On my last full day in New Zealand, I did multiple hikes up and down the Waitakere Range. From the very nice Arataki Visitors Center, I did a nature hike which described the trees and plants of the very unique rainforest, with the understory of fern trees and palm trees and the tall Kahikatea, Miro, and Rimu trees above. I next drove on a long narrow road to remote Whapita on the southern coast of the range and climbed the Omanawanui Track up to a high viewpoint with 360 degree views and climbed down to walk out onto the beach, which was the southern edge of Karekare Beach. Next, I hiked the Auckland City loop where there were two very large Kauri trees, the giants that had dominated the primeval forests in New Zealand.  Finally, I drove to Bethells Beach at the northern end of the range where I undertook a longer, late afternoon climb up the Te Henga Walkway to the top of cliffs, high above the Tasman Sea, with views of remote beaches.  Back in Piha, after more fish and chips at the RSA, I walked out on the beach to watch the sunset, with my feet in the water. I left the door to the deck open in my room and could hear the surf and see the stars all night.  I slept very well as I had each of the three nights in that room.