Fernglen B&B is located in the historic suburb of Birkenhead surrounded by native bush and overlooking Waitemata Harbour's Soldiers Bay. The house is nearby famous Fernglen Gardens which has one of the best collections of mountain plants in Australasia as well as many species of New Zealand Flora and Fauna. The Chelsea sugar works is also a prominent feature of the landscape. Central Auckland is about 15 minutes away by car and within approx. 40 minutes you can reach Auckland International Airport. Birkenhead is the heart of the lower North Shore perched on a hill, overlooking the Waitemata Harbour. This coastal aspect combined with an abundance of native bush gives a distinct New Zealand feel to the area. Accessible via the first two exits north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Birkenhead is just a short dash from Auckland's city centre. The area also boasts good public transport and a ferry service across to downtown Auckland. There are a few options which are in walking distance from Fernglen B&B. Well worth a visit is Fernglen Gardens just up the road. Fernglen is devoted solely to the growing and preservation of New Zealand. The gardens consist of approximately 9 acres of Kauri Association bush with roughly half an acre under cultivation. Well maintained walking tracks provide an excellent opportunity to observe many interesting species including kauris and ancient rimus clothed in epiphytes. Native bird species you might see include Rirorio (Grey Warbler), Pipiwharauroa (Shining cuckoo), Kereru (wood pigeon), Tui, Tauhou (Silvereye) and Ruru (Morepork). We are happy to recommend day trips in and out of Auckland. Depending on your time and budget we can recommend up to 5 days in and around Auckland without going to one place twice. Whether you travel by car, plane or boat, you won't be disappointed.