The views across to Blockhouse Bay and Manukau Heads in the far distance along the Lynfield coastal walk this morning, were spectacular! The sun was shining, the sky was clear and the tide (check here for tide times) was almost full.
This was an explore walk for us – trying to work out the best circular route without too much street walking. The route has a few steep ups and downs, which makes it a good workout. We met some people who were walking their dog off leash along the reserve.
Description: Bush track, steps, inclines. Muddy in places when wet. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. To see: Native bush, views across Manukau Harbour, native birds. Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 3.75 kms). One small children’s playground. Dog friendly off-leash in Manukau Domain (alongside the Lynfield Cove Walkway). Parking: Himalaya Crescent, Lynfield. Buses: Halsey Drive, Lynfield MAP
Saying that you are going for a walk in the bush in urban Auckland, may sound like an oxymoron…however, that is one of the many wonderful aspects of walking in Auckland – you never have to go far to find native bush. Kauri Glen Reserve lives up to it’s name and Le Roys Bush follows a stream downhill to the restored wetlands of Little Shoal Bay, Northcote (which was once a tidal estuary filled with mangroves).
This morning the sun was out (as well as the tide!), which made it a very pleasant and warm winter’s day. Some of the smaller tracks are wet, muddy and slippery so if that doesn’t fit with you, then I suggest that you save them for a summer walk. The loop walk we have documented keeps you on the drier paths and boardwalks.
We were rewarded with sunlight filtering through the native trees, the sound of the bubbling stream and the songs of the native birds – we could have been deep in the bush instead of in the middle of urban residences!
Free Map for your smartphone – go to the new prototype site: Le Roys Bush Walks[22Nov2015]
Kauri Glen is one of the oldest bush reserves on the Shore (measures about 25 acres and first sizeable pieces of land that was placed under public management) which includes trees such as taraire, totara, kauri, tawa, rewarewa and maire. Kiekie and nikau are abundant in this sub-tropical rainforest. Smaller species of note are pate and karapapa. The area is alive with the likes of tui, fantails and moreporks.
Little Shoal Bay Reserve is a great place to start and finish at – with plenty of parking and a fun looking children’s playground. Dogs must be kept on leash to protect the flora and fauna.
Alternatively you could begin your walk at Birkenhead. A new track has been constructed (September 2016) from 31-45 Birkenhead Avenue. Called the Maori Pipi Walk.
You could pop into the Northcote Tavern for lunch, coffee or a beer afterwards – full of character and nice ambience. Or stop at Sausalito Cafe.
**************************************************************** Please protect our Kauri. Clean ALL dirt off your shoes and dogs feet BEFORE you arrive. Spray feet on entering and leaving. Dogs on leash at all times. Keep to the tracks. Enjoy your walk. Join Le Roys Bush on Facebook.
***Please note: September 2018 This track has been temporarily closed due to Kauri Dieback **************************************************************** Description: Bush track and board walks. Slippery when wet. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. To see: Native bush, waterfall, wetlands, views across Auckland Harbour, native birds. Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.0 kms) Parking: Little Shoal Bay Reserve Buses/Ferries: Queen Street, Onewa Road, Northcote MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AN-079 Le Roys Bush Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Dog Friendly Walks part 2”).
Grab your rain jacket, hat and gloves and head outside to warm up with a winter walk! Even though the weather may not appeal, walking will awaken your senses.
Go tree spotting in Cornwall Park, Mt Eden and Monte Cecilia Park; and enjoy the benefits of taking a walk on a crisp winter day.
Another place to walk in winter and enjoy the trees is Waiata Reserve which you can walk through on theRemerua to Hobson Bay Circuit.
When the deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, more views are revealed, and on those beautiful, clear, dry winter days, the sun is great for warming up our bodies!
A glorious day after very rough weather earlier this week made the walk today very enjoyable. The sun shone on the full tide, which encouraged me to take many photos as we walked around Westhaven Drive and under the Harbour Bridge.
This Auckland walk not only has fabulous views, it is mostly flat (apart from the steep steps at Jacob’s Ladder (which have recently been shortened)), Victoria Park has a great children’s playground and skate park, and there are beautiful old homes to enjoy. There is also a dog off leash area along the way. Victoria Park Markets have been upgraded with cafes and a few retail stores.
30th January 2015: The Westhaven Promenade is now open. This will form part of a 20km continuous walkway and cycleway that runs from Herne Bay in the west to Tamaki Drive in the east. Read more: Westhaven Promenade
Description: A mix of level paths, one lot of steep steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Running shoes suitable. To see: Auckland City views, Rangitoto Island views, harbour views, Harbour Bridge. Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.4 kms) Parking: Carparks in Westhaven Drive
We stopped at the Sitting Duck Cafe for a coffee in the sun, overlooking the moored yachts – bliss! I didn’t want to leave…
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AC-043 Point Erin and Harbourside) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 2”).
Self guided short circular walks in Auckland for health, fitness and fun