Taranaki Info, Auckland

Being its own private island, Matangi offers a multitude of activities including scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, water skiing and fishing. The island is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers, providing two trails around the island which can be explored. Be sure to take your camera along to catch the beautiful scenery, native birds and wildlife. Our many beaches, surrounding reefs and aquamarine waters provide the perfect atmosphere to relax in and soak up the beauty of Matangi.

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, located on the North Island. With a population of approximately 401,500 within the city boundary and 1.25 million in the greater Auckland area, this represents about one third of the population of the whole country.

Bayswater is a suburb of North Shore City which is located in the Auckland Region of New Zealand's North Island. Bayswater lies on a peninsula which juts into the Waitemata Harbour. According to the 2001 census, Bayswater has a population of 2,310.

Bayswater Point Devonport is an historic seaside village in North Shore City on New Zealand's North Island. Bayswater Point Devonport is an ideal place from which to visit Auckland. It is located on the northern shores of Auckland Harbour and is a 10 minute ferry trip or 15 minutes by car to downtown Auckland. Stroll  to the beach and golf course or along the waterfront to Devonport Village with its unique seaside atmosphere, fine restaurants, cafes and art galleries

Birkenhead Point, with its sweeping views of Auckland city, is an ideal base for holidays or business in Auckland. This maritime suburb is just 10 minutes by car or ferry to the central city.

Dargaville, Gateway to the Kauri Forest, two and a half hours drive north west of Auckland, is a unique town of approximately 4,800 people and nestles amongst the hills radiating northwards from the Northern Wairoa River.

Devonport is a harbourside suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. In 2006 it had a population of 11,142.

Great Barrier Island New Zealand is the place to discover the nature-loving side of your character so take your tramping boots and your fishing gear. Great Barrier Island offers a natural beauty and close to nature experience which is just waiting for you to explore. Renowned for its remoteness and rugged beauty, the island is an increasingly popular holiday destination from Auckland.

Herne Bay proudly flies both the prestigious European Blue Flag and the yellow and blue Seaside Award, over its safe clean beaches. Wildlife also love the clean seas in the bay and bird and seal-watching Wildlife Sailing trips leave from Neptune's Arm.

Kennedy Bay also called Kennedy's Bay and Harataunga is a locality in the north eastern Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand.

Leigh is an attractive village nestled on the beautiful coastline just one hour north of Auckland. It offers a wide variety of activities: swim & snorkel among the fish at the reknowned Goat Island Marine Reserve; take a fishing or diving trip from the picturesque Leigh harbour; enjoy the beautiful sheltered sandy beach of Matheson's Bay; or go surfing and horseriding on the miles of golden sand at Pakiri. Explore the walking tracks at Tawharanui regional park, play golf at Warkworth or Omaha or simply potter among the many cafes, arts & crafts and wineries the area has to offer.

Mount Eden or Mt. Eden is the name of a volcano and surrounding suburb in Auckland City, New Zealand, situated five kilometres south of the city centre.

Cradled by Bastion Pt on one side and Paritai Drive on the other, it's as peaceful a spot as you'll find on the bustling waterfront. Not for Okahu Bay the cafe strips of Mission Bay and St Heliers. Commercial activity is confined to a Mr Whippy van, parked near the changing sheds in the middle of the bay at weekends.

Orewa Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand. Sometimes the sea murmurs, and sometimes it roars. You see kids building sandcastles as high as themselves, and a lone fisherman dreaming of Marlin. Walk up to the lookout above the beach in the morning and see the sunlight break over the waves and cliffs.

There is safe swimming, good fishing, sailing, wind surfing etc, & nearby Goat Island marine reserve, with the fish right there, to swim or paddle with, or just watch.

Helensville, South Kaipara Heads. Because it is within easy commuting distance of Auckland City, Auckland's North Shore, West Auckland and the new Albany development, and because of comparatively low property prices, Helensville has become an attractive place for residents wanting to get away from city living. People view it as having the best of both worlds - a quieter, small town pace of life in a rural atmosphere, but combined with close proximity to all the facilities offered by the country's largest city.

Takapuna Beach is just a few steps from the bustling but laid-back shopping centre of Takapuna. It not only offers beautiful views across the harbour, fine white sand and safe swimming but also some excellent examples of lava-encased fossilised trees--covered by one of Auckland's many volcanic eruptions, 150,000 years ago. From Takapuna Beach you can walk south to Narrow Neck Beach or North to Milford Beach. Both walks are best done at low tide.

Waiheke Island is the second largest island (9,324 hectares) within the Hauraki Gulf. It is 26 km long and 19 km across at its widest point, with rolling hills that reach 230 metres at the highest point. Its name translated means cascading waters which refers to the waterfalls now within the Whakanewha Regional Park. It is a unique island settlement close to Auckland with a resident population of about 7,000 spread out around the numerous bays and beaches mainly grouped at the western end.

90 minutes north of Auckland, 30 minutes south of Whangarei, Waipu is on the southern side of on one of New Zealands most sought after coastlines Bream Bay, a long white sandy surf beach also known for its fishing and links golf course. Waipu celebrates its Scotish heritage with Highland Games each January 1. The village sits along Waipu River which meanders through the small township with all the modern needs. 3 minutes to the spectacular surf beaches, mountain walks, caves. Surrounded by green dairy and sheep farming with a backdrop of picturesque Brenderwyn mountains.

Whangaparaoa is fast becoming urbanised--many residents commute to Auckland central on a daily basis. At the tip of the peninsula is the Shakespear Regional Park with facilities including swimming, bush walks, fishing and camping and the Gulf Harbour Country Club. Meaning "Bay of Whales", Whangaparaoa was initially settled by the Ngati Kahu tribe and did not see European settlement until the 1850s. Today the still undeveloped parts of the peninsula feature regenerating forests of puriri, taraire, kowhai and karaka. Native birds are much in evidence as well. Sandstone cliffs separate sandy beaches (with safe swimming) and make for interesting walks.

Whangarei, just over two hours drive north from Auckland, is the principal city in Northland and provides a central and relaxed harbour-side location to explore the region. The Tutukaka Coast, Northland's famous deep sea fishing and diving resort, is a short 20km drive to the north-east of Whangarei and provides access to the Poor Knights Islands, a world renowned diving site.

Point Chevalier is a suburb and peninsula in the west of the city of Auckland on New Zealand's North Island.

Piha is a coastal settlement in northern New Zealand. It is one of the most popular beaches in the area and a major day-trip destination for Aucklanders throughout the year, although especially so in summer.