Auckland’s site on the isthmus between the harbours of Waitemata and Manukau, provides many coastal walking tracks alongside estuaries, inlets, streams and the Hauraki Gulf.
We have compiled a selection of 24 coastal walks into two books – Coastal part one and two. These books are available from Amazon and your local library.
This walk at Half Moon Bay explores the parks and reserves to the east, and then heads down to Eastern Beach. On a sunny day at high tide it is quite beautiful! The new-ish boardwalk, is a great finishing touch as you return to Half Moon Bay.
It was very busy at the Half Moon Bay cafes today – with many people out making the most of the sunny, warm weather and Mothers Day.
Description: Mainly level paths, steep steps and steep slopes. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. To see: Views of Tamaki Estuary, marina, Eastern Beach Esplanade; views of Rangitoto, Mount Wellington and One Tree Hill Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 6.0 kms) Start from: Half Moon Bay Marina MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AE-072 Half Moon Bay East) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 2” and “Best of the East”).
It was a treat to walk along Kiwi Esplanade (Mangere Bridge) at high tide in the sunshine this morning. We had clear views to One Tree Hill and nearby Mangere Mountain, and sighted the migratory South Island Pied Oyster Catchers sitting on the rocks and reserves.
It’s always a pleasure to visit Mangere Bridge Village, with it’s parade of cafes and interesting folk. The area was busy today with walkers and cyclists.
The walking route is also great for prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash only).
Description: Mainly level paths, with just one gentle downhill slope. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. To see: Views of Manukau Harbour, One Tree Hill, Mangere Mountain, Pukeko and shore birds habitat. Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 6.23 kms) Start: Coronation Road, Mangere Bridge Village MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AS-071 Mangere Esplanade Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 2” and “Best of the South”).
The walk along Conifer Grove Esplanade offers views across Manukau Harbour north to Wattle Downs and south to Karaka.
We met friendly chatty people along the shared walkway/cyclway, many with dogs and children in tow (there is a good selection of children’s playgrounds in the reserves).
More information: My Auckland: Conifer Grove The boardwalk through the mangroves provides a mini adventure for young children (but do keep an eye on them – one child’s scooter took a flying leap into the mud when we were there; luckily the tide was out!). Suitable for family cycling – Brylee Drive Reserve, Takinini, 6km of shared paths.
Description: Mainly level paths, some steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. To see: Manukau Harbour views, mangroves, residential homes and gardens Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4.55 kms) Start: Walter Strevens Drive, Conifer Grove MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AS-069 Conifer Grove Circuit) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 2” and “Best of the South”).
We have now added a fourth loop walk taking in the wonderful Pakuranga Rotary walkway. This 5kms loop walk follows the Tamaki Estuary through Farm Cove and explores the Sunny Hills suburban streets, with views of Mount Wellington and One Tree Hill.
You may wish to cycle the whole 5 kms of the Pakuranga Rotary walkway, or just stop and watch the tide on one of the many seats along the walkway. Families may like to take a fun break on the snakes and ladders playground near the Bramley Drive entrance.
The walking route is also great for prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash only).
We stopped for coffee at the French inspired deli/cafe Mon Bichon, a delightful surprise in the Farm Cove village shops. You could buy your pastries from here to take and eat beside the walkway…(update: sadly it is no longer there).
Description: Mainly level paths (with one small incline). Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Suitable for cycling and push-chairs. To see: Tamaki Estuary, Mangroves, white volcanic pumice deposits, views of Mount Wellington and One Tree Hill, residential homes Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5 kms) Start: Fisher Parade, Farm Cove Village MAP
Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AE-068 Pakuranga Farm Cove Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store and our Book Store (“Best of the East”)
Wattle Downs in South Auckland was another new area for us to explore. The Wattle DownsWalkway goes around the edge of the peninsula that extends into Manukau Harbour, at one spot there are views through to Manukau Heads. The day was very calm – the water was like a mirror, and there were also threatening grey clouds hanging overhead. The walking route is also great for cyclists, prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash and off leash dog exercise areas).
There are many points of interest along the way, and friendly people to say hello to. We stopped and spoke to a resident whose house looked out towards Manukau Heads – he told us that they get to view amazing sunsets over the harbour.
There are wetlands and ponds active with shore birds – if you are a keen bird watcher be sure to take your binoculars.
