A relaxing afternoon…
First stop, Soljans Estate Winery and Café [A]. The first step on the west Auckland wine trail. Enjoy a relaxing lunch with wine to match and take in all the history and ambience this award-winning venue has to offer.
After lunch, you could make your way out to Muriwai and stretch your legs at Goldies Bush [B] a Department of Conservation reserve that has a quiet walk through Kauri down to a swing bridge over Mokoroa Stream. If you’re feeling adventurous you could walk up to the falls (40 minutes one way), bring your tramping boots!
Alternatively, you could visit the Gannet Colony at Maukatia Bay [C], the track takes you past the Gannets, down towards Muriwai Beach with some spectacular views of the beach stretching into the distance toward Kaipara Heads and Northland.
Following your walk you can drive north to Parakai and have a soak in the thermal pools at Parakai Springs [D], followed by a quick meal in one of Helensville’s fast food shops, maybe locally caught fish from either Helensville Fishery or Kaipara Fresh Fish or a juicy kebab from The Ville Turkish Café [E].
