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Canyoning
Feeling adventurous?  Canyoning is an exciting Extreme Sport that can include abseiling under showering waterfalls, swimming through pools and caves and exhilarating slides and jumps.  Done at nearby Piha Beach, you'll need no lunch, equipment, transport or experience, as it is all is provided for you. 

Adventures
4 Wheel Drive Experience 
Welcome Out West
Bush and Beach
Bethells  Beach Cottages are a short walk or drive from majestic Bethells Beach (Te Henga).  There are many sights to see and things to do nearby.  Survey the expansive black sand dunes, explore the beach caves at night with the magical light of glow worms and phosphorescence and investigate the abundant New Zealand native flora and fauna that surrounds the area.



Tramping & Coastal Walks
 Bethells Beach is home to some spectacular scenery and nearby there are walks to suit everyone, be it a short amble or a longer trek that takes your fancy. We can arrange a personalised guided walking tour or you may prefer to go it alone.  The Waitakere Ranges are just a 15 minute drive away and the Department of Conservation book, "NZ Walkways", has rated the nearby Te Henga-Goldie Bush Walkway   as one of New Zealand's top 12 walking tracks. This picturesque walk takes approximately 4 hours, following the coastline from Muriwai to Bethells Beach. We suggest you take a picnic and make a day of it!

Bethells Beach
Lonely Planet 
NZ Travel & Tourism Guidebook


Horse Whispering

If you're an equine lover then have we've got just the experience for you - and it's available right on your doorstep! Vicky offers horsemanship tuition, demonstrations and guided treks.  
 


Fishing
Surfcasting, rock fishing or kontiki; whichever you choose, the fishing is great! If you forgot your own equipment, we're happy to lend out one of our own surfcasting fishing rods.





Golfing
If you're keen to tee off, there are two pristine golf courses within just 10-20 minutes drive and a few others not much further away.  
Surfing
Surfs Up! If you enjoy riding the waves then you'll be impressed by what the West Coast beaches have to offer. There are two superb surf beaches within walking distance and a number of others a short drive away.




Swimming
If you like the waves then Bethells Beach and O'Neill Bay are both within walking distance. A surf patrol operates on Bethells Beach during the summer months or if you prefer calmer waters then try Lake Wainamu, a great fresh water lake - a 40 minute walk or drive and walk 20 minutes.



Above:  Tranquil Lake Wainamu, a great fresh water lake within walking distance.


Wining & Dining
Sample an array of New Zealand fine wines from the vineyards themselves. Many world-class wineries are within short driving distance (20-30 minutes) of the cottages, as are some fantastic restaurants and café's. Remember to check out Bethells Beach Café, open weekends and public holidays during the summer months. Run by Jim and Anna, the café offers friendly West Coast hospitality, alfresco dining and a sumptuous menu of café' style cuisine all within walking distance of the beach.








Above:  Award Winning - Moka Restaurant in Henderson.
"One of Auckland's Cafe Gems" - Michael Guy

Restaurants & Cafes:   
Allely House - Selaks Vineyard Restaurant
Barossa
Bethells Beach Cafe 
Blossoms
Carridges
Hardware Cafe  
Moka Restaurant   Winner - 'Best Restaurant 2001'
Swanson Railway Cafe
The Hunting Lodge  
The Long Drop Cafe
Toby's Kitchen
 
Art & Culture
Why not take some time to travel and explore the art and culture of West Auckland.  The region is culturally diverse and rich with significant historical and contemporary pieces.





Above:
  Kate Wells' Breaksea Gallery in Titirangi

Many successful artists have chosen to base themselves from Waitakere City, gaining inspiration from the spectacular surroundings, including international artists Don Binney, Fatu Feu'u, Dean Buchanan, Kate Wells and arguably New Zealand's most important modern painter, Colin McCahon

Many Waitakere City artists are featured on the 'Art Out West ' trail map which combines details of local markets and an invitation from many artists to visit them in their studio.  Why not hire a car a car and do some exploring? The 'Art Out West' brochures are available in all our cottages.






