All posts by Helen

New future for short walks in Auckland

As many of you may realise, I moved to Hawkes Bay just over 3 years ago, to retire with my husband. I have kept the Short Walks in Auckland project going, but because I am remote, I am now finding it impossible to keep routes up-to-date, find new ones and take the project up to the next level.

Happily, I have found the perfect person to take on the mission. Richard Wagener is an enthusiastic walker/runner and already documents walks on a website. I am leaving the project in safe hands. You will still be able to purchase the current walk brochures and books. However, Richard has plans to enrich that offering, to create an exciting new future for Short Walks in Auckland.

This project began in 2011. My friend Grace was the walk creator – with her knowledge of Auckland, she could “see” circular routes, and then it was up to me to map out, photograph, research and document the routes. At first, I relied upon my voice recorder and Google maps but then with the advancement of technology, the smart phone became a best friend and I was able to track our route. The best fun was when we were both pleasantly surprised by what there was to see. Beautiful wetlands, views and bush kept us inspired to explore more.

With over 100 walking routes, it is too difficult to say what our favourite walks are because of the diversity and uniqueness of each locality. I will leave it you to decide what your favourites are.

My two children were at high school age in 2011 when this project started, and unfortunately missed out on the discoveries. A highlight for me was when our daughter was studying Occupational Therapy at AUT, as she had a project that required two walks to be mapped out locally. I was very happy to help.

The last seven years of Short Walks in Auckland have been very rewarding.It was encouraging to get an email from The Women’s Bookshop in Ponsonby asking to meet me and then supplying them with our books. It was exciting to put together a bunch of walks for the University of Auckland Recreation Manager as well as having a common goal with Sports Waitakere.

I was contacted by Frank Goldingham who gave me the opportunity to make regular contributions to the Walking NZ magazine. Every two months one  of our walks was printed in the beautifully presented,  richly coloured monthly magazine, with walks from not only New Zealand, but all around the world. Our walks reached even more people over the years. (See the January 2019 issue for another of our short walks in Auckland.)

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Thank you to everyone who has done a Short Walk in Auckland. Your support has been very much appreciated. Now it’s time for fresh eyes and renewed energy. 

Wishing you all lots more walking and exploring.

Helen Wenley (last seen ebiking around Hawkes Bay)

North Shore track closures

Sad news. We have been informed to advise you that due to the presence of kauri dieback in Kaipatiki a number of reserves and tracks are now closed.

A list can be found on  pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz/kauri-dieback. Please avoid any reserves that contain kauri – the current cleaning stations only kill off one form of the kauri dieback spores.

People going into native bush should ensure that their footwear and their pets paws have been scrubbed thoroughly in soapy water – the waste water should be tipped down the sewer NOT stormwater drains.

Thorough footwashing must be undertaken between each bush reserve – otherwise kauri dieback could be carried from one reserve to another.

Arriving in Auckland by Cruise Ship

Recently we received an inquiry from Hawaii about arriving in Auckland by Cruise Ship . It reads:

Aloha! We arrive in Auckland on Christmas day and are looking for walking tracks near where the cruise ship will dock, or even if we need to take a shuttle or bus to get to it. We do not know our way around. What are the options for nearby scenic walking tracks from off the ship? Thank you!

The Ferry Building is an Auckland landmark at the downtown waterfront.

First of all, cruise ships dock in Auckland right next to downtown and within easy walking distance of Britomart Transport hub.
More Auckland port info: HERE

 

To plan your journey by bus or train visit Auckland Transport Journey Planner  (use Quay Street Auckland for your starting point). For ferries visit Fullers.

We have responded with some ideas and you can decide what you would like to do, depending on your interests and how much time you have available. If you are arriving on a public holiday, you may find many places/public transport are closed.

    1. Explore Auckland CBD.  Sign up for our Free eGuide and download the Free “CBD Discovery” . Time: approximately 60 minutes + time for loitering. All within easy distance from the port.
      Read more: CBD Discovery
    2. Take a bus to Parnell (or walk if you have the time). History and Rose gardens.
      Read more: Parnell – Roses, trains and cranes
    3. Walk to Victoria Park and up to Ponsonby.
      Read more: Victoria Park and markets
    4. Mission Bay is a seaside town that you can walk to along the waterfront (away from the harbour bridge) or catch a bus.
      Read more: Mission Bay to Okahu Bay
    5. St Heliers is further along from Mission Bay. It is a bus ride away. Here you can experience New Zealand bush and bird life in the Dingle Dell Reserve.
      Read more: Dingle Dell and St Heliers Circuit
    6. Karangahape Road is an interesting place to visit when the shops are open. It is easy to walk to from Queen Street.
      Read more: Karangahape Road and Parks
    7. Point Erin and harbourside is an easy walk from the port heading towards the harbour bridge.
      Read more: Point Erin and Harbourside
    8. Wynyard Quarter is an easy short walk from the port again heading towards the harbour bridge. It takes in the Viaduct Basin where Auckland held a previous Americas Cup from.
      Read more: Wynyard Quarter Waterfront loop
    9. Art Gallery Loop takes in not only the art gallery but other interesting places along the way.
      Read more: Auckland Art Gallery Loop
    10. Auckland Museum Loop starts at Britomart Transport hub and takes in interesting places along the route. If you have time, you can explore the Auckland Domain too.
      Read more: Britomart to Auckland Museum 
    11. Catch the ferry to Devonport for 2 walks.
      Read more: Devonport/North Head Loop and Devonport/Mt Victoria Loop
    12. Take the bus or catch the ferry to Northcote Point for 2 walks. Northcote Point Loop gives you views of Auckland City as well as the undercarriage of the Harbour Bridge. New Zealand bush can be enjoyed on the Le Roys Loop.
      Read more: Northcote Point and Auckland Harbour Bridge and Le Roys Bush.

