Just 30 kilometres from central Auckland lies the city's largest regional park - the Waitakere Ranges. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of suburbia and step into the tranquillity of its deserted beaches, lush rainforest and New Zealand native bush. Visit the Arataki Centre for breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean and learn about traditional Maori carvings. Walk along secluded bush tracks among giant ferns and kauri trees as your guide tells you about how unique New Zealand's nature truly is. Before you leave, be sure to visit the black volcanic sand beaches this area is famous for.