Crystal Mountain

I’m basically an overgrown magpie, so Crystal Mountain is somewhat of a candy land for me. I didn’t go on their little theme park/​farm yard ride, but I got as far as their shiny souvenir shop filled with exciting gems.
Also enjoyed a bowl of fries and a toasted sandwich at the café. My companion & I found the food a tad on the boring side, but it’s so nice to be able to escape the city and enjoy some country living for a while. The kids will love the animals and a little tram that travels around the farm. You’ll enjoy it for the escape, the crystals and the endlessly beautiful scenery. It is the exquisite Waitakere Ranges afterall.

Certainly one of the more interesing places out West, Crystal Mountain is not just a café, it’s a crystal museum too where everything is for sale. The choice and diversity of the crystals on offers is superb, they really do come in all shapes and sizes. What struck me was the prices — most of the stuff for sale was very reasonably priced. I got a paua and diamonte bracelet for $ 15(!). I am sure if I bought this in a souvenir shop in the city it would cost double or treble that. They had some neat crystal ornaments for your home too and I saw a lovely cobalt coloured piece for only $ 30. Even if don’t want to buy anything, it’s a great place just to browse. Have never tried the café here but you can have a nice coffee or brunch after looking in the museum. There is a also a large playground for kids and little tram to take them around the grounds. Well worth checking out.