Waitakere City, Auckland

Waitakere City is part of the Auckland metropolitan area, lying at the base of the magnificent Waitakere Ranges. In the west, Waitakere's skyline is dominated by the native forest clad Ranges, while to the east lie the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland City. Waitakere was formed by the joining of Henderson, New Lynn and Glen Eden in 1989.

Explore the suburbs and areas within Waitakere City:

• Henderson: an urban area containing the suburbs of Glendene, Te Atutu South and Te Atutu Peninsula, the Henderson Ward is just 10 kilometres from Auckland City. Henderson (along with New Lynn) is the city's main commercial centre, with a strong presence in the wine making sector. As the birthplace of viticulture in New Zealand, Henderson is a great place to take in the atmosphere and tastes of local vineyards.

• Massey: a predominantly urban area, also incorporating farms and lifestyle blocks in the north and west. The Massey Ward lies to the north of Henderson. The Massey area contains the suburbs of Whenuapai, Hobsonville, West Harbour, Massey, Ranui and Henderson North.

• New Lynn: the hub of west Auckland suburbia contains the suburbs of New Lynn, Glen Eden, Kelston, Green Bay, Titirangi, Kaurilands, Waima, Avondale and Woodlands Park. To the south of Henderson, the New Lynn area stretches south to the shores of the Manukau Harbour. Located 10 kilometres from Auckland City, Titirangi has drawn a number of artists and craftspeople, whose work shows the influence of the surrounding mountain ranges and surf beaches. The popular Art and Heritage Trail creates a path linking local galleries and artists.

• Waitakere: in terms of land area, the Waitakere Ward is the largest in Waitakere City, while its population is the smallest (at around 27,000). This area covers the Waitakere Ranges and the city's urban edges, including the suburbs of Swanson, Henderson Valley, Sunnyvale, Oratia, Waiatarua, Laingholm, Parau, Whatipu, Anawhata and the Waitakere township. The Waitakere Ranges draw many visitors each year, for their scenic beauty and over 200 kilometres of walking and hiking tracks. You'll see kauri giants, waterfalls, native bird life and beaches. The black sand beaches of Piha, Karekare and Bethells are dangerous delights for surfers and swimmers (take care to avoid the rips in the waters of these bays). Sheltered by the Manukau Heads, the beaches at Cornwallis and Huia are tranquil refuges, where calm waters make for a safe swim.

Other Waitakere City suburbs include: Edmonton, French Bay, Henderson Valley, Herald Island, Huapai, Kelston, Laingholm, Lincoln North, Oratia, Royal Heights, Waima, Westgate, Wood Bay and Woodlands Park.

Looking for more information? Find listings for Waitakere City in the NZS.com directory.

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Travel images from Flickr: Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand Lake and Dolphin.