The only thing missing in the area is a cafe.
UPDATE March 2015 ** The shared walkway/cycleway has been extended from Hadley Wood Drive to Aberdeen Crescent.
Suitable for Family cycling: Frangipani Ave to Bluewater place, 10km each way.
Description: Mainly level paths, one set of steps (which can be avoided). Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Suitable for cyclists. To see: Manukau Heads, Manukau Harbour, Wattle Farm Wetland Reserve, shore birds Time: approx. 100 minutes (about 8.7 kms). Dog off-leash areas. Childrens playgrounds. No cafe. Public Toilets may not be open due to vandalism issues (see image below). Start from: Wattle Farm Reserve MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AS-067 Wattle Downs Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 1”, “Dog Friendly Walks part 1” and “Best of the South”).
We are not familiar with the Tamaki and Glen Innes area, so today was our first walk and explore. And we discovered beautiful Point England Reserve. What a gem! We had no idea that there was a sandy beach here.
This walk offers great views of East Auckland and the Waitemata harbour and as the walkway passes through bush, mangroves and farmland. This route is a part of the 7.5km Point to Point Walkway.
The walking route is also great for prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash only).
The lack of rainfall has made the Omaru River smelly, so we do hope that will improve when it next rains. Part of the path is in great need of maintenance. We wonder if the local schools could adopt part of the walkway and learn how to maintain and enhance the bush and stream??? (The Omaru River is an outlet of Orakei Basin and runs underneath Meadowbank to Apirana Ave, through Maybury Reserve and out to Wai O Taiki Bay). Update: a project was kicked off in June 2013. Read: Youth keen to save river
Description: Mostly level paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. (Take bread to feed the ducks) To see: Estuary views, boats, wetlands, mangroves, residential housing, view of two volcanoes – Mt Wellington and One Tree Hill, Point England Reserve, Maybury Reserve feijoa trees Time approx. 80 minutes. (about 7.0 kms) Start: Glen Innes Train Station (or Point England Road Reserve at end of Point England Road) MAP Nearby Walks: Tahuna Torea, Waiaturua Reserve
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AE-059 Point England Walk) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 2” and “Best of the East”).
This Belmont Bay walk on Auckland’s North Shore, was chosen by my friend after she read an inspiring article about the founder of the Belmont cafe “Little & Friday“.
View of Auckland Harbour Bridge from Belmont
This was my first explore around the Belmont and Bayswater area and was delighted to find reserves, cycleways, playgrounds and views of the Harbour Bridge with the Waitakere Ranges as a back drop.
The walk itself takes under an hour, and is mostly flat. One of the highlights is crossing the Bayswater Bridge (the new cycle/pedestrian bridge completed September 2013 – officially opened 5th October 2013, made with recycled totara timber balustrades).
Dogs – On-leash but lots of opens spaces.
Description: A mix of level paths and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. To see: Estuary views, wetlands, residential housing, Auckland Harbour Bridge
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AN-058 Belmont Bay Walk) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 2” and “Dog Friendly part 1”).
Part of our Pakuranga Loop Walk is along the Pakuranga Rotary Walkway which currently extends to Pigeon Mountain, along the Tamaki Estuary and Whakaaranga Creek.
It is a safe cycling, jogging and walking route. The walkway is paved and relatively flat, making it suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and a range of fitness levels. The walkway along the estuary is safe for family cycling.
The walking route is also great for prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash). There is an off leash dog exercise area – along the Pakuranga Rotary Walkway between the Panmure Bridge and Waakaranga Reserve which permits dogs off-leash under the owners control. This is a huge off leash walk but most people do not know about. This sign can be found at the entrance to the walkway at Kerswill Place. See Auckland Council dog rules.
These flat river plains were used to grow oats, hay and wheat up until the 1950’s. Pakuranga was then known as “the granary of Auckland”.
This walk section looks into the mouth of the Panmure Lagoon from the opposite bank.
Description: A mix of level paths and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. To see: Estuary views, boats, wetlands, residential housing, Mt Wellington, Pakuranga Mall Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.75 kms) Start: Pakuranga Mall Map
The loop walk in Auckland from Mission Bay to Okahu Bay takes in the views of Auckland Harbour from the M J Savage Memorial Park (the Auckland Explorer Bus stops here) and the Bastion Point Marae. The bright sunshine and blue skies today, enhanced the scenes.
