Day 2 – Christmas Day in Waitakere Ranges

After a much needed sleep in, we all woke up refreshed and excited to have Christmas day in New Zealand. After some present giving and stocking unpacking, we readied ourselves for a day out. Driving west from Titirangi, we called in at the Arataki Visitor Centre. Unfortunately shut for Christmas, it was still worth calling in for the amazing views over Auckland, Manukau Harbour and the Waitakere Ranges.

About 30 minutes west from the visitors centre along Piha Road, we turned south to Karekare. We hopped out of the car and took a short walk along the Taraire track to Karekare falls which were quite pretty. Liam found an amazing tree with octopus type branches which he delighted in climbing.

Emily initially declined the offer to join him, but changed her mind when she saw how much fun he was having.

Heading back towards the car, we decided to take a track to the beach, walking along beautiful fine, grey/black sand. The beach was wide and windy, it seemed there was nothing between it and the mountains. There was only about 25 metres between the surf lifesaving flags, no-one braving the rough waves and the lifeguards huddled in their hut, out of the wind, playing cards.

Back on the road, we drove along to Piha and out to the Kitekite falls. After stopping to enjoy lunch and refuel for more walking, we set off along Kitekite falls track. A much longer and steeper climb this time, with a much more impressive waterfall as the reward. Our two crazy kids decided to swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls.

Liam can be quoted as saying, “Best holiday ever!” while he swam in the icy cold water. The walk to and from the falls was quite popular, but we did manage to find some space between fellow tourists to enjoy the serenity and wonder at this track being just a tiny portion of the maze of tracks that spread through this area.

The beach at Piha is another fine grey/black sand beach and we decided we were up for another climb. Lion Rock sits in the middle of the sand and a steep climb takes you about halfway up.

We all needed a rest and the panoramic view of the small beachside town of Piha and its beaches provided the perfect excuse to stop a while. I had hoped to do one more walk, but the 10km we had already accomplished was taking its toll on the kids, so we headed back to Titirangi for dinner and an early night.