Category Archives: Auckland Nature Bush Walks

There are pockets of native bush and wetlands throughout Auckland. Many have nature trails with trees sign-posted. Native Bush walks provide shade on hot summer days.

Mangemangeroa Reserve walking track

Copy of IMG 2959 300x225 Mangemangeroa Reserve walking track The Mangemangeroa Reserve track was a totally new discovery for us today. I was  aware of it’s existence (and my awareness was raised further by my friend Isabel).

Today this walk was an initial explore.  We concluded that it cannot be made into a circular walk however it is a beautiful magical place to walk, so we will be returning to document it fully. Yet again we hit the familiar snags, lack of sign posting – so we shall endeavor to keep fellow walkers on track with clear directions.

Today we met a couple at Shelly Park Beach who had walked from Howick Beach to Hayley Lane and were on their return journey. They had been walking for 31/2 hours to that point.

The views from the top of the ridge down the valley to the estuary were stunning, the bush was peaceful, and it was still and beautiful down by the water’s edge at Shelly Park Beach and the yacht club.

I also suggest if you have the time that you pop into Howick Village markets which are held every Saturday morning. There is also a Sunday craft market at All Saints Community Centre in Cook St.

IMG 2962 300x225 Mangemangeroa Reserve walking track

Hobson Bay Walkway and Parnell

IMG 2782 300x225 Hobson Bay Walkway and ParnellThis walk in Auckland is a low tide walk (check the tides here) that takes you around the edge of Hobson Bay, via the Freda Kirkwood Walkway and along the back streets of Parnell finishing at the Shore Road Cafe.

Dog lovers have two reserves that are off-leash areas.

Nature lovers can enjoy the Native Bush in Ayr Reserve (look out for the cheeky fantails).

Parts of the Hobson Bay Walkway includes a boardwalk which hopefully will one day be extended to make this walk accessible at high tide too.

IMG 2789 300x225 Hobson Bay Walkway and Parnell

Suggested Cafe: Shore Road Cafe

Find this walk and more at the Walks Store

Moire Park, Massey

Copy of IMG 2696 300x225 Moire Park, MasseyThis is the second time we have been to Moire Park in Massey/West Harbour West Auckland (the first time was 12 months ago).  The park has many paths of different grades to suit all kinds of walkers. The walking circuit we have documented takes in the variety of the paths and scenery – from native bush to a hill view of the City. This is a dog friendly walk. And there is a variety of playgrounds for children to enjoy. There is a BBQ and picnic area available.  And a Pump Park for young cyclists.

Moire Park playground 300x225 Moire Park, Massey

We studied the map near where we parked the car in Granville Drive (a great looking children’s playground nearby). We thought we had it sussed and set off. We had a print-out of the map with us because even though there are markers pointing out the tracks, they are not numbered or colored. This area would be enhanced with better sign-posting.

We did not find a cafe in the area – so if anyone knows of one please leave your suggestion in the comment box below.

What we do find puzzling is why is there no bridge over or a tunnel under the north-western motorway for pedestrians/cyclists to access the Westgate Shopping Centre? This seems incredibly short-sighted. (NB on the 28th Feb 2012 the NZTA announced that a pedestrian/cycle bridge will be built. Read more here)

Here’s a video I found that gives a taste of Moire Park.


Copy of IMG 2698 300x225 Moire Park, Massey
Find this and other West Auckland walks at the Walks Store

Avondale Whau River walk

IMG 2614 300x225 Avondale Whau River walkThe Avondale Whau River walkway from New Lynn, was a new discovery yesterday. The Whau River is almost full of mangroves but it does have a boardwalk going across thanks to Dawn Persson’s commitment to the Avondale Community.

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area.

You may like to pack a picnic or take advantage of the nearby New Lynn Cafes.
IMG 2617 300x225 Avondale Whau River walk

Find this and other West Auckland walks at the Walks Store

Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit

The Henderson Opanuku Stream walk comes under Project Twin Streams. A great deal of progress has been made. It is a very pleasant short bush walk among the native trees – two giant kauris and many macrocarpas, and the sound of birds. IMG 2642 300x225 Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit
This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area.

More work needs to be done on making sign posting clear to encourage more people to get out and discover what a beautiful area it is. The area would also benefit from BBQ areas and children’s playgrounds to encourage more families to enjoy the outdoors.