Mission Bay is a great little seaside village that always seems to have a buzz with it’s cafes, restaurants, harbour promenade, famous fountain and sandy beach.
Okahu Bay has a sandy beach and on the other side of Tamaki Drive is the Orakei Domain. The Domain has an extensive children’s playground that includes a flying fox.
You may wish to linger at the Michael Joseph Savage (first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand and the founder of the welfare state) Memorial Park which overlooks Auckland Harbour.
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: part of the walk is a grassy track.
To see: Auckland City views, Waitemata Harbour views, Orakei Wharf, MJ Savage Memorial, Bastion Point. Time: approx. 50 minutes (about 4.55kms) Start: Mission Bay Reserve or MJ Savage Memorial carpark
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochures over at our Walks Store (AC-018 Mission Bay to Okahu Bay Loop) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 2”).
The walk around Ambury Park Farm is a fun, family friendly excursion. Close to Mangere Bridge Village, nestled on the foreshores of Manukau Harbour, with Mangere Mountain as the back drop, it is steeped in volcanic history and it’s intertidal mudflats form a birdwatchers wetland paradise. (We sighted many pukeko running about today).
Ambury Park Farm is named after Stephen Ambury, an English Immigrant who farmed in this area. Mr Ambury produced the first shipment of butter to leave New Zealand for the United Kingdom.
The farm itself has varied animals that young and old always enjoy. (A friend of mine, Robyn P Murray has written beautifully illustrated children’s books about Roger the Rooster and The Spirit of Cameron including other animals in residence at Ambury Park Farm).
On a hot day, be sure to have hats, sunblock and drinks on hand. There are picnic tables and benches throughout the Park.
The walking route is also suitable for mountainbuggies.
If you enjoy cycling, there is an easy grade 7km mountain bike track (WaterCare Coastal walkway map) which takes you from Ambury Park Farm to Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve.
A fun place to take the whole family. Animals to see and pet (feed the new lambs in August), volcanic history, shore birds, picnic spots…You could spend half the day doing the walk and visiting the farm, have lunch in Mangere Bridge Village and then explore Mangere Mountain.
Description: Mostly level paths across farmland and along gravel tracks. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Suitable for mountain bikes. Sturdy shoes recommended. To see: Manukau Harbour, Mangere Mountain, farm land and animals, shore birds, Ambury Park Farm Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.25 kms) Start: Ambury Park Farm car park MAP
Download the map of Ambury and devise your own route or
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AS-056 Ambury Park Farm Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 1” and “Best of the South”).
Visitors to Auckland can catch a train from Britomart to Orakei, and enjoy a walk along the Hobson Bay Walkway with views of three volcanoes – North Head, Mt Victoria and Rangitoto Island. This walk in Auckland along the Hobson Bay Walkway also takes you up higher through the streets of Remuera with views of the Sky Tower, the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Auckland Museum. (You can also begin this walk from the car park at Martyn Wilson Fields Reserve.)
Hobson Bay Walkway with views of the 3 volcanoes.
Auckland Council has done a wonderful job on the stormwater upgrade at the Martyn Wilson Reserve – we have been waiting months for this to be completed so that we could document this walk.
Other things to see on this walk are the shore birds that live in the mangrove swamps and creeks at the edge of Hobson Bay. Today we saw pukeko, herons, shags and ducks. There are two children’s playgrounds and a dog off-leash area. The track can be a bit wet and muddy in places after rain.
The Martyn Wilson Reserve is opposite Palmers Garden Centre which houses Cafe Greenfingers. This popular cafe is now en-route for this and two other of our walks:
Description: A mix of level paths, steps and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see: Volcano Views, shore birds, residential housing, mangroves, boardwalk Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4.7 kms) Start: Marytn Wilson Fields Reserve Map
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AC-051 Remuera and Hobson Bay Walkway) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 2”).
Another sunny winter morning in Auckland and no wind – perfect for a walk in Mangere and Onehunga! The Manukau Harbour tide was in and the water was like a mirror!
View of Mangere Mountain from the old Mangere Bridge
Many people were out walking, running, cycling and fishing.
