Category Archives: Walks in Auckland West

West Auckland has the most walking tracks in all of Auckland. There are some fabulous bush walks and picnic spots http://www.westauckland.net.nz/picnic-spots.htm
This is a collection of shorter walks to help you discover the hidden walking gems in West Auckland without having too travel far.

Moire Park, Massey

Posted on February 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

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
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Posted in Auckland Nature Bush Walks, Walks in Auckland West

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Avondale Whau River walk

Posted on January 29, 2012 | Leave a comment

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

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Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit

Posted on January 29, 2012 | 2 Comments

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

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Glen Eden and Waikumete Cemetery Circuit Walk

Posted on January 29, 2012 | Leave a comment

IMG 2630 300x225 Glen Eden and Waikumete Cemetery Circuit WalkWhen I first came to live in New Zealand, I lived in Glen Eden. I had never visited Waikumete Cemetery until today. What an amazingly beautiful and fascinating place.

The Waikumete Cemetery takes up a huge area between Great North and West Coast Roads, with beautiful landscaping and fabulous trees. And there is so much history here – from the 1918 flu epidemic and the Gallipoli soldiers to the mausoleums of the wine magnates of Corbans and Nobilo. It is really worth visiting. Dogs on-leash.

IMG 2637 300x225 Glen Eden and Waikumete Cemetery Circuit WalkYou may decide to arrive by train to Glen Eden railway station and make this a day outing.
The ‘Pumped Cafe‘ at the station has good coffee and food or there is a new Columbus cafe on the corner of Oates Road/West Coast Road.

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Blockhouse Bay circuit

Posted on January 28, 2012 | Leave a comment

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

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Hobsonville Point circuit

Posted on October 8, 2011 | 1 Comment

IMG 2279 300x225 Hobsonville Point circuitToday’s discovery walk was at Hobsonville Point.  A good friend of mine had already told me about how wonderful the Catalina Cafe  is on a sunny day.  And then today I read about Hobsonville Pt Park children’s playground which is quite unique – made from sustainably sourced materials.

After a spot of research I found the coastal walk.

The walk explores the former air base with the many existing old buildings.  There is a great deal of development going on with new housing and a planned ferry service to the CBD from ‘The Landing’ (which used to be the launching and landing place for flying boats, including Sunderland and Catalina planes).

You can get away from the tar-sealed roads onto a bush track that goes outside the perimeter of Bomb Point.

This walk takes about 60 minutes and is ideal for spring and autumn (too hot in summer and too muddy in winter).  There is a lot to explore if you haven’t been here before. This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area.

IMG 2289 300x225 Hobsonville Point circuit

Buy this and other walks at the walks store.

Suggested Café: Catalina Cafe

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Te Atatu Peninsula Walk

Posted on July 23, 2011 | 2 Comments

Te Atatu view 300x225 Te Atatu Peninsula WalkThe Te Atatu Peninsula Walk provides wonderful views of Auckland harbour – the Chelsea sugar factory, the Sky Tower, Rangitoto Island and the Harbour Bridge. You could almost be on an island! And the water looks beautiful at both high and low tides, dotted with mangroves. (Dogs must be on-leash to help protect the bird life that lives around the foreshore.)

On the eastern side of the Peninsula, specially created wetlands on the lower terrace at Harbourview – Orangihina provide natural habitat to an abundant wildlife.

There are boardwalks and a picnic platform out over the water at Harbourview Beach Reserve.

This is a mostly level walk and as we found out today, does have puddles on the track after heavy rain!

Fans of the New Zealand TV series Nothing Trivial may recognize Michelle’s house and her exercise path!

Suggested Cafés: Luscious Food Store and Servo

Luscious Food Store 300x225 Te Atatu Peninsula Walk

You can purchase this and other walks at the Walks Store.

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Posted in Auckland Nature Bush Walks, Walks in Auckland West

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