Category Archives: Shorter 30 minute Auckland walks

These Auckland walks are suitable for small children and for people who live locally. They also would suit visitors who want to get a taste of Auckland.

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

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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

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Family walk around Panmure Basin

Panmure Basin 1 300x225 Family walk around Panmure BasinIt takes only 30 minutes to walk around Panmure Basin – another Auckland volcanic crater, but if you take young children with you then it may take longer.  Take the tricycles and scooters – there are only two steep bits. Panmure Basin is a fun family walk in Auckland with several distractions – there is access to 3 playgrounds, and on weekends there is a mini-train ride and you can stop and watch people controlling their boats on the pond. Keep an eye on the tide chart – it does look prettier at high tide.

If you are lazy you may wish to take along your fishing rod to check out if anything is biting.  But if you are into serious fitness you can always walk around the basin twice or participate on the Fitness Trail.
Panmure Basin 300x225 Family walk around Panmure Basin

Nearby is a skate park and the Lagoon Leisure and Fitness Centre, Lagoon Dr, Panmure - Here you’ll find outdoor pools, a hydroslide, diving boards, and an adventure playground – all kid magnets in the summer. The outdoor area and gardens with barbecues and shaded picnic tables are great for family picnics and functions (source NZ Herald).

Also nearby is Mount Wellington Domain which is fun to explore and has great views of Auckland.

This area does lack nearby cafes but if you have a car you may want to venture to Pakuranga Plaza or Sylvia Park.
Panmure Basin 2 300x225 Family walk around Panmure Basin