We really enjoyed exploring the Wild West Coastal Tour from Auckland. This was an incredible tour of New Zealand's Western Coastline.
Waitakere Range
The Waitakere Ranges and its foothills and coasts comprise of public and private land located between metropolitan Auckland and the west coast of Waitakere City. New Zealand is so super strict! We knew that coming in because of the strict Visa regulations, but they even made us clean our shoes before and after visiting each forest. Our tour guide said that they have to protect their land because invasive species could overtake the small islands. We know all about kudzu in the US!
Karekare Falls.
We trekked to the base of the Waitakere waterfall, known as the Karekare Falls. It is a short walk from the road. The track to the top of the falls is now closed to help stop the spread of the incurable Kauri dieback disease. This is a fungus that lives in the soil and infects kauri roots, damaging the tissues that carry nutrients and water within the tree, effectively starving the tree to death.
Piha
Piha is a seaside village, west of Auckland, on New Zealand’s North Island. Black-sand Piha Beach is known for its strong surf and rugged scenery. We had a quick lunch at Piha Store and Surf Shop, then on to paradise.
Rain Forest
We walked through rain forests filled with beautiful Kauri trees. These trees are among the world's mightiest trees, growing to over 160 feet tall, with trunk girths up to 52 feet, and living for over 2,000 years. Again the shoe cleaning station to protect the forest. I love this!
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