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Walking during covid-19

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covid-19 logo

Wow – never thought I would ever see NZ in lockdown, but here we are, as we join together as a Nation to fight Covid-19.  This brings change and challenge to us all, but it is a sacrifice we all must make for the greater good of society.  So, what does walking look like during the COVID-19 lockdown?

wide path with grass
Paths with wide spaces for physical distancing

As we are all isolated with our bubble for the next 4 weeks or more, we have been allowed at least the simple privilege of heading outdoors for some walking.  It is important for our own sense of well-being and fitness that we make the most of these limited opportunities and enjoy some fresh air and nature. 

The government have been very clear on some distinct rules around walks:

Current advice from the covid19 NZ website (3rd April 2020):

“As long as you’re not unwell, you can leave your house to:
– access essential services, like buying groceries, or going to a bank or pharmacy
– go to work if you work for an essential service
– go for a walk, or exercise and enjoy nature.

If you do leave your house, you must keep a 2-metre distance from other people at all times. Police may be monitoring people and asking questions of people who are out and about during the Alert Level 4 lockdown to check what they are doing.”

Helpful guidelines that assist in enjoying your walk and staying safe :

  1. Walks must be local – they do not want people driving to locations such as beaches and parks.  There is some discussion about whether it is okay in some situations to drive a little distance.
  2. You can only walk by yourself or those you are isolated with (in your bubble).  You must not have others outside your isolation group join you for walks during the lockdown period.
  3. While walking, you must maintain at least 2 meters from any person that is not in your isolation group.
  4. Be aware not to touch common surfaces – playgrounds are closed.
  5. Keep in touch with the latest and more specific information on www.covid19.govt.nz

The Auckland Council website (https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Pages/covid-19.aspx) provides information on parks during the crisis.

Playgrounds Closed Keep children off equipment.
Regional parks Open for excercise ​Maintain social distancing from other visitors and do not use equipment in the park. No vehicle access.

Please note that the information in this blog is not an official government document but designed to assist people in understanding their walking opportunities. Please visit the covid19 website for the most current information.

Auckland Volcano walks, Dog Friendly Walks, GPS Map, Teen friendly walks, Things to do with children, Uncategorized, Walks in Auckland South

Historic And Spectacular Mangere Mountain

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Mangere Mountain and Domain are one of Aucklands true gems to explore. It is full of spectalular views of Aucklands Harbours and City, as well as many geological and history highlights.  Our recommended route requires a good level of fitness as the loop encounters a range of steep slopes and uneven terrain.  There is a good pathway to the summit on a braod track suitable for buggies if you walk the route clockwise, however this is only out & back and misses many interesting features of this mountain.

Landscape view of Auckland from Mangere Mountain
Views of Auckland from Mangere Mountain

Continue reading Historic And Spectacular Mangere Mountain →

Auckland Coastal Walks, Dog Friendly Walks, GPS Map, Out of Auckland Walks, Things to do with children, Uncategorized, Walks in Auckland North Shore

Cudlip Point Walk in the north of AUCKLAND

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Cudlip Point Loop Track is a stunning walkway in the Mahurangi Regional Park, about 50 minutes drive north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.  This track is one of three main walks in the park and includes amazing coastal views, beautiful beaches and a range of grasslands and native bush.  It is quite hilly, so requires a reasonable standard of fitness.

Views of Mahurangi Harbour
Views of the stunning Mahurangi Harbour

Continue reading Cudlip Point Walk in the north of AUCKLAND →

Auckland Coastal Walks, CBD Walks, Dog Friendly Walks, GPS Map, Shorter 30 minute Auckland walks, Teen friendly walks, Things to do with children, Uncategorized, Walks in Auckland Central

Parnell Rose Gardens Loop With Views And Beautiful Scents

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Beautiful gardens, huge Pohutukawa trees, history, sculptures, monuments, swimming and wonderful Harbour views ensure the Parnell Rose Gardens Loop is a walk for all to enjoy.  Add to this the onsite Redwall Chinese Restaurant and famous Rosie Cafe and you have the perfect experience.

Historic St Stephens Church and Cemetary
Historic St Stephens Church and Graveyard – built 1859

Continue reading Parnell Rose Gardens Loop With Views And Beautiful Scents →

Auckland Bush walks, Auckland Coastal Walks, Auckland Volcano walks, Hauraki Gulf Island, Teen friendly walks, Things to do with children, Uncategorized, Walks in Auckland Central

Rangitoto island

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One of Auckland’s iconic landmarks, Rangitoto Island is an amazing day out. Arrive by ferry or private boat and explore, The 360-degree views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the summit are spectacular. There are plenty of other walking tracks if you are keen to explore further and short lava caves that are worth investigating.