This walk takes in views of Mangere Mountain and Manukau Harbour, the harbour shore birds, mangrove swamp area, Onehunga Wharf, Onehunga Mall, a dog off-leash area in Onehunga Bay Reserve, Jellicoe Park (with it’s historical houses, picnic tables, children’s playground and public swimming pool). With a distance of 7.5kms, it is a bit longer than our usual walks.
There are several cafes to choose from at Mangere Bridge village along Coronation Road as well as a good choice of funky cafes in Onehunga.
You could even catch the train to Onehunga and pick up the walk from the station!
The New Zealand Transport Agency is proposing to replace the old Mangere Bridge. Stop and relax at Onehunga’s beach Taumanu. Discover more about Onehunga’s rich past, click here.
Description: A mix of mainly level paths, steps and inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see : Views of Mangere Mountain and Manukau Harbour, the harbour shore birds, mangrove swamp area, Onehunga Wharf, Onehunga Mall, a dog off-leash area in Onehunga Bay Reserve, Onehunga’s beach Taumanu, Jellicoe Park (with its historical houses, picnic tables, children’s playground and public swimming pool) Time : approx. 90 minutes. (about 7.5 kms) Start from: Coronation Road or Church Road
We began our walk today with a route in mind, starting off from Onehunga Train Station. But as we progressed we changed our mind and found a walk that neither of us had done before, taking in part of Onehunga’s foreshore (as of November 2015Taumanu Reserve).
View of Mangere Mountain from Onehunga Foreshore. The Foreshore has since been turned into Taumanu Reserve.
The walk follows the edge of the Onehunga Bay Reserve and then the edge of Manukau Harbour along Orpheus Drive. In summer, I would expect to see more shore birds. Even though the walk passes through part of the industrial area of Onehunga, it is still interesting.
This mostly flat walk can be accessed from Mangere Village also.
Onehunga Bay Reserve has a great wide open space (off leash dog exercise area) for dogs to run around in, and, at high tide, a lagoon to swim in. At low tide it is an esturine mud flat full of stinky, black mud (gumboots required in winter/after rain in the reserve itself). Cycle paths and a children’s playground included.
UPDATE 2013/2014: Auckland Council is “currently restoring the foreshore next to Orpheus Drive to bring back a natural coastal edge and create recreational opportunities for the community. The project will provide high-quality open space, beaches, a boat ramp and picnic areas. A new bridge will connect the new land to the Onehunga lagoon.” (source www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz) Video: Secrets of New Zealand’s new $28m beach
To see: views of Mangere Mountain, shore birds, Onehunga Wharf, mangroves, Waikaraka cemetery, industrial area, reclaimed beach at Taumanu Reserve. Time : approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.77 kms) Children’s Playgrounds: Onehunga Bay Reserve Dogs: Off leash area in Onehunga Bay Reserve (caution: muddy after rain). Dogs not allowed within Taumanu Reserve. Start from: Princes Street, Onehunga MAP
We stopped off at The Library Cafe for refreshments. There is a Columbus Cafe on the corner of Onehunga Mall and Princes Street.
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AC-046 Onehunga Foreshore Loop) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 2” and “Dog Friendly Walks part 3”).
Another beautiful sunny, calm winter’s day in Auckland! The harbour water was dazzling as we walked along the Wynyard Quarter waterfront and the Viaduct Basin.
This walk is a flat one that is great for visitors to Auckland and families who enjoy Auckland’s maritime theme.
The circuit we walked took in many interesting sites- from the new open spaces, fishing boats, trams, opening bridges and fish markets to the super yachts and harbour-side bars and restaurants.
The walking route is also suitable for prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash only).
The new Wynyard Quarter Stage One opened for business in August 2011. As the Wynyard Quarter expands, there will be more to see and do. So it’s worthwhile coming back often to view progress.
Verdict: Lots to see and do. Fun for children. Easy for push chairs and wheel chairs.
This walk can be linked together with the Point Erin and Auckland Harbour walk for a longer walk starting from the Ferry Building/Britomart and taking in Victoria Park markets.
Description: mainly a level path. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: Auckland harbour views, Rangitoto Island views, bridges, yachts Time: approx. 45 minutes. Plus time for lingering(about 3.89 kms) Start: Off Halsey/Beaumont Streets or from Britomart MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AC-044Wynyard Quarter & Viaduct Harbour Loop walk) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 1”).
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
