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.
What a fabulous day for a walk in Auckland – warm, sunny, no wind….and there were so many people out and about taking advantage of the great weather!
St Heliers is a buzzy little place on Tamaki Drive with a small selection of cafes and restaurants to choose from for refreshments.
Todays walk provides spectacular views looking over the Hauraki Gulf to the small islands and the impressive Rangitoto volcano. And then onto Glover Park another of Auckland’s volcano remains – this one is an ‘explosion crater’.
This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash exercise area.
Description: A mix of level and steep paths. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: Wonderful views of Rangitoto, Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4.5kms) Map
I really enjoy the diversity of Auckland at large and it is also a pleasure to find a walk that contains diversity within a small area. This walk in Auckland, takes us from the ridge of Remuera Village, down to the edge of Hobson Bay walkway, onto a boardwalk amongst the mangroves via reserves and the Remuera mansions. You really get to know a city when you walk – we miss so much when we travel by car. This walk reveals some hidden Auckland gems.
Cafe Greenfingers at Palmers Garden Centre on Shore Road is a great little cafe – the coffee is very good and so is the food.
This walk is one to do if fitness is a criteria – there is a decent uphill. It can also be done in all weathers as all the paths are paved.
Description:A mix of level and steep paths. Suitable in all weather. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs. To see: Remuera mansions, park with mature trees, character shopping street with cafes and restaurants, mangrove trees, water views, ducks. Time: approx. 60-90 minutes depending on pace. Start: Waiata Avenue off Victoria Avenue. MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochure (AC-015 Remuera to Hobson Bay) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 1” and “Dog Friendly Walks part 2”).
It turned out to be a beautiful sunny Mothers Day in Auckland. And time for a relaxing walk in Auckland Domain, the home of the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
The Domain has a variety of landscapes from open fields, to formal gardens and statues, to native bush walkways and waterfalls (you could almost imagine that you are in the Waitekere Hills).
We dropped into the Winter Garden Pavillion Cafe for coffee and we plan to go back to try the food. It was lovely sitting in the sun overlooking the duck pond.
After a quick look at the Winter Gardens, we headed for the Columbus Cafe inside the Museum. But when we saw their high prices for their cabinet food, we left.
It was an enjoyable amble on a beautiful day.
Main Entrance: Park Road, Grafton MAP
Dog off leash exercise area: Gum Tree Hill Auckland Domain Sculpture Walk: Map available here Auckland Domain Self guided heritage trail: Map unavailable (includes Auckland Domain bush walking tracks (not named on the map)). Auckland Domain Volcano Walk: Map available here (includes Auckland Domain Forest walks)
To download a complete map of the Auckland Domain paths (shows steps) click here.
The Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays walk is one of the few walks in Auckland that does not have a nearby cafe. However, we feel that it deserves to be in our collection because it is quite magical – from the peacefulness of the cemetery, to the rustling of the bush and then the lapping of the water at the edge of Manukau Harbour.
There is a publication called ‘Not Just Passing Through – the making of Mt Roskill’ by Jade Reidy that devotes a page to Hillsborough Cemetery. The cemetery contains resting places for about 17,000 people who were buried there from 1916. Even the first man to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel, Bobby Leach, is buried there.
The walk passes through the native bush of two reserves – Goodall Street reserve and Belfast Reserve. These two reserves have stands of native bush and fauna.
At the bottom of the hill, you can get great views across Manukau Harbour to Mangere Mountain. And when the tide is in, the scene is set for a spot of kayaking!
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: Muddy and slippery when wet. Not wheel-friendly. To see: Cemetery, native bush, harbour beaches, Manukau Harbour views. Time: approx. 60 minutes. Start: Hillsborough Cemetery corner Hillsborough Road and Goodall Street MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (GS008 Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Coastal part 1”).
One of my “most-walked” walks in Auckland is the loop of Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill. This volcano walk is right on my doorstep, I can walk there from my home.
Each season of the year can be enjoyed in this park – from the lambs and daffodils in the spring to the autumn colours in April through to pohutukawa flowers in December. Even when the leaves have dropped from the old oak trees in winter, the trees still look majestic.
