As you drive further along Scenic Drive in the Waitākere Ranges towards Swanson, you will see a sign for Rose Hellaby House shortly after the Piha Road turnoff.
The house is up a short drive in the surrounding forest and is named for Rose Hellaby who owned it from the 1930s to late 1960s, when she gifted it to Auckland City. Rose had an intrepid life which is described in some detail on a panel next to the house.
Although the house is relatively modest, it has probably one of the best views in Auckland. From the back garden, there is a steep forested drop to the northeast with views to Downtown Auckland and the Waitematā Harbour from the garden.
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