This is another walk that you can get to by rail and make it a day outing as Henderson Railway Station is close by. You may like to pack a picnic or take advantage of the Henderson Cafes.
IMG 2648 300x225 Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit

Find this and other West Auckland walks at the Walks Store

Blockhouse Bay circuit

IMG 2613 300x225 Blockhouse Bay circuitHave you ever wondered what a “Block House” is? Well, today I found out.
The last Saturday of the month is Market Day in Blockhouse Bay’s main street. At the street stalls you can buy fresh fruit and veggies, fish, delicious breads, plants, sweets, dog food and more.

On Market Days (and each Tuesday) the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society opens the doors of Armanasco House (on the Village Green next to the library). Today I met Keith who explained to me that the old block house was a military building that was built so that it could withstand (or ‘block’) musket ball penetration. There were several block houses that were built in Auckland to protect the city from invasion during the Maori Wars.

The block house of Blockhouse Bay no longer exists, but the Society has a collection of photos and memorabilia, plus members have many fascinating stories.

This Blockhouse Bay circuit walk begins at the National Bank, winds through the newly renamed Gittos Domain (it was called Avondale South Domain) to Flounder Bay. It is an undulating short bush walk with steep paths and steps to test our fitness levels. There are many bench seats along the way. It is very peaceful with just the sound of birds. Many of the native trees have been sign-posted. At low-tide it is possible to walk along the edge of the Bays.

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area.
IMG 2608 300x225 Blockhouse Bay circuit

Find this and other West Auckland walks at the Walks Store

 

 

 

Suggested Cafes: Barefoot in the Bay and Icoco.

Blockhouse Bay Cafes 150x150 Blockhouse Bay circuit

Dingle Dell and St Heliers Circuit

IMG 2530 300x225 Dingle Dell and St Heliers CircuitOne of my favourite short bush walks in Auckland is the Dingle Dell and St Heliers circuit.  On a sunny day St Heliers village  has a holiday feel about it – with the harbour water sparkling, the golden sand and people enjoying the waterfront.  Contrasted with the quietness of the native bush in Dingle Dell.

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area. There is a children’s playground.  Plus a picnic area in Dingle Dell Reserve. And a good choice of cafes along the Tamaki Drive waterfront.

Along Tamaki Drive there is a fine choice of cafes and restaurants.

IMG 2532 300x225 Dingle Dell and St Heliers Circuit Find this and other walks at the Walks Store

 

Kepa Bush

IMG 2462 300x225 Kepa BushKepa Bush is another short walk in Auckland treasure that contains bush trails and native trees, flora and fauna that is easy to get to.

The circuit takes about 30 minutes, and it provides views of the bush, 3 volcanoes (One Tree Hill, Mt Hobson and Mt Eden) and Orakei Basin.

The grass reserve has picnic tables, and space to kick a ball around.

Kepa Bush is beside Eastridge Shopping Centre, where you can leave your car and stop for a coffee afterwards.

Download the FREE Kepa Bush Reserve guide and map here

IMG 2464 300x225 Kepa Bush

St Johns Bush

IMG 2445 300x225 St Johns BushToday was my first visit to St Johns Bush. This little gem of a nature walk is in a reserve of beautiful native trees and bush, with a stream and a mighty Kauri tree.
This is a great spot to take people to show them native New Zealand bush without having to drive to the Waitekere Ranges.

The only sounds we could hear were the calling of the birds, the rain dripping off the trees and the running of the stream. All this in an urban area!

We arrived via a back entrance so we got a little lost at first, however once we found the main entrance and a map, it all became clear.

There is no nearby cafe, so we drove up to nearby Meadowbank shops and found a choice of 3 cafes.

Download this walk for free here

IMG 2452 300x225 St Johns Bush

Waiatarua Reserve – fun for all

IMG 2193 300x225 Waiatarua Reserve   fun for allWaiatarua Reserve has something for everyone. The reserve is a large wetland (see the pukeko and other water birds) with paths suitable for walking, jogging and cycling.

It  has a children’s playground, picnic tables, viewing platforms, a Basketball half court, a Skate park. This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area. It has been called “Auckland’s best dog park

In some places, you could imagine that you are a long way from civilization, because all you can hear are the birds and all you can see are trees.

The walk is signposted to be 60 minutes long, we walked just over 3 kms.

CYCLE MEET
50 Plus Cycling meets at Waiatarua Reserve, Abbotts Way, Remuera, on specific Sundays at 3.30pm, and Mt Albert War Memorial Park on Wednesday evenings. More info: click here.

IMG 2187 300x225 Waiatarua Reserve   fun for all

Find this and other walks at the Walks Store.

Suggested Cafe: Hollywood Bakery in Lunn Avenue