'NZ: Auckland - Waitakere Ranges

12-Dec-2004
The weekend I stayed over in Auckland I used to make trips to the Waitakere Ranges west of Auckland.
On the Saturday I trtaveled to the area of the Lower Nihotopu Reservoir and the coast in the south west. On Sunday I made a hike to the Fairy Falls and drove to Piha Beach on the West Coast.
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On the Saturday I drove to the area around the Lower Nihotopu Reservoir seen here with the Symonds Bay in the background.
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The river running from the reservoir to the bay.
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Black rocks and beaches. Apart from the weather not really inviting to take a (sun) bath.
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More rocks and quite some surf in the sea.
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On the way back some pictures of the views.
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Close-up of the beach and rock where I was before.
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Passing the Lower Nihotopu Reservoir again on the way back to Auckland
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On the Sunday I went for a hike to the Fairy Falls.
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Good signs so I was not afraid to get lost.
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The track was clear enough.
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Even when the bush became thicker.
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Through an opening in the trees and the haze I could see Auckland in the distance.
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Some of the hills were quite steep.
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A nice pool between the trees.
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One of the many waterfalls on this trail.
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And another one.
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I had to cross this stream so was happy to have my hiking boots on.
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The trail was well maintained so I did not have to detour or climb over fallen trees.
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On my way back to the parking lot at the Scenic Drive.
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After the hike I drove to Piha Beach.
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Walking to the beach.
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Nice flowers on the side of the path.
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Feeling small on the beach surrounded by rock formations.
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Driving north and having a great view of Piha Beach.
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Close-up of the rock in the surf.
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And more beaches ahead of me.

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