Over the past couple of years, I have combed through almost every stretch of the Auckland Region in search of some truly remarkable locations and phenomena. Places that Aucklander’s would never believe are in their own backyard.
It’s been a journey stretching thousands of kilometres on foot, sometimes in the middle of the night. From the highest point in the region to deep underground with plenty of wandering along the way, including a mammoth 400km circumnavigation of the Manukau Harbour.
There have been some stunning discoveries along the way. On a remote stretch of coastline near Waiuku I had just sat down to eat lunch and purely by chance, noticed a small opening in the cliff concealed by logs and sand. Exploring it further revealed a striking sandstone swirl cave and cliff face untouched by humans.
And it’s not just secret locations, but secret phenomena only revealed under the cover of darkness. When conditions are just right, bioluminescence turns the coastline around the Hibiscus Coast into a dazzling neon light show. I’ve also witnessed Southern Light Aurora shows from Auckland.
These locations are fragile and prone to damage if they become “instagrammable”, so I’ve decided to keep their whereabouts secret.
Fluted pinnacles
Over time, erosion from water and wind has created these bizarre, alien-like formations. Some extend 20 metres or higher.
Surreal bioluminescent waves
Marine bioluminescence is a chemical reaction manifesting in the form of light that occurs when single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates are disturbed by a wave or splash. The process turns the ocean into a dazzling neon light show.
Fluro-green pine lake
Hidden in this pine forest is a striking fluro-green pine lake, decorated with twisting surface swirls and patterns.
Martian landscape
Iron rich rock and soil form this stark and ever changing martian landscape.
Towering, spindly forest
Without thinning and exposed to severe elements, this pine plantation has become a wall of densely packed spindly trees, towering above the forest floor.
Sandfalls without water
Tucked away at the base of a monstrous sand dune is a near constantly flowing sandfall. The form is superficially similar to a waterfall, just without water.
Auckland Southern Lights Aurora
Once in a while, the sun creates a particularly strong geomagnetic storm that lights up the darkest corners of the Auckland sky – and for a brief moment only.
Lava caves beneath suburbia
Hidden out of sight, beneath the suburban streets of Auckland are a series of lava tubes. Formed when surface lava begins to cool, but fluid lava continues to flow beneath.
Magical glow worm light show
If you’re lucky, it’s possible to spot the odd glow worm in some of Auckland’s urban forests. But if you know where to look, you won’t need to visit the Waitomo or Waipu caves. You’ll be treated to an incredible light show of thousands of glow worms.
One hundred metre high skylight
One of New Zealand’s best geological wonders is right here in Auckland. This sea cave has eroded vertically upwards to form a colossal 100m high chimney.
The idyllic beach
This idyllic beach resembles something similar to a tropical island with exquisite turquoise water, white sand and protected by ancient lava flows.
Sandstone swirl cave
Concealed by logs and sand on a very remote part of Auckland’s coastline is the sandstone swirl cave. Over many years, layers of sediment have built up and hardened into this swirling texture.
West coast white sand beach
Hidden amongst the stretches of black sand beaches on Auckland’s West Coast is this pristine white sand beach.
The tomo entrance
This deep depression is a unique entrance a stunning underworld featuring hundreds of metres of caves.
The lone island
Trudging across a vast mudplain, you’ll find this lone island just big enough for one person and a few tussocks.
Colourful, rounded rock beach
Weathering and tumbling due to water currents has made this unusual beach of smooth, colourful rocks.
Geothermally heated stream
Move aside Rotorua, the Auckland Region has its own geothermally heated stream situated within a lush forest and is the perfect place for a hot, relaxing soak.
Volcanic intrusion dike
An impressive dike, intruding a layered volcanic conglomerate. A dike is formed when magma rises into an existing fracture, or creates a new crack by forcing its way through existing rock, and then solidifies.
The Golden Nugget
This imposing golden rock formation on Auckland’s East Coast is seemingly out-of-place in this vast sand dune desert.