Tree lovers may like to read this NZ Herald article: Growing our heritage
The park has many things to enjoy. There are large areas of grass for picnics and ball games. There are the cattle and sheep and birds. There are native New Zealand trees such as the pohutukawa and the yellow flowers of the kowhai, and introduced species such as the oaks and eucalyptus trees. The information centre next to the Cornwall Park Restaurant provides leaflets on all the trees in the park plus information on other aspects.
One Tree Hill is a volcano and it has a fabulous view from the summit that takes in views of other Auckland volcanoes (Mt Eden, Mt Hobson, Mangere Mountain, Rangitoto Island, Mt Wellington, Mt Roskill) as well as views of both harbours – the Waitemata and the Manukau.
The park has picnic areas and barbecues, a bandstand and flower beds. And places where children enjoy riding bicycles and scooters. It includes a children’s playground as well as the Stardome Observatory Planetarium. It really is a great place to spend a day.
For visitors who have to choose between visiting One Tree Hill and Mt Eden – One Tree Hill is a larger area with more to see, sheep and cattle, a cafe plus a fine view from the summit. Whereas Mt Eden has a huge crater and a fabulous view of Auckland City.
If you like a bit of a laugh, in 2008 my son James created a 12 part video series titled ‘Steve McGill of One Tree Hill’ which you may enjoy watching. “Meet Steve, a farmhand on Auckland’s One Tree Hill who has many misadventures. He loves his job, his gumboots and his sheep.”
Description: A mix of mainly level paths, and a few steep paths. Suitable for users of all ages and abilities, suitable for normal footwear and for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: City views, harbour views, trees, Volcano, farm animals, observatory. The Park is home to many birds ranging from Native Pigeon, Fantail to California Quail, White-faced Heron and Paradise Shelduck. Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.14kms). Parking: Carpark, Manukau Road entrance.
Suggested Cafés: 1) Frolic Café, Manukau Road opposite the park entrance. We have had many coffees here – children friendly. 2) Cornwall Park restaurant and ice-cream kiosk 3) Various at Greenwoods Corner (Golf Road exit).
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochures over at our Walks Store (AC-001 Cornwall Park) and our Book Store (Volcanoes). Or you can download it for free when you sign up in the box at the top right hand side of this page.
Tahuna Torea is a beautiful nature reserve and wetland (salt marsh and freshwater habitat) in Glendowie, East Auckland. This nature walk follows the estuary edge and through native bush. I was hoping to head there yesterday but the rain was too heavy. Today the skies cleared to reveal a warm autumn day perfect for another walk in Auckland.
The starting point is at Roberta Reserve – it is a space that children can enjoy with a playground in the corner. Roberta Reserve is an off leash dog exercise area, but no dogs are allowed within Tahuna Torea itself because of the shore and wading birds that wander freely in this conservation area.
Tahuna Torea introduces you to 25 hectares of unique wildlife sited on a long sand bank extending out into the Tamaki Estuary. It is rich in Maori history as well as native birds and vegetation. Native trees are well sign-posted and there are fabulous views of the sandspit and estuary. There are three main walking trails around the reserve and you can walk them separately or together. It is a fun bush and shore family friendly walk.
Check out the tides before you head out – at low tide you can explore the Sandspit Beach Walks and at high tide you can enjoy the beauty of the water.
Description: : A mix of level path and a steps. Suitable in dry weather. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: Wilderness Nature Reserve. Estuary views, sand spit, mangrove lagoon, freshwater pond, native birdlife, and native trees, Hauraki Gulf views. Bring binoculars to view birdlife. Time: approx. 45 minutes. Allow extra time to explore. Start: On corner of Robert Ave and Riddell Road. MAP
Suggested Café: Ronnies, Corner of Riddell Road and Roberta Avenue (they do great iced coffees!)
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AE-010 Tahuna Torea) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush”, “Coastal part one” and “Best of the East”).
It was great to see so many people, with their children and their dogs, out enjoying walking today at Western Springs and Meola Reef.
Other things to do here are to visit the Auckland Zoo and MOTAT – Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology. And have a tram ride!
Western Springs Park has a warm spot in my memories. My son loved coming here when he was little. He would ride his tricycle (and bicycle when he got bigger) around this man made lake. He had special places where he would have to stop to participate in the imaginative story he had going on in his head with characters from books we used to read.
