AUCKLAND ZOO
Motions Road, Western Springs. +64-9-360 3805. Entrance fee. $$$. Open 7 days. Sep-Apr 9:30am-5:30pm. May-Aug 9:30am-5pm. Last entry 4:15pm.
The zoo first opened in 1922 and it has seen much expansion over the years. Today, it is a well laid out zoo and features different zones, including Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, where you can see the endangered Asian elephants. The large enclosures resemble the natural habitat of the animals and are absolutely superb, in particular the New Zealand enclosure with its forest and streams, and the Meerkat Tunnel. Other highlights include the giant Galapagos tortoise and the haunting calls of the Siamang Gibbons. There are several animal encounters throughout the day, so check on arrival to make sure you don’t miss out. Allow several hours for a truly wonderful day out.
BETHELLS BEACH & MOKOROA FALLS
Situated 35km/22miles from Auckland, Bethells Beach is a stunning sheltered black sand beach on a stretch of picturesque, unspoilt shoreline. This isolated beach is great for exploring a number of sea caves, accessible at low tide, or go for a walk on the sand dunes, or head to Te Henga Walkway (start opposite Lake Wainamu car park), for incredible views over the beach and the vast ocean. This is a remote paradise, with a small community and limited facilities. So worth it.
For an additional excursion you can visit Mokoroa Falls, less than half an hour’s drive from Bethells Beach. As you head back to Auckland on Bethells Road, turn left into Duffy Road (9.5km/6miles from Bethells Beach), then left on Wairere Road, and continue to the car park at the end of the road. A well maintained track takes visitors through gorgeous forest of the Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve towards a viewing platform, from where you have great views of the falls. Stairs lead to the base of the waterfall for an up close encounter.
