Clarks Beach is a small town of Auckland, New Zealand. It is in the former Franklin District local government area. Primarily a beachside rural town, situated within the Manukau Harbour, at the mouth of the Waiuku River, it fronts the harbour and is north facing. It is known as one of the few beaches where scallops can be collected by hand at low tide.

The waterfront Tamakae Reserve is a popular destination for picnickers and visitors. The area contains the George Doherty Green and the Waiuku Museum. At the entrance to the Reserve stands a striking statue of legendary Maori figure Tamakae, carved from swamp kauri logs.

The reserve sits close to the Museum, which charges a small enterance fee, but seeing the buildings in Tamakae Reserve are free and is like taking a step back in time. 

At the Shorebird Centre we welcome visitors to come and explore the fascinating world of shorebirds with us. Visit the Centre to learn about the birds then head 2km down the road to the Bird Hides to view them. Come at high tide to see the birds.

Entry is free, but a donation is much appreciated and helps us to continue providing this service.

At the centre you can learn all about shorebirds and their habitat from our information displays and our knowledgeable staff.

Find out what the different birds look like and which ones are currently at Pūkorokoro. Learn about the amazing journey that migratory birds like the godwit make from Alaska to New Zealand. Discover more about New Zealand’s shorebirds, their ecology, their habitat and their conservation.

Browse our extensive range of natural history books and children’s books. Get presents for family and friends sorted with our range of nature themed gifts including art tiles, cards, homeware and more.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens is located on Hill Road, Manurewa, covering 64 hectares (156 acres) of land, including 10 hectares of native forest. Opening to the public in 1982, the Auckland Botanic Gardens is a young garden by world standards.

The Gardens attract more than 950,000 visitors each year and is a member of the New Zealand Gardens Trust, an organisation that assesses gardens for the quality of visitor experience and promotes garden visiting.

A focus on creating unique gardens and landscapes has resulted in a spectacular garden with a distinctive South Pacific flavour.

Our team are extremely knowledgeable about plants, and are passionate about connecting our visitors to plants and gardens. As horticultural experts, our role is to help people engage with plants and gardens, and to highlight their importance in everyday life. We run regular workshops and drop-in sessions where our staff can give expert advice and tips to our visitors. Keep an eye on our event calendar for upcoming sessions.

Sustainable horticultural principles underpin everything we do. Our aim is to optimise the health of our plants without relying on fungicides or insecticides. We want to establish plants that are self-sustaining, and require minimal intervention.

To achieve this, we run extensive plant trials to identify plants that perform well and remain healthy in Auckland’s mild climate, without pesticides. A particular focus is given to the role plants play in environmental enhancement, for example, the introduction of Low Impact Design (LID) systems (now known as Water Sensitive Design) to protect and enhance our waterways.

Haruru Falls are located in the beautiful Bay Of Islands in New Zealand's Northland region the water fall is easily reachable and only a few minutes walk from the Haruru Falls carpark, the waterfall is a block type waterfall which is around 5meters high but has a wide drop area.

This waterfall is at the very end of the Waitangi River and drops into a tidal estuary during the warm summer months the flow is moderate but visit this waterfall during the heavy rain in winter and there is a huge amount of water flowing over the drop.

The Haruru Falls are close to the Historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay Of Islands, from the falls track there is a walkway that follows the tidal estuary all the way to the Waitangi Treaty grounds this walk is easy and suitable for all the family the walk takes around 1.5 hours return or have someone pick you up at the other end.

Below the Haruru Falls there is a camping ground and resort accommodation and there are many activities available here, kayaks can be hired here and you can enjoy a great trip down the estuary to Waitangi or you can take an organized tour of Pahia and the Bay Of Islands.

Haruru Falls have some history attached, in the early days of New Zealand the large tidal basin that formed below the Haruru Falls were one of New Zealand's first river ports and a major trading place for Maori the canoes and trading boats would enter the esturay on the incoming tide as the falls are around three kms from the ocean.

Duration – 2 days, Grade – 1 – 3, Distance – 87km, Highest point – 320m – Kaikohe Hill

Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail travels from the famously beautiful Bay of Islands to the remote and picturesque Hokianga Harbour, or vice versa. Due to its sub-tropical climate – it can be ridden all year round – hence the name “winterless north”.

The trail is 87 km and is divided into four sections and can be ridden in either direction. The central point is Kaikoke and from there the trail descends to the East and the West coasts. This trail goes through diverse and stunning scenery with spectacular views, but it also takes you on a fascinating journey through some of New Zealand’s earliest Maori and European settlements. Story boards along the way bring to life the history and stories of the local people. Visit the Far North to discover the birthplace of the nation.

Cyclists have the choice of staying in Kaikohe or Okaihau as central points and cycle to each coast. From each end a return shuttle can be organised. Others prefer to cycle the full length of the trail starting from Opua and finishing in Horeke. Some cycle both ways. There are those that spread the sections over a few days whilst on holiday in the north.

The bike ride is suitable for most riders as it is generally flat with gentle climbs – most of it being grade 1 and 2, with the Okaihau to Horeke section a grade 2-3. The surface is fairly good and can be ridden all year round, the surface may be a bit rougher if there has been a flooding event. Please report these via the website so contractors can be engaged to maintain the cycle trail. You will find most of the trail is off road, and you can cycle two abreast. There is some on road cycling but these are quiet country roads.

This short, easy walk suitable for buggies, leads to the stunning Rainbow Falls on the Kerikeri River.

This short walk, starting at the Rainbow Falls carpark, is accessible by wheelchair.

Three stunning viewing platforms are at the top of the Rainbow Falls.

