There is so much to do within easy reach!

Whether you are staying with us just a few days or longer, there is something for everyone to do in vibrant Coastal West Auckland.

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.

A tree fern on Scenic Drive

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)

Lake Wainamu, seen from the Hillary Trail

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  [email protected]

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!