Picture Perfect Views in the Auckland Region
Just in case you didn’t know a picture-perfect view when you saw it, Auckland Council erected 16 golden picture frames in Auckland’s most visually pleasing locations. Since the picture frames were put up in 1999, many have been taken down, as they were thought to be more of a scar on the landscape rather than highlighting its beauty. However, 10 remain for some fun shots. We challenge you to find them all! To help you on your way, here’s a list of where to find the golden picture frames in Auckland.
For more fun in Auckland, check out Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Auckland. Plus, find a place to stay from The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland.
1. Hunua Falls
In the Hunua Range Regional Park, south of Auckland city is the 30m (98ft) high Hunua Falls. Not only does the area have a number of bushwalks but it’s also a good place for a swim in the waterfall pool.
© kiwinz on Flickr2. Arataki Visitors Centre
Make a stop at the Arataki Visitors Centre to get a photo with this picture frame capturing the Waitakere Ranges, in the north-west of Auckland.
© myframe.co - Blogspot3. Waitakere Ranges
Another shot of the Waitakere Ranges can be found at Cascade Park. Walk among giant kauri trees in this northern part of the ranges. [Update: the tracks at Cascade Park are closed for kauri protection. See the Auckland council website for closed track].
© Yortw on Flickr4. Shakespear Regional Park
Beaches, native bush and pastureland can be found at Shakespear Regional Park on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in Auckland’s North Shore.
© myframe.co - Blogspot5. Sullivans Bay
Situated in Mahurangi Regional Park, north of Orewa, is the picture-perfect campground and beach of Sullivans Bay.
© Rankers6. Tapapakanga Regional Park
This coastal park is north of the Hunua Ranges. Enjoy beaches and coastal walks.
© tvnz7. Wenderholm Regional Park
Another beach getaway is in the Wenderholm Regional Park, just north of Waiwera in North Shore.
© Travelgypsynz8. Long Bay Regional Park
Plenty of people spend summer on this stretching beach between Albany and Silverdale, North Shore.
© snowrii.com9. Awhitu Regional Park
What a shocker: more beaches! It’s also worth climbing the steps to the lighthouse for views over the rugged coast of the Awhitu Penninsula, south of Auckland city.
© luoow - Imgur10. Ambury Regional Park
This working farm on the Manukau Harbour, South Auckland, is the perfect place for bird and sheep spotting.
© Gisellewandersoff - Imgur
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
