Arataki Visitor Centre

11/11/2024

How do you think the natural environment of Tāmaki Makaurau should be protected? 🌳💚

The ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation is open now until 8 December 2024 and Auckland Council is inviting Aucklanders to provide feedback here: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/protect-our-environment

08/11/2024

Kia ora e te whānau! Please note that our carpark will be busier than usual the morning of this Sunday 10 November as there is a trail run happening from 8am 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Find out more at trailruns.org!

04/11/2024

🔔 Welcome back to Waitākere Wonders! our series that shows you some of the highlights of the great Waitākere Ranges.

This week: Te Waha Point.
‼️ PLEASE NOTE ‼️ This track is currently having some repairs made to it and will reopen again in a couple weeks time!

This route includes Rose Track & an open section of Laird Thompson Track.

Time: 30 minutes (one-way)
Distance: 900m (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Start from Anawhata Road, heading on to the Rose Track. Follow along the Rose Track for roughly half your journey, then turn left onto the open section of the Laird Thompson Track. Follow this straight until you reach Te Waha Point.
Please note that not all of the Laird Thompson Track is open currently so please do not stray from the above instructions.

Key features:
⛰️Lookout over Piha Beach & Whites Beach.
🧺A rest-spot with a bench and a well-known cairn featuring
a plaque about Te Waha Point, perfect for a picnic.
🏖️An option to veer off along the way to access Whites
Beach via Rose Track.

25/10/2024

Join our friends from BirdCare Aotearoa at the Hollywood Avondale on Sunday 10 November for a frighteningly good fundraiser screening of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds! 🦅

All funds raised will support the amazing efforts of BirdCare Aotearoa 💚

Hitchcock's The Birds

22/10/2024

We had such a wonderful time at our Friends of Arataki Society Kids Day on Sunday, with one of the biggest turn outs on record! 🌞
Thank you to all the community for coming out to support the day 💚

📸Check out these awesome photos from Kermath at Cuetone Media!

15/10/2024

🔔 Welcome to the first installment of Waitākere Wonders, a series that will show you some of the highlights of the great Waitākere Ranges!

This week: The Karamatura to Mt. Donald McLean route.

This route includes the Karamatura Loop Track, Karamatura Track, Donald McLean Track, and Mt. Donald McLean Walk.

Time: 5 hours (return)
Distance: 11.3km (return)
Difficulty: Moderate - Lots of stairs on Karamatura Track (apprx. 1500)
Dogs: Allowed on-leash
Starting Point: Karamatura Carpark off Huia Rd

Key features:
💧15m high Karamatura Falls
⛰️Viewpoint from the Mt. Donald McLean peak (389m
elevation)
🌊Walking stream-side in the heart of the Karamatura Valley

Happy hiking 💚

11/10/2024

Now that summer is approaching, you'll see our friends, Danish Delight open more often over the warmer months on fine days! 🍦

And of course you'll see them at the Friends of Arataki Kids Day! on Sunday 20 October 🌞

Also, the warmer weather means that our carpark is now open for it's summer hours - everyday from 6am - 9pm! 💚

10/10/2024

It's almost time for our annual Friends of Arataki Kids Day! Sunday 20 October, 11am - 3pm 💚

FEATURING:
The Amazing Bug man
Face painting
Art & Craft activities
Bouncy Castle
Sausage sizzle (cash only)
The Eel Whisperer
Waicare Water Monsters
Games
EcoMatters ...and more!

Rain or shine!🌞

🚗PARKING: Kids Day parking is at 221 Scenic Drive with a free shuttle running to and from Arataki.

Parking is limited, please carpool when possible.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Send a message to learn more

06/10/2024

We're excited to be visiting our friends at Titirangi Community Library tomorrow! Join us at 10.30am for Ngā Rau o Parekura - Parekura's Feathers! 💚🪶

Send a message to learn more

06/10/2024

Hoki mai, Kōwhai!
Arataki Visitor Centre are thrilled to announce the return of Kate Parker's enchanting artwork to our gallery space. These stunning lightboxes showcase the story told in Kate's award-winning picture book 'Kōwhai and the Giants'.
Welcome back, Kōwhai!

02/10/2024

Did you know there are over 130 species of endemic mokomoko (lizards) that call Aotearoa home? 🦎

Join the conservation learning team from Auckland Zoo at the Arataki Visitor Centre for 45 minutes these school holidays to learn all about mokomoko and how to identify them! 💚

Attending whānau will have the opportunity to get close to endemic geckos, talk to conservation experts and even practice creating safe spaces for lizards using backyard materials. There will be action-based exercises and experiences to help translate curiosity and compassion into meaningful actions for te taiao o Aotearoa.

10-10:45 am OR 1-1:45 pm on Wednesday 9 or Friday 11 October!

Please note - these sessions are the same, repeated, please only attend one! 🙂 Drop in event, no bookings required

Send a message to learn more

01/10/2024

Kia ora koutou e te whānau – it's that time of year!
As summer approaches, we’re recruiting for a Summer Visitor Services Representative here at Arataki Visitor Centre! 🌞

The perfect student summer job, this full time position duration is from 12 November 2024 – 14 February 2025.

Applications are open NOW until Saturday 12 October – apply here:
https://careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/job/West-Auckland-Summer-Visitor-Services-Representative-1010/1056348566/

Please note this position requires you to work Tuesday - Saturday and some public holidays💚

29/09/2024

The school holidays are here! Join us tomorrow (Tuesday) from 10am and Make a Bug Hotel! with us! 💚🦗

Send a message to learn more

25/09/2024

Kia Ora e te whānau - the school holidays are just around the corner! 💚

Come along to our first workshop on Monday 30 September at 2pm - Make a Beeswax Wrap with Earthbound Honey!

Join the awesome team from Earthbound Honey Ltd. Sustainable Artisan Beekeepers as they show you how to make your very own beeswax wrap to take home and enjoy 🐝

Send a message to learn more

16/09/2024

Ngā mihi nui BirdCare Aotearoa! 🦉💚