Walkways that can be used by mobility scooters

Recently we were asked “please let me know which walks are suitable for my mobility scooter as most seem to have steps”.

As many people already know, Auckland is built on a volcano landscape, hence there are many hills. Most walkways have steps  and/or steep inclines and declines which make the paths unsuitable for mobility scooters.


There are very few loop walkways that are flat. We have made a list of possibilities here: Flat walks in Auckland . We cannot guarantee that there are no steps or other hazards for mobility scooters. Hopefully you will have an able bodied friend who is able to scout the route for you beforehand.

Summer walks in Auckland

December is a beautiful time of year to get out walking when hopefully the weather starts becoming more stable and before it gets too hot.  We are also blessed with the red pohutukawa tree blossoms at this time of year.

One of our favourite places to head out for a walk from is Mangere Bridge Township. We have documented five walks from this area. The village cafes are a great place to meet walking companions before and/or after a walk. On Sunday mornings there are small markets to buy goodies at. And a little further south, in Kirkbride Road, is a place where you can indulge in fresh strawberry ice-cream while the strawberries are in season. And if you are walking with children, then Ambury Park Farm is always a fun place to visit.

The Mangere Bridge walk circuits vary in length. And you have the option of linking two or more if you are feeling creative and energetic. Take a look at the selection at this link: Mangere Bridge Walks

Other places to enjoy the pohutukawa tree blossom are:

1. Cornwall Park

2. Highbrook

3. Conifer Grove

4. Three Kings

Once December passes and the weather warms up, it is time to seek the shade of the native bush or the cool breezes of the coast.

All these walks (with maps, detailed directions and other vital information) can be downloaded in individual brochures.

A series of 12 self-guide walk books is also available. Visit the book store or The Women’s Bookshop (in Ponsonby, Auckland).

Spring walks in Auckland

Winter in Auckland can be very wet and sometimes very cold. So to lift your spirits we have listed suggested walks where you can enjoy the signs of spring in Auckland.

Auckland Domain
Spring sunshine in Auckland Domain – at the duck pond

Maraetai Loop Coastal Walk

The Maraetai Loop Walk lives up to our criteria for a route that is diverse and interesting.  It starts by the boat ramp on the western side of Maraetai Reserve, and follows a rough track beside a stream through the lush bush of Dr. Adah Platts-Mills Reserve (which we suggest may be muddy in winter) before emerging into residential streets. Then it’s down hill to the Omana Regional Park, past the goats (Dixie and Pixie) and then follows the waters edge back to the start.

Continue reading Maraetai Loop Coastal Walk

Centennial Park walking tracks

Centennial Park (inland from Campbells Bay on Auckland’s North Shore) is a very large reserve that contains a regenerating native forest. There are 8 named tracks (Walking Bus, Aberdeen, Mamaku, Kohekohe, Bayliss, Bayliss, Tui and Magnolia) and it pays to have a map with you so that you have an idea as to where you are.  There is a nature trail with numbered plants and trees if you are inclined to learn about the bush. We learnt that “Mamaku” is a tall edible tree fern also known as a black tree fern. (You can download an Auckland Council map and brochure here to plan your own route.)

There is a picnic area near the car park. The nearest children’s playground and public toilets are at Kennedy Park (Castor Bay). And the nearest cafe is Little Salt (82 Beach Road).

Description: Bush tracks, some smooth, some rough.  Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for pushchairs.
To see: Nature Trail, stream and regenerating bush.
Time: approx. 60 minutes (about 4.0 kms).
Parking:  Avenue of Remembrance, off Beach Road, Campbells Bay. MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochure (AN-111 Centennial Park Loop) over at our Walks Store.

Westhaven Promenade

Without any obvious fanfare, the Westhaven Promenade unofficially opened yesterday (30th January 2015) for walking and cycling. And it is magnificent. Wide and spacious with wonderful views of our City of Sails. It really brings us close to the waterfront and we hope that many people will enjoy this facility. (Officially opened on the 16th February 2015).

