Walking the Waitakere Ranges

Sprawling from the western Auckland suburbs to the wild coast around Piha and Whatipu, the rugged Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is the city's finest green space, and its network of bush and coastal trails attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. First published in 2001, Walking the Waitakere Ranges is still the leading guide to the best walks in the region, and is now going into its third edition with full revisions, ensuring that it remains as practical and indispensable as ever. The introduction covers geology, forest, native birds and pre-European history, as well as the history of the park. Also covered are safety and security issues. The balance of the book comprises details of 45 walks (10 of them new to this edition), each with a map. The walks are graded and come with an approximate completion time. Ranging in length from a half-hour family ramble to longer, more challenging day hikes, the walks will have great appeal to families, tourists, backpackers and experienced walkers. In addition to adding new walks, the authors have thoroughly revised the existing walks.