our adventure begins with pickup at your Auckland hotel in a private vehicle that can accommodate your group size, up to 11 people. Leave the bustle of the city behind and head west for around 45 minutes, passing through the artsy community of Titirangi along the way. Make a brief stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre to learn about the cultural and geographic history of the surrounding Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, which encompasses 39,500 acres (16,000 hectares) of forests and shoreline and more than 155 miles (250 km) of hiking tracks.
Get a fantastic aerial perspective of Piha Beach from an overlook before dropping down for leisure time to swim, surf, or walk along the striking black sand. You can check out local beach cafes for snacks and refreshments if hunger strikes (own expense).
If you're up for a bit of hiking, follow an easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) track to reach beautiful KiteKite Falls, a great spot for a picnic or refreshing swim. Your guide can recommend many more nearby hiking trails to suit your preference and experience level. A popular option is the less-than-a-mile (1.4-km) Mercer Bay Loop that winds atop towering sea cliffs for stellar views of the coast below.
After your day of outdoor exploration, relax on the return drive to your Auckland hotel or other preferred drop-off location.
