REGIONAL REVIEW NORTH SHORE
Auckland's Harbour Bridge, while really only a short stretch of motorway, is a mental barrier for many, but those who do not venture over it miss out on the delights of seaside suburbs, golden-sand beaches and cafe culture.
Even though the North Shore is well-settled, it still has its wild places: pockets of bush persist within the suburbs, and its string of safe beaches are never crowded.
It runs ahead of the pack when it comes to sandy, sunny beaches. The white sand strips at Takapuna, Milford, and Cheltenham in Devonport are just a few minutes away for most of the North Shore's residents.
Most suburbs, such as Birkenhead, have access to beaches or inner harbour water areas, with many swimming spots dotted from Northcote Point to Beach Haven wharf.
One of the best ways to