Walk Time1.5 – 2 hours return to summit, plus side walks.
1/2 day to full day to circumnavigate the island.
SurfaceFormed track – lots of loose, fine scoria
Difficulty3/5
Buggies/Wheelchairs0/5 – most tracks not suitable. Vehicle Road is ok.
FacilitiesToilets
HighlightsViews, Lava Caves, Bush, Geology, Swimming

Get there by Ferry, your own boat or kayak!

Catch a short ferry ride from the Auckland Downtown or Devonport Ferry Terminals. Click here to access Fullers Ferry information and purchase tickets.

Fullers Ferry takes you to Rangitoto Island
Fullers Ferry takes you to Rangitoto Island (photo from HERA)

What to see and do?

Rangitoto Island is one of Aucklands most famous volcanoes, seen from many parts of the Auckland Isthmus. Its impressive ’round’ shape and obvious volcanic look make it instantly recognisable.

Rangitoto feels like a volcanic island. The black, rough scroria rock is all around and the many shapes of hard set lava are spectacular and at times dangerous looking! These days the bush has grown a lot on Rangitoto Island, making it a more pleasant and quite stunning
walk, even on hot days.

Walking through native bush on Rangitoto Island
Walking through native bush on Rangitoto Island

Top suggestions to see:

  • Spectacular views of Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf from the summit
  • Volcanic rock and formations
  • NZ Native bush
  • Lava caves – some which you can explore – they are only about 30-40m in length and marked on the map above
  • Swim – there is a lot of rocky coastline but the water is beautiful in summer!  You can take the trek to Islington Bay for a sandy beach but this is up to 2 hours!  I will add this to the Google Map when I get the chance to GPS the other tracks.
  • View the remaining historic and original waterfront cottages.
  • Swimming – brave the rocky rugged coastline for a dip or swim at sandy MacKenzie Bay and Islington Bay.

You will want to allow at least half day for exploring this amazing and unique island and can easily take a full day to circumnavigate the island and take in the summit.  Some of the bush is so beautiful and the views back towards Auckland give a unique and picturesque perspective. 

Rangitoto Island Elevation to the summit and the Lava Caves (far right point)
Elevation for the around the Island Track, finishing prior to returning to the wharf

Walking Difficulty and Suitability

Rangitoto is a steady walk and requires average fitness and steadiness on your feet.  It is not suitable for wheelchairs or baby buggies, having stairs.  Underfoot, the scoria can be slippery but fine if you stay aware.

Walking to the summit (260m) is uphill all the way.  There are plenty of beautiful views you can take in to have a break if needed.  It can also get hot – so have plenty of water, along with some snacks. 

There is also plenty of options for easy walks if a person uses the Vehicle Track around the perimeter of the island.  Once off the vehicle track, the routes are generally quite steep and unsteady.

Wheelchair and Buggie Suitability

Rangitoto is generally not suitable for wheelchairs and Buggies unless you stay on the Vehicle Track. This is a dirt road and gets reasonably close to the summit but a 20 – 30 min walk up stairs and steep hills will still be required to reach the summit.

Auckland Coastal Walks, Dog Friendly Walks, Family Cycle Rides, Flat walks in Auckland, GPS Map, Teen friendly walks, Things to do with children, Walks in Auckland West

Hobsonville Point walkway

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Tree-lined Hobsonville Point Park

The Hobsonville Point Walkway circumnavigates a newly developed area of Auckland. Much of the walkway follows the foreshore and offers pictureque harbour views . This is a walk of variety – parks, developments, wharf and historic homes.

Continue reading Hobsonville Point walkway →
Auckland Bush walks, Auckland Coastal Walks, Dog Friendly Walks, GPS Map, Teen friendly walks, Things to do with children, Uncategorized, Walks in Auckland West

West Harbour Loop

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Have a picnic with a view to Auckland City
Have a picnic with a view of  the Harbour & Auckland City

Starting by the West Harbour Marina, the West Harbour Loop walk is fully paved, winds through wonderful bush and provides stunning views over the water back to Auckland city.  There are a range of facilities at Luckens Reserve to make this walk more comfortable.

This is a walk to add to your list!

Continue reading West Harbour Loop →

Auckland Volcano walks, Hauraki Gulf Island, Things to do with children, Walks in Auckland - General Information, Walks in Auckland East

Browns Island auckland

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View of Browns Island Crater and Hauraki Gulf
View of Browns Island Crater

Wow – Browns Island in Auckland Harbour – what a cool little island to visit. Browns Island is a small volcanic island that you can visit for an hour or a full day. Rising to 65m above sea level, the views of Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf as you climb are superb.

