In the growing Woodhill recreational area, and wider lifestyle district, you’ll find no shortage of activities and sights to explore. Well-known for a number of charming wedding venues, the Norwest is also blessed as one of New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing regions and orchard-grounds, so wine tours and seasonal produce are always a highlight.
In the Woodhill Forest and the vast black-sand Muriwai coastline which it borders, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including horse-trekking, mountain-biking, off-roading and 4×4’ing, a tree-top adventure course, paintball, Blokart beach-sailing, surfing, year-round golf at Auckland’s links course alongside Muriwai beach, and the sights of Muriwai’s own resident gannet colony.
Along the nearby West coast, you’ll find the pristine native rainforest-clad Waitakere ranges, filled with a choice of superb walks and short tramps, and ready access to an array of unique black-sand beaches, from surfer’s delights at Piha, to secluded Karekare, laidback Bethells (or its neighbouring lake) and, closer to home, Muriwai beach.
For equestrian-lovers, the substantial Woodhill Sands complex is just five minutes’ drive away on the road to Helensville, a small township with touches of its quaint pioneer past. Also close-by, just outside of Helensville, are the Parakai hotsprings and the Parakai Macadamia Farm. A short drive up the West coast brings you to the rugged Kaipara harbour, with plenty of options for self-guided or chartered fishing, touring or kayaking trips.
Food and beverage options in the area are constantly expanding. Along with a range of local wineries and vineyards, many of which offer cellar door tastings, there are a number of good restaurants, and plenty of cafes and casual options as well, all within a short drive from your base at Woodhill Rise. At different times of the year, various farmers’ markets and local produce fairs are held, as well as artisanal destinations such as the award-winning organic goat cheese operation just outside of Kumeu where you can pick up some of their fine product right from the source, or the popular micro-brewery and bar on the road back to Auckland.
For day-to-day amenities, Helensville, Waimauku and Kumeu townships offer all of the essentials within a 10 minute drive, and the more extensive Westgate shopping centre is under 20 minutes’ drive.