Bethells beach and ‘Old man’s head’

Awesome Bethells Beach

• A 10 minute drive to enjoy a stroll along dramatic Bethells Beach, with its towering cliff-tops, blow-holes, sand dunes and sea caves.
• Check this site (set up by locals, full of good information), http://www.tehengabethells.co.nz/
• Enjoy the coastal walks, including a 15 minute walk along the beach to stunning O’Neills Bay (the local surf spot)
• Bethells Beach Cafe – Jim’s bush burgers on the beach! (Summer only)
• Cascade Kauri is one of the few places Aucklanders have the opportunity to spot a long-tailed bat:-Ranger escorted tours,
  bookings essential, January, monday and wednesdays only.

Stunning Native Forest

• A 10 minute drive to visit the Cascades Kauri Park to see magnificent Kauri as nature intended – many up to 400 years old
• A 10 minute drive to the beautiful Scenic Drive, enjoying views of Auckland, Putamatekeo summit and Arataki Visitor Centre
• Enjoy the collection of lovely bush walks throughout the Waitakere River valley and up through Scenic drive, including waterfalls and stunning views
• A 15 minute drive to to Goldie’s bush walk (1 hr return walk to Mokoroa Falls)

Lakes, wetlands and beaches

• A 5 minute drive to to see the striking sand dunes and swim in the land-locked Lake Wainamu
• A 5 minute drive to to the regionally-significant Te Henga wetland – the largest in the region and former Maori Pa site
• View the stunning Waitakere dam, source of the majority of Auckland’s water

The view from the Bethells-Muriwai walk

Kumeu vineyards, just 25 mins away

Explore the West Coast

• Explore the ‘Wild West’ coast of Auckland, as featured in Hercules, Zena, Warrior Princess and acclaimed movie, The Piano
• Enjoy the Muriwai-Bethells Coastal Clifftop Walk-a breath-taking experience!
• View Muriwai beach’s renowned Gannet colony
• Explore the many delightful Vineyards, Cafes and Restaurants of West Auckland (All on the way to Muriwai beach and the Gannet colony) more..
• Browse the enormous CraftWorld shop, just 20 minutes drive away, in Westgate – a warehouse full of local arts and crafts, at direct from the artist prices!
• Read more on sport and walking in the local area here

Golf and Your Health

• 2 golf courses less than 25 minutes drive away. http://www.waitakeregolf.co.nz/page.php?3 just 10 mins. drive from us
• A 10 minute drive to to Aio-wira Health Retreat and Yoga Centre
• Massage available by appointment, in a studio, just down the hill, looking out onto the serene wetland.

Vehicle hire: Wendekreisen Travel

• We recommend local and established Wendekreisen Travel. They are one of the top rental companies in New Zealand and are family-owned. For over a decade we have heard positive feedback from guests who have hired both cars and campers through them. Click below to check availability or to talk to their team.

• Ph:       0064 9 256 0136
• Fax       0064 9 256 0217
• Email  reservations@wendekreisen.co.nz

Vegetarian Food

Available from Bountiful Earth Ltd. shop in Swanson, 15 minute drive away. Sharn and Jamala offer a range of tasty, nutritious meals and snacks using organic ingredients whenever possible.

Beach-Style Cafe

Bethells’ Beach Café, owned by  Jim and  Anna Wheeler, supply beach-style food and great coffee from Labour weekend (Oct 20) to Queens’ Birthday ( June 1 ) – right at Bethells Beach!

Local Honey

Artisan Beekeepers Karlene and Terry provide locally produced raw Earthbound honey from the Bethells valley. “From hive to table, Earthbound honey is never more or less than nature intended it to be.”

Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables

Available just down the hill on Bethells road is Alan and Sylvia Towler’s delightful selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Just walking up their lavender-lined driveway to enjoy the amazing gardens is well worth doing!