Welcome to the Norwest – Home of Kumeu Wine Country, Muriwai Beach, Woodhill Forest and the Kaipara Harbour. Whether you would like to explore nature, watch stunning sunsets, relax or be thrillseeking – the area offers something for everyone.
At and around our place
Enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet just a stone’s throw away.
Wake up to the sound of birds, chicken and other farm animals, enjoy the fresh air and stunning views. You can spend time with the alpacas, cows or calves, be visited by nosy chickens. Have breakfast on the patio or lunch in the paddock or at the pond. Just relax.
Maybe you fancy some work that you would normally not be doing and help feed the animals or do some firewood.
You could also play dart or do some archery. We have a selection of archery equipment for use, staff availability and weather permitting.
Activities close-by
Kayaking
Auckland Sea kayaks organises guided tours on the Rangitopuni stream from either Herald Island or the Riverhead Tavern.
Moving – by horse, bike or 4WD
Explore Woodhill Forest or Muriwai Beach on horseback, we can organise a ride with one of our local horse trek providers. Woodhill Forest also offers Tree Adventures, treetop climbing for all ages, mountain biking and 4WD adventures.
Spend a day out at Muriwai, taking surf lessons or go kite surfing, or just wander the beach and tracks.
Riverhead Forest also offers tracks for horse riding, mountainbiking or walking.
Walking
The Hillary trail starts at Muriwai Beach too.
The trail is a highly challenging 77-km multi-day expedition through the native Māori forest of Waitakare Ranges and along the diverse coastline of this regional park. It passes through different environments and micro-climates, from rainforest full of the endangered kauri trees to rocky cliffs to mesmerizing black-sand beaches.
Further suggested info via NZ tramper or budgetbucketlist (with lovely description and pictures of what to expect)
Goldie Bush is just down the road from us and offers walking or hiking trails for the beginners or advanced. Please check with us. The reserve is closed due to Kauri dieback from time to time for track upgrades.
Riverhead Forest also offers tracks for walking and is always open to the public.
Swimming
Swimming at the West Coast is only suggested between the flags when the Surf Life Rescue is at the beach.
However Parakai Hotpools are nice for just relaxing swimming in the hot pools or having fun on the hydro slides.
Action
Fancy paintball at Delta Force Paintball’s amazing Woodhill Forest centre?
Or WCT Paintball in Riverhead Forest?
You could also try some clay target coaching at the Waitemata Clay Target Club.
Relaxation
While Parakai Hot Pools are more the family fun with action for the kids, it also offers a semi-roofed hot pool for relaxation. Send tye kids off and relax!
Right opposite is Palm Springs, which offers none of the action but a number of hot pools for relaxation only. Had a rreally nice makeover recently and is very well maintained.
Activities further away
There are a number of activities in the wider area, in Henderson and around the Kaipara Harbour.
Helensville
Nestled beside the Kaipara River on the south edge of the Kaipara Harbour, historic Helensville’s relaxed lifestyle has plenty to offer both visitors and permanent residents. In fact, Helensville was named as one of New Zealand’s ‘Top Ten Small Towns’ by North and South magazine.
Helensville offers a wide range of shops, cafes and activities. Please check on the Helensville website for any current events or Activities.