The Waitakeres are a mountain range close to Auckland city. 20 min by car takes you from our house into a magnificent scenery full of tree ferns, nikau palm trees and exotic (meaning native) birds. Apart from all the hiking trails there are also some wonderful beaches, nice even in winter. The visitor center is nicely made and offers information on geology, nature and the people that tried to make a living in the area.
What a view. With a rainbow and a blonde thrown in for good measure.
Walking into a wall of green, hiking in the Waitakeres.
Breakers at Bethels Beach.