Waitakere Range and Arataki Visitors Centre

 The Waitakarere  Rain Forest is a cross between original old growth forest and regenerated new growth.  Early logging of the Kauri Forest in the 1800's left much of the east slope of the range barren.  Farmers later came in but found the soil unsuitable for sustained yields. Almost a century later, a road was developed named Exhibition Drive. It was later added to and improved and is now known as Scenic Drive.  We traveled this snake-like back road until we came to the Arataki Visitors Centre.. This site provided a prominent view of the valley and the Waitakere Range.

We spent close to an hour here just taking in the panoramic view, watching a video presentation and walking
through the centre admiring the displays.

This area is best experienced on foot as numerous trails are laid out to best appreciate a true rain forest and its resplendent flora. This is a place for me to come back to and take more time to enjoy.  It is just on the outskirts of Aukland and is an incredible resource so close to an urban environment.

I was asked what I appreciated most about New Zealand and my immediate response was the greenery. The variety is a constant visual feast. Unfortunately, what is so common may become commonplace. It appears to be so for the majority of the locals.

Below are pictures of nearby beaches with the characteristic black sand. This rugged coast line also claims to have some of the best surfing beaches in the world.  Some world championships occur in and around here.

This plant we saw at the Centre is said to be  the lightest wood on earth. It is lighter than balsa but not near the strength.
We also visited a Palestinian Christian  who plies a trade as a wood carver. He has a shop right next to his house and he gave a lesson on the types of wood he uses. I picked up one block of wood that could easily rank right up there with the heaviest wood.  Both extremes in one day! He chooses from deep rich red wood to chestnut brown and everything in between. Beautiful pieces by any measure!