Great places nearby….
Arataki Visitor Center – Little known fact, if you bike, walk or drive to the top of Parker Rd, you can walk along an easy track (5-10mins) under the Scenic Drive tunnel and pop up at Arataki – the entrance Visitor Center to the Waitakere Ranges with all kinds of cool things to look at and information about the tracks in the Ranges. Also if your lucky the coffee cart will be open and you can have a coffee or an enormous Danish waffle – cone ice-cream. Wash your shoes well, and stay on the tracks so we don’t spread Kauri Dieback disease.
Elevation Cafe The site of today’s Elevation Restaurant has been part of the community since 1938. Down the road from the beauty and power of Piha Beach, hanging 350m above sea level on a side of the Waitakere ranges, Elevation Restaurant is one of the highest restaurant in Auckland and a hidden gem of West Auckland. Elevation is even higher than the tip of the Skytower and looks down on the revolving restaurant. Elevation has indescribable and must see for yourself views of Auckland city, but the views are surpassed by the delicious food and friendly smiles here. Pop in to the restaurant for a meal or have your function with us. 473 Scenic Dr. 09 814–1919
Hoani Waititi Marae – 451 West Coast Road, Glen Eden. Next to Parrs Park.
Hoani Waititi Marae was opened in 1980 through dedication and support of Aotearoa and the Community of Waitakere. The Marae opened one of the first Kohanga Reo and has grown to provide Kura Kaupapa, Wharekura, Maori Programmes, Activities, and Services.
Kapa Haka / Maori Performing Arts
Hoani Waititi Marae is home to 5 Kapa Haka teams.
Nga Kura o Hoani Waititi
– Te Kohanga Reo o Hoani Waititi Marae
– Te Kura Kaupapa o Hoani Waititi Marae
– Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi Marae
Marae Services
– Oranga Whanau – Family Social Assistance
– Kaitoko Whanau – Family Social Assistance
– Patua te Ngangara – Drug Rehabilitation
– Te Whanau Awhina – Restorative Justice
– Te Kooti Rangatahi – Marae Based Youth Course
Marae Programmes
– Tikanga Programme
– Marae Experience Programme
– Maori Cultural Shows
Mission Statement
“Ki te whakamana i te reo me ona tikanga kia whakapapa rangatira ai te Iwi, he Maori tonu”
To validate Maori Language and customs so that Maori may flourish as Maori
The Refreshment Room – 233 Scenic Drive, Waiataruau
Waitakere Estate – High tea weddings and boutique accommodation. This amazing hotel feels on top of the world with a quirky mix of old and new. Beautiful gardens and views over the Waitakere Ranges. Drive or take your helicopter -its got its own heli-pad.
Tree Tops Play Space in Tui Glen Reserve Henderson- The newly built playground includes three large towers and an eagle’s nest climbing structure that takes you to eye level with the surrounding trees before you speed down a long tunnel slide.
Rain Forest Express
The Rain Forest Express service is temporarily unavailable while repairs are carried out to the track following a land slip.
Pack a picnic and enjoy an incredible family day out that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Just 40 minutes from central Auckland, embark on a wilderness adventure aboard Watercare’s Rain Forest Express, a narrow-gauge railway located deep in the heart of the Waitakere Ranges. Travel over wooden bridges that span valleys lined with ancient forest and pass through tunnels lit at night with a multitude of glow-worms (along with the odd cave weta!). Your adventure culminates in a visit to one of Auckland’s hidden treasures, the Upper Nihotupu Dam, where the silence of the bush belies the closeness of the city.
The Rain Forest Express departs from Jacobson’s Depot, 280 Scenic Drive, Nihotipu – just before Arataki. Please note that pre-bookings are essential. Approximately five days notice is advisable.
For bookings phone (09) 4422222 or email rainforest@water.co.nz.
Twin Streams Bike Path – Check out the map. Great safe, fun, off-road bike path. Starts on Parrs Cross Road, almost across the road from Oratia Farmers Market . Then it travels past Sunnyvale Train Station and into Henderson. The old Waitakere Council did a great job on this one. Cool pieces of art a nice bridge, some seating a community garden. See the hard work of the Twin Streams Restoration volunteers – give them a hand and pick up a piece of rubbish on the way and keep our stream as clean as it was when it left the Ranges. Their is a second off road bike path in our neighbouring Henderson valley opposite Kiwi Valley Ranch, which is also cool, past the horses and along the stream to Corban Estate in Henderson.
Lopdell House – Newly renovated, iconic building, Lopdell house is home to this iconic local Art Gallery
Piha Café – Hippest cafe at one of the worlds best surf beaches. Stop for a coffee, icecream, or a pizza after a surf or a walk along the beach.
Corban Estates Arts Centre – Located at the historic Corban Winery Estate in Henderson, Waitakere City. The Arts Centre utilizes the historic winery buildings and is home to galleries which feature a changing programme of Exhibitions, a Cafe, Gallery Shop, and Artist’s Studios. (Accessible from the Henderson Valley Twin Streams Bike Path)
Extreme Edge – Awesome indoor rock climbing with excellent self belaying for children, and advanced options. A couple of blocks from parrs park. Great choice for a kids party.
Humbug Café – 32 Rua Rd Fruitvale – Lots of delicious homemade goodies. Very hip little cafe.
Kohu Rd Icecream – 44 Portage Road New Lynn – Very cool cafe, with a caravan with kids videos and the most delicious icecream .
Waitakere BMX Track, Open to the public any time it’s not being used by the club. 103 Glen Rd Ranui.. Where long sleeves , gloves, and of course a helmet.
This is just the beginning of a list. Please feel free to email your suggestions to secretary@oratia.org.nz