides and over the playground. Tamariki Reserve also has
plenty of green open space for picnics and other activities.
How to get there:
South Titirangi Road, Titirangi.
|
Walkways
Mt Atkinson Park |
Waitoru Reserve |
|
One of the hidden gems of the Waitakere Ranges Mt
Atkinson Park is a quiet surprise for many West Aucklander's.
Located on the foothills of Titirangi, Mt Atkinson offers
a wonderful scenic bushwalk and stunning Manukau Harbour
views. Meander quietly around the tracks as fantails frolic
in your footsteps.
How to get there: Kohu Road, Titirangi. Drive through Titirangi Town Centre to the large roundabout. Drive straight on through to Kohu Road and Mt Atkinson. |
Surprise! Another Waitakere walkway just waiting quietly
for you to enjoy. Take a peaceful stroll through the cool
sheltered bush of the Waitakere foothills, listen to New
Zealand's unique birdlife or shake hands with a Rimu tree.
Enjoy, relax and reflect as you explore a special part of
your backyard.
How to get there:
Just a short drive along Bethells Road from Waitakere
Township. Keep an eye open after the Duffy Road turn off as
Waitoru is moments later on your right.
|
Playgrounds
|