The Te Araroa Trail joins the Kerikeri River Track at this point and carries on down the hill towards the Kerikeri Basin.

You can stroll along the riverbank to the spectacular Rainbow Falls, where the water tumbles into a popular swimming hole surrounded by native bush. The falls are also a popular destination for kayakers to explore.

There are parking and picnicking areas at the end of Rainbow Falls Road.

Russell, known as Kororareka, in the early 19th century, was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand. Before the arrival of the Europeans, Russell was inhabited by Māori because of its salubrious climate and the abundance of food, fish and fertile soil. 

When European and American ships began visiting New Zealand in the early 1800s, the indigenous Maori quickly recognised there were great advantages in trading with these strangers, whom they called tauiwi.The Bay of Islands offered a safe anchorage and had a large Māori population. To attract ships, Māori began to supply food and timber. What the Māori population wanted was respect, plus firearms, alcohol, and other goods of European manufacture.

There are an abundance of things to do and see here. The Christ Church is top on the list as this is the oldest church in the north, and still has bullet holes fromthe early settlement days. 

Built some time in the 1880's, this church boast magnificent gothic architecture, as well as stunning stained glass windows and interesting stories surrounding the graves in the graveyard nearby. 

With Sunday mass held every Sunday at 5:30pm, you are more than welcome to join. Some of the original families that settled here are still attending this church, and tell stories handed down from generation to generation. 

With stands providing information about the area, who is buried here and what happened around the church, you will not be dissapointed. 

Exquisite waterfall, Wharepoke Falls, also known as Wharepuke Falls, is found on the Kerikeri River. Sadly, it’s quite often overlooked due to an extremely popular neighbor – Rainbow Falls. Really worth to visit!

 In Kerikeri cross the Kerikeri River via Heritage Bypass and turn right into Waipapa Rd. On the first round-about turn right into Landing Rd (follow signs ‘Historic Stone Store’) and follow it for 600m until you reach a huge car park, which has toilets and fantastic picnic area with the view of the Kerikeri River.

From the parking follow an easy Kerikeri Walkway for 20 minutes until you see the waterfall. You won’t miss it. Superb spots for taking beautiful photos are available here.

Return via the same track, or follow 3-hours’ return Kerikeri River Track (Kerikeri Walkway is a part of this track) which brings you to the Rainbow Falls.

   Walk in the footsteps of chief Hongi Hika and early missionaries to Kororipo Pā – this short, easy walk is suitable for children.

The Trail runs south along the stopbank from Ruawai Wharf for 4km to the end of Simpson Road. It is suitable for all ages and abilities. The ride offers views of the Kaipara Harbour and access to a very special wide-open space.

Cyclists may choose to loop around Wilson’s Landing Road or continue along Simpsons Road for a longer ride, either to Tinopai or the café at Matakohe Museum. The Ruawai Flats were once a tidal swamp and over the past 100 years a man-made system of drains, floodgates and stopbanks have transformed it into some of the most fertile and productive kumara and dairy farmland in Northland.

See the floodgates operating, learn about the history of the area from informative signs and observe the wildlife as you ride. Facilities – there are parking, toilets and drinking fountain at the Ruawai Wharf and a Café in Ruawai township.

Ripiro beach is 107 km long and is New Zealand’s longest driveable beach, longer than the erroneously named Ninety Mile Beach. Baylys Beach is home to the famous local shellfish delicacy called the Toheroa, which was overfished in the 1960’s and 70’s and as a result, public gathering of the shellfish is now prohibited. You may however, find some tuatua’s. As the sands move over time pre-historic embedded kauri logs up to 50,000 years old are often exposed. Historically the wreck of the Alcemene was found here, a three-masted French warship that sank here in 1815.

Start from either Baylys Beach or Glinks Gully entrances where there are toilets, parking and vehicle access to the beach.

The beach is rideable 2 ½ hours either side of low tide (check Pouto tides) as the low tide exposes the hard sand. Ride as far as you like in either direction - we suggest riding into the wind first so you have an easy return trip.

Facilities – toilets, parking, Sharky’s Café and Takeaways at Baylys Beach.

New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and Lake Kai Iwi, nestled near Whanganui in the North Island, is no exception. This hidden gem offers a serene escape into the heart of nature, with a network of captivating trails that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. If you're seeking tranquility and adventure intertwined with lush greenery and the serenity of water, Lake Kai Iwi's trails are your perfect destination.Lake Kai Iwi's trails offer an opportunity to reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and embrace the beauty of New Zealand's outdoors. Whether you're a hiker, cyclist, angler, or someone simply.

Lake Kai Iwi is a natural sanctuary that invites you to reconnect with the great outdoors. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil moments by the lake to exhilarating adventures on the trails. Whether you're seeking solitude, quality time with loved ones, or a taste of New Zealand's pristine wilderness, Lake Kai Iwi promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. Visit and discover the beauty that awaits in this unspoiled paradise.

Kaipara Harbour is a large enclosed harbour estuary complex on the north western side of the North Island of New Zealand. The northern part of the harbour is administered by the Kaipara District and the southern part is administered by the Auckland Council.

By area, the Kaipara Harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world. It covers 947 square kilometres (366 sq mi) at high tide, with 409 square kilometres (158 sq mi) exposed as mudflats and sandflats at low tide.

These treacherous sandbanks shift and change position, and are known locally as the graveyard. The graveyard is responsible for more shipwrecks than any other place in New Zealand, and has claimed at least 43 vessels—some say as many as 110. For this reason, a lighthouse was built in 1884 on the northern arm of the entrance (Puoto Peninsula). It was automated in 1947 and closed in the mid 1950s. The structure still exists and was renovated in 1982–84.