West Auckland is famous as the home of the TV series ‘Outrageous Fortune’. There are a surprising number of hidden walk gems out this way, beginning from Western Springs.
Western Springs and Meola Reef
Description: Mainly level paths plus steps. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: Waitemata Harbour views, a natural spring-fed lake with ducks, swans, geese and long-finned eels; stream, trams, planes. (Bring your stale bread to feed the water birds). Start Point: Great North Road opposite Western Springs.
Description: Level sealed paths and bush track. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. Suggested spring/autumn walk. Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet. To see : Hangars, barracks, officers housing, boatbuilding school, seaplane slipway, Auckland harbour views. Start Point: Opposite Catalina Café off Buckley Avenue
Description: Mainly level paths – a mixture of paved, loose metal and boardwalks. Caution: Puddles after rain. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: Waitemata Harbour views, natural habitat, shore birds Start Point:Carpark at Harbourview – Orangihina (Te Atatu Road and right at the Gloria Avenue roundabout).
Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see: Auckland City views, Waitakere Hills, trees and fauna, historical graves. Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4 kms) Start Point: Waikumete Road off West Coast Road
Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet. To see: Native bush, Manukau Harbour views Time: approx. 45 minutes. Start Point: Blockhouse Bay Road
Description: Mostly level paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather.To see: Trees and fauna, stream, parks. Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 5.2 kms) Start Point: Opanuku Reserve off Henderson Valley Road
Description: A mix of mainly level paths and one slightly steep path. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see: Water birds, Mangroves, river views Time: approx. 50 minutes. (about 6 kms) Start: Lynn Mall Shopping Centre Carpark
Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. Muddy tracks after rain. To see: Auckland City views, Waitakere Hills view, native trees and fauna, urban development. Time: approx. 90 minutes. (about 6 kms) Start Point: Granville Drive Entrance