Above: 
Water Colour by Allie Eagle 

Arts & Culture:
Allie Eagle
Ann Robinson 
Judith Moore Chisholm
Lopdell House
Packing Shed Gallery
Polynesian Craft Market  
Titirangi Village Market
Tony Ogle
Traditional Maori Cultural Experience
Vicky Wilson
William Beattie  
Waitakere City Art & Culture 
Zeke Wolf



Above:
  An advertisement for a popular alcoholic beverage in the making. 

Bethells Beach retains the beauty of a beach undiscovered by the masses.  Its dramatic scenery and deserted shore lines have made it a popular location for filming. Some film and television productions shot on location at Bethells Beach include Black Beauty, Cleopatra and The Piano.



Train Enthusiasts

Catch the train out to Waitakere City stopping at Swanson Railway Station.   On arrival make sure you take the time to enjoy a great cappuccino and some yummy cake at the fantastic Swanson Railway Cafe (pictured below)


Have a friend meet you there, or if you prefer, Trude can organise transportation to Bethells Beach Cottages (by prior arrangement only).

There are a number of railway and train themed attractions within close driving distance.  Two of these attractions offer the opportunity of sightseeing the lush Waitakere Ranges whilst enjoying a ride on this time honoured mode of transportation.  



Above: 
Picturesque Harrier Rise Vineyard
Wine:
West Auckland Wine Trails  
Babich Wines Ltd
Coopers Creek Vineyard
Corbans Wines Ltd
Fine Wine Tours
Harrier Rise Vineyard  
House of Nobilo Estate
Kumeu River Wines Ltd
Lincoln Vineyards Ltd
Matua Valley Wines Ltd
Odyssey Wines
St Jerome Wines
West Brook Winery
Attractions:

In nearby driving distance of the cottages, there a diverse range of places to visit.  From Monterey Park and Model World, a fantastic location for car and model enthusiasts, to Crystal Mountain,  with its rare and beautiful crystals from around the world.  For something different why not take the  Nihotupu Bush Tramway a scenic bush train ride offering spectacular views of the bush clad Waitakere Ranges.  There is something for everyone and all within close driving distance from Bethells Beach Cottages.  We will of course happily provide you with directions!

Craftworld

Gannet Colony - Muriwai

Kiwi Valley




Above: 
Arataki Heritage & Environment Centre in Titirangi features an 11 metre Pou or guardian post carved by Te Kawerau a Maki.  Photo
© Auckland Regional Council. 



Above: 
Huia - View from Arataki Heritage & Environment Centre




Massage
Why not try the superb Seaweed Body Wrap which cleanses and tones your skin to silky smooth? Or, what better way to completely unwind than a Deep Relaxation or Stress Releasing massage given in the privacy of your own cottage or in the sun overlooking the beach. For something different try Aura Soma Energy Healing.  

Then when you're all nice and relaxed - hop in our bubbling hot tub (with a view of the ocean of course) and your favourite refreshment!  Pure indulgence - need we say more?

The Bethells Beach region may seem awfully familiar to some.  This may be because it was home to Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, 
Xena: Warrior Princess
 
and the Young Hercules productions, serving as the backdrop to many memorable scenes and many more.

Waitakere City
Visiting Waitakere
Waitakere City Heritage Sites
What's Happening in the City

Auckland 
Auckland Visitor Centres

Tourism Auckland
 
Twin Coast Discovery

West Auckland weather (updates every 10 minutes)

Tours


Transport
Bus & Train timetables 
Car Rental 
Transportation Contacts    

Travel Agent

New Zealand 
ABC Pacific
Destination New Zealand - Information
New Zealand Tourism

Remember we're always happy to offer recommendations!

All photographs featured in this website are copyrighted.  For details and/or prints of any image, please contact Trude and she will put you in contact with the owner.

Contact Us Today
Trude & John Bethell Paice
Bethells Beach Cottages, PO Box 95057, Swanson, Auckland, New Zealand
Tel:  (00 64 9) 810 9581, Fax:  (00 64 9) 810 8677, Email:  info@bethellsbeach.com
Visiting by appointment only