Integrated GPS Map of Browns Island

Find tips on how to use this Google GPS Map

Get there by boat, kayak or paddle board

Browns Island is close to Auckland’s mainland. Launch a boat at Halfmoon Bay or another closeby spot or kayak or paddle board from one of the nearby beaches. Crater Bay at the northeast corner is a great landing spot for small boats – it is a good deep water beach – 1.9m of water at half tide only 20m from the beach. We beached our front and unloaded and then anchored about 25m off the beach.

Kayaks and Paddle Boards may want to access via the shallow beach on the southwest side.

What to see and do?

Browns Island Auckland is a fascinating small volcano in the Waitemata Harbour that deserves to be explored. It is mostly grassy paddocks that can be freely walked. Some highlighyts are:

Browns Island Auckland View
View of Auckland City from the summit of Browns Island
  • Climb the volcanic cone to the trig to get a great 360 degree view of Auckland and the Gulf. The volcano is also very defined and worth a look!
  • Walk the circumference of Browns Island
  • Visit the shipwreck on the Southwest beach
  • Examine the three types of volcanic structures present on Browns Island – the only volcano in Auckland to have all three types.
  • Swim at Crater Bay – the water is clear and deep with a nice little beach
  • Search for fossils

Walking Difficulty and Suitability

That walking tracks on Browns Island are largely unformed tracks that just wander through the grass. There are stairs ascending from Crater Bay towards the volcanic cone.

The walk to the summit is short but quite steep – suitable for most, except those who are unsteady on their feet. The island is not suitable for buggies, pushchairs or wheelchairs.

This is a fascinating book on Auckland’s 50 volcanoes. Learn about the prominent, obscure and unexpected. Discover locations, history and geology.  Great book to add to your Auckland collection.

Auckland Bush walks, Dog Friendly Walks, Shorter 30 minute Auckland walks, Things to do with children, Uncategorized, Walks in Auckland Central, Walks in Auckland East, Walks in Auckland North Shore, Walks in Auckland West

5 Cool walks in auckland

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This weather is looking stunning this Auckland Anniversary Weekend and here are 5 walks we suggest you could try that are both spectacular and nice and cool! Walk these tracks in the shade of some magnificent NZ native bush.

Continue reading 5 Cool walks in auckland →
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Introducing the new editor

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Richard Wagener on an Auckland bush track
Richard Wagener on an Auckland walk

What a great city we live in – featuring fascinating volcanic cones, picturesque coastline and stunning bush walks. Alongside this are many other city walks – urban, parks, farmland and various trails. This website aims to provide information and instructions to a wide range of these interesting and varied Auckland walks.

I founded another Auckland walking website a few years ago in honour of my father-in-law, Hugh Willis, who has built many walking tracks on Auckland’s North Shore over the past 40 years. The main purpose of the greataucklandwalks website was to place GPS maps of his tracks online, along with detailed information about the tracks.

As the new editor and developer of the walksinauckland website, my focus will be on the following:

  1. Continuing to build on the legacy of Helen in offering both Aucklanders and visitors to Auckland great information and resources for walking.
  2. Adding more Auckland walks, especially many more amazing, obscure local walks.
  3. Integrating GPS maps to many of the walks so walkers can follow their current position on their mobile devices as they walk. These maps include aspects such as track entrances, facilities and parking. Examples can be found at my existing site https://www.greataucklandwalks.com.
  4. Transferring all the existing walks from my current greataucklandwalks website to walksinauckland.com and gradually make walksinauckland my main website.

This project is very exciting and has many possibilities, especially as technology and ongoing city development provide more opportunities for walkers and explorers. I would be very keen to hear from any of this wonderful online walking community who have ideas on what they would like to see incorporated into the walksinauckland website and we’ll see what might be done.

Thanks for being involved with the website thus far and I trust you will find it equally useful in the future. We appreciate your support.

Richard Wagener
richard@walksinauckland,com

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A Tribute to helen

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As the new website editor walksinauckland.com, I first want to honour Helen for what she has produced. There have been thousands of hours go into website developments. writing, book and
brochure publishing, and of course lots of walking. On behalf of the ‘Walks In Auckland’ community, a massive thanks – you have made our city a better place!

  • Helen Wenley article
    Helen Wenley article
  • At it again…
  • Helen in Hawkes Bay

You will always be remembered as the founder of this resource and community, and we will ensure your story remains told on this website, alongside my other walks hero – Hugh Willis.

This post is about pausing and celebrating a job faithfully and brilliantly done. I will post later about future plans but Helen deserves our immense congratulations and thanks.

Here is the link to the history of Helen’s work with ‘Walks In Auckland’. https://walksinauckland.com/contact/about/

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New future for short walks in Auckland

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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.)

mde

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)

Auckland Bush walks, Walks in Auckland North Shore

North Shore track closures

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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.

CBD Walks, Walks in Auckland - General Information

Arriving in Auckland by Cruise Ship

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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.
Flat walks in Auckland

Walkways that can be used by mobility scooters

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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.