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 aucklandCategory Archives: Auckland Nature Walks
There are pockets of native bush, wetlands and wilderness type walks throughout Auckland. Many have nature trails with trees sign-posted. Native Bush walks provide shade on hot summer days. Walks along Auckland’s coast lines provide fabulous views and varied shore bird life.
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.
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:
2. Highbrook
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.
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Cornwall Park Baby farm animals tend to warm our hearts, and Auckland has several farm areas that are easy to get to. Probably the best known is one of our favourite places for a walk, Cornwall Park in Central Auckland. Head a little further south to Ambury Park Farm and then onto Puhinui Reserve.
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Lake Pupuke Takapuna Wetlands, craters and streams attract the bird-life and in spring you will find new additions to families of ducks, geese, swans and pukeko.
North Shore – there is Lake Pupuke (an area of the walkway is closed off to protect the youngsters during spring).
Central Auckland – there are two waterways that attract the birds – Western Springs and Waiatarua Reserve. You may also spot ducklings in Oakley Creek and the pond in Auckland Domain.
East Auckland – visit Tahuna Torea and Pigeon Mountain wetlands. Swan and ducklings breed in a pond along the walkway at Point England.
South Auckland – there is Wattle Downs and Barry Curtis Park.
West Auckland – Oratia and New Lynn. 
And if you like seeing the spring bulbs and blossoms, then you must visit Cornwall Park, Auckland Botanic Gardens and Albert Park.
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 WalkCentennial 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).
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
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 HillsboroughWaiheke 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.
Mangere Bridge Loop Walk
We like to find excuses to head to Mangere Bridge for a walk. The village has a vibrant atmosphere, as the cafes that spill out onto the pavement bring the village to life and there are always visitors. Sunday mornings are market days which bring in extra visitors.
On a fine day the view of the Manukau Harbour is brilliant, and if you are lucky there is interesting bird life to watch. During the summer months, we like to stop and get fresh veggies (and strawberries) from the market gardens in Kirkbride Road.
Today we embarked on a new buggy friendly loop walk that we had overlooked on previous visits. This one starts (and ends, of course) at Mangere Bridge Village, and heads around the harbour edge, under the motorway bridge, partly through the industrial area, along the base of Mangere Mountain and returns along the Kiwi Esplanade.
Description: Mainly level paths, including ramp to bridge over the motorway. 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. 60 minutes. (about 5.5 kms)
Start: Coronation Road, Mangere Bridge MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochure (AS-109 Mangere Bridge Loop) over at our Walks Store.
Hobson Bay Circuit
We made the most of today’s fine weather and walked the circumference of Hobson Bay. Many of our walks touch on parts of Hobson Bay Walkway but to do the full circuit, we needed a low tide (check the tides here).
About half the route is along the busy roads, until we climb the ridge via Pt Resolution Bridge beside the Parnell Baths, to the quiet streets of Parnell and then back down again to the Bay and along the Freda Kirkwood Walkway.
The painting above depicts what can be seen along the route, there is plenty to look at – trains, boats, sheds, birds, mangroves, board walks, beautiful houses; with views of Rangitoto, North Head and Mount Victoria.
We started this walk from Orakei Train Station, but you can choose your own start point at a convenient place along the circular 9km route.
Description: Mostly level paths, with some steep paths and steps. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Can be muddy on the foreshore. LOW TIDE access only.
To see: Boats, trains, beautiful houses, birds, boardwalks, mangroves.
Time: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes (about 9 kms).
Start: Orakei Train Station. MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochure over at our Walks Store (AC-108 Hobson Bay Circuit).
Oratia Stream Loop
At last! Beautiful blue skies and sunshine. A perfect Fathers Day. And of course, a perfect day for a walk. We decided to check out the Oratia Twin Streams walk and cycleway to see if we could include it as part of a fun circular walk. We did it!
Continue reading Oratia Stream LoopAuckland Nature Walks
We have complied four books of short circular nature walks in Auckland that help you to discover volcanoes, native bush and the vast coastal areas. These short walks are great for young children to learn about the environment, to appreciate what they can discover when they go out walking, and to obtain the pleasure of walking.
These four “Nature Walks” books are now available on Amazon and from your local Auckland library.
Volcanoes
The twelve volcano sites that we visit are: Three Kings, Glover Park, Lake Pupuke, Mangere Mountain, Mount Eden, Mount Victoria, Mt Albert, North Head, One Tree Hill, Orakie Basin, Pigeon Mountain and Meola Reef.
Urban Bush
How many cities do you know that still contain the native bush? The twelve native bush areas we visit are: Bayview, Blockhouse Bay, Dingle Dell, Hillsborough, Le Roys Bush, Moire Park, Oakley Creek, Opanuku Stream, Parnell Albaron, St Johns Bush, Tahuna Torea, Totara Park.
Coastal Walks
From inlets to harbours there are many coastal paths to explore.
Coastal Part one
The coastal areas we visit are: Ambury Park Farm, Blockhouse Bay Gittos Domain, Churchill Park, Hillsborough, North Head, Northcote Point, Parnell, Remuera to Hobson Bay, Tahuna Torea, Te Atatu Peninsula, Wattle Downs, Wynyard Quarter.
Coastal Part Two.
The coastal areas we visit are: Belmont, Conifer Grove, Half Moon Bay, Hobson Bay walkway, Mangere Esplanade, Mission Bay, Onehunga Foreshore, Point England, Point Erin, Takapuna, West Harbour, Meola Reef.
These four “Nature Walks” books are now available on Amazon, The Women’s Bookshop in Ponsonby and from your local Auckland library.