Outdoors near big cities

[gilamonster]

This may sound silly, but I'm yet to see NZ for myself so forgive me.

Are some big cities better than others when it comes to easy access to outdoor activity? I like being part of the city life on weekends, dancing and music and such, but I don't want to drive too far from home to get in some good fishing and trail running. I'm not a hunter, but I love living near lots of trees and forest for the pleasure of it.

Any opinions?

[cheeser]

I can't speak for Wellington and Christchurch as I have never lived there, but Auckland has some great outdoor attractions pretty close to the CBD.

Our family home is nestled in amongst the Waitakere Ranges in Cornwallis and while the website is probably a little optimistic about it being a 30min drive, it's still fairly close. 45min is probably closer to the mark

Waitakere Ranges

I would guess CHCH and Wellington would be even better than Aucks for this kinda stuff, but that's a guess.

[escapedtonz]

Originally Posted by gilamonster

This may sound silly, but I'm yet to see NZ for myself so forgive me.

Are some big cities better than others when it comes to easy access to outdoor activity? I like being part of the city life on weekends, dancing and music and such, but I don't want to drive too far from home to get in some good fishing and trail running. I'm not a hunter, but I love living near lots of trees and forest for the pleasure of it.

Any opinions?

Hi. We're in Wellington and out of city activities are everywhere. Walking, tramping (hiking), fishing, sailing, quad biking, beaches, golf, river trails, river canoeing - the list is endless and all within 30 mins of the CBD if ya know where 2 go of course. The city itself is excellent for bars, restaurants and the harbour front, museums, shopping etc. We like it but we may try further north one day for a warmer but wetter climate ?

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[topcat83]

We're in Miranda, an hour's drive south of Auckland. We live in deepest beautiful countryside, on the edge of the Hunua Ranges and with panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf to Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula in one direction and the Waikato Plains in the other direction.

This week we actually found the far paddock on our property - and also managed at last to find a way into our native bush.
See the piccies - they'll give you an idea of just what is available a very short drive out of Auckland.

[anski]

Originally Posted by topcat83

We're in Miranda, an hour's drive south of Auckland. We live in deepest beautiful countryside, on the edge of the Hunua Ranges and with panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf to Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula in one direction and the Waikato Plains in the other direction.

This week we actually found the far paddock on our property - and also managed at last to find a way into our native bush.
See the piccies - they'll give you an idea of just what is available a very short drive out of Auckland.

Attachment 5416 Attachment 5417 Attachment 5418

Wow Topcat, I can now see why you love it so much, really beautiful.

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by anski

Wow Topcat, I can now see why you love it so much, really beautiful.

I count my blessings every day. We are privileged to live in such a beautiful place.

[gilamonster]

Wow those pictures are beautiful. Sounds like Wellington is my kind of place. All that stuff to do within 30 mins? I can do that

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by gilamonster

Wow those pictures are beautiful. Sounds like Wellington is my kind of place. All that stuff to do within 30 mins? I can do that

Lol - those photos are an hour south of Auckland! And there are much closer places. Further up the coast towards Auckland itself is Maraetai Beach and Beachlands, and in Howick itself (which is a short commuter ferry ride into the CBD) there are more water-borne craft than you can shake a stick at. On a nice Auckland Anniversary Day the harbour is heaving with boats of all shapes and sizes, and with the islands (including Rangitoto) as a backdrop it's magical!

Then around Auckland you have many regional parks - the Waitakeries to the north-west, the Hunuas to the south, and many other smaller ones. Lots of walking within easy driving distances.

And of course the Hauraki Rail Trail (which is for bikes) is being officially opened this week. http://www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz/ - it goes through some beautiful scenery but the trail itself is remarkably flat! That's my kind of cycling!

I think it proves that it doesn't matter where you are in NZ it isn't far to beautiful countryside.

[gilamonster]

lol those were meant to be separate thoughts: Pictures are beautiful --- AND Wellington seems nice (based on the description)

Thank you for the further info about Auckland and vicinity though! In the vacation I'm planning it looks like I'll have 3 days each in Auckland and Wellington besides other places, so I'll try to check out as much as I can!

That reminds me - is it popular to rent bicycles? I think they did this in San Francisco... I didn't try it but people said it was a great way to learn the city. I just walked until I wore holes into my soles! And developed mild shin splints... ha.

[Burnsie]

As an ex Wellingtonian, and having lived in Auckland, and Nelson, I'd be inclined to point you in the direction of Wellington.

It's a compact city with great night life and even better outdoor pursuits.

Whatever you do, you'll have fun!

Cheers,

Burnsie.