Westhaven Promenade - short walks in Auckland
Taking in the view along Westhaven Promenade.

 

We have two walks that include the Westhaven Promenade: Point Erin and Auckland Harbour and Westhaven Loop Walk. The Promenade currently links The Sitting Duck Cafe and Beaumont Street (opposite Victoria Park).

The next stage is an interim cycle path to link North Wharf to this new boardwalk, as announced by Auckland Transport. 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: Development plans for Westhaven  News  Technical Bits and pieces

Meanwhile, here are some photos of Westhaven Promenade to entice you to go and take a walk!

Also suitable for family cycling:From Auckland Harbour Bridge to Wynyard Quarter. 2km.

Titirangi and French Bay Loop

Titirangi and French Bay Loop

This walk begins near the ridge village of Titirangi and follows the path down through Atkinson Park to Titirangi Beach and French Bay.

Much of the walk is through regenerating native bush with the occasional tall old tree, totara and kauri, to look up at in awe, as well as groves of young kauri. You will pass by a small waterfall, and today it was very dry.

On a fine day, the beaches on the edge of Manukau Harbour glisten in the sunshine. Take a picnic to have on the grass.

Part of the track is in good condition, and another part would be difficult to navigate in winter. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

Playground and public toilet at Titirangi Beach.  Dogs on leash. Stripe Cafe recommended.

Description: Some level paths with many steps and steep inclines. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with sturdy flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Muddy in winter.
To see: Native bush, stream, Manukau Harbour beaches.
Time: approx.75 minutes (about 6.0 kms). Descent 266m, ascent 257m.
Start:  Atkinson Park, Park Road (between South Titirangi Road and Titirangi Beach Road). MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochures over at our Walks Store.

Waikowhai Park Hillsborough

Waikowhai Park is a large piece of bush land and attractive park land off Hillsborough Road. The view from the car park above the playground has views across Manukau Harbour to Mangere Mountain and Ambury Park Farm.

It has a fantastic playground for older children that has an extra long slide and a flying fox. There is also a large off leash dog exercise area. There are public toilets by the playground. It’s a great place for a picnic on a fine day – there are tables by the playground, seats along the undulating bush tracks and plenty of grass in the park land.

Continue reading Waikowhai Park Hillsborough

Seaside Park Otahuhu

Seaside Park at Otahuhu is a small and delightful park. It is off on a limb and shares views of Tamaki Estuary with Highbrook Park.

Seaside Park provides native birds and other wildlife with habitat expansion and protection as the wildlife refuge area protects bird species and other wildlife, such as native skinks, from predators and gives them an undisturbed home.

The loop walkway is less than 2kms, but it is a great place for dog owners to exercise their dogs. There is a children’s playground and picnic tables.

You can start the walk at the playground – head down to the path alongside the estuary and keep following it around until you return to the sports field.

Waiheke Island Walks

We haven’t done any walking on Waiheke Island. Firstly, there are the ferry costs and the time it takes to get there. Secondly, from what we can find online, there are quite a few routes already documented. So if you are holidaying there or living there and wish to explore, there are some very good resources.

You can find eight walking maps from Auckland Council here.

Tick the walks box underneath the banner on this link:  “More information about Waiheke Island” . You can download brochures with maps and information.

Each November a Walking Festival is held on Waiheke Island, with a selection of 45 walks. It is important to book in advance. For more details click here.

Eskdale and Highbury Reserves

This loop bush walk from Birkenhead War Memorial Park, through the reserves of Ridgewood, Eskdale and Birkenhead Domain was slightly challenging as the map that we had obtained did not fit the directions. On top of that, some of the signposts within Birkenhead Domain were confusing – giving opposing time and directions. Having a map with us did prevent us going around in circles!  It did turn out to be a wonderful bush walk and the birdsong was great to hear.

UPDATE January 2015.
Our third attempt with a more detailed map and a pen to take notes, kept us on track and now we can document this walk with clear instructions.

Eskdale Reserve and Birkenhead Domain have native trees, nikau palms and ti-trees. The sounds of the bush and the stream give you the illusion of remoteness, until you emerge at Birkenhead Cemetery. The main track is in good repair, and the minor tracks have loose stones and roots. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Expect mud in winter!

Nearby cafes in Highbury Shopping Centre or Sausalito at Northcote. Dogs off leash exercise area within Birkenhead Domain (check signs). No playgrounds.

Description: Mostly level paths with some steps and steep inclines. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with sturdy flat shoes or running shoes in mind.
To see: Bush, stream.
Time: approx. 75 minutes (about 5.84 kms).
Parking:  Mahara Avenue, off Highbury Bypass. MAP

***Please note: September 2018 This track has been temporarily closed due to Kauri Dieback

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochure (AN-096 Birkenhead – Eskdale Reserves)over at our Walks Store.