Western Springs has a mostly level path suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and children’s scooters and trikes. There are ducks, geese, swans and eels to feed, so be sure to bring your bread scraps. And there is a fabulous playground with a BBQ area nearby. “Timespanners” view: War, water and birds at Western Springs
Meola Reef is Dog walk friendly with off-leash areas – dogs romp around in a big wide open area. This is a mostly flat walk, apart from one lot of steps in Jaggers Bush.
And when your dog gets tired, there is a seat to rest on…
There are two great places to enjoy your picnic – on the many picnic tables in Western Springs, or out at the point of Meloa Reef.
Unfortunately there is not a cafe within walking distance. But there is a van that sells coffee in a paper cup and icecreams in a cone just by the entrance to Western Springs from the Zoo carpark and not far from the children’s playgrounds. (Weekends only, not July and August).
Description: Mainly level paths plus steps. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: Waitemata Harbour views, a natural spring-fed lake with ducks, swans, geese and long-finned eels; stream, trams, planes. Time: approx. 90 minutes. (about 7 kms) Start: Great North Road (Western Springs gardens) opposite Western Springs. MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochure (AC-011 Western Springs – Meola) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store ( one of 12 walks featured in our three books “Volcanoes”, “Coastal part 2”, “Dog Friendly part 1”).
There is so much to discover when you take a walk in Parnell! One moment you can be in the solitude of a reserve and the next looking at large cranes moving shipping containers with a helicopter nearby warming up to take off, and a train swiftly moving along the tracks.
The weather did not look the best today with low grey clouds in the sky after a day of rain yesterday. So we took our raincoats and didn’t need them…
However, we chose a walk that would not get our feet too wet. But if you do want to get wet when it’s a lovely sunny day, then this walk takes you along Judges Bay and around the Parnell Baths via the Parnell Rose Gardens in Dove Myer Robinson Park (named after Auckland’s longest serving (18 years) Mayor – Dove Myer Robinson). The walk takes us out along the end of Solent Street. The Council planted a row of native pohutukawa trees along the path in 2008 and a few years later they have grown significantly. We wondered how much they will grow in another few years and if they will hinder walkers…
The roses today were looking bedraggled because of all the rain. However, the fernery was stunning and a great place for children to wander around safely.
Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: NZ native ferns palms and cycads, roses, Waitemata Harbour views, City views, helicopters, cranes, big trucks, container wharf, Parnell Baths Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5kms) Parking: Gladstone Road or Stanwell Street, off Gladstone Road, Parnell
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochures over at our Walks Store(AC-012 Parnell and Judges Bay Loop) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 1”).
Another beautiful autumn day and todays walk in Auckland Central is one of contrasts – from the quietness of secluded reserves to the noisy Parnell farmers markets. This Auckland urban bush walk is great to do all year round.
There are two markets:
Parnell Farmers Market – behind the Foundation for the Blind off Parnell Road. It is open from 8am to noon every Saturday. Today there was quite a variety of stalls from cheese to bread, to unusual pumpkins. The stall holders are very friendly and enjoyed giving us a taste of their products.
French Style Farmers Market at La Cigale, off St Georges Bay Road. This is a bigger market with more variety. There is a wide range of delicious looking and smelling foods for humans plus an interesting looking stall of dog food. These markets are open Saturdays 8am to 1.30pm and Sundays 9am to 1.30pm. La Cigale cafe was busy with people catching up for coffee with friends and staying on for lunch. Again, everyone is friendly and happy to share a taste of their tasty produce. It is all locally produced so you know that it is fresh and in many cases organic.
We walked from the busy bustling markets to the peacefulness of reserves with birdlife, nikau palms and New Zealand native ferns, past quaint cottages and the massive Holy Trinity Cathedral and the more modest St John the Baptist Church.
Parnell Village is a popular shopping strip with many cafes and restaurants to choose from. To make this a full day outing, you may wish to stay and explore Parnell Village and learn about its history.
This is a great walk if you wish to take in both markets on a Saturday or you can exclude them if you prefer a quieter walk. Dog walk friendly with off-leash areas.
Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: NZ native ferns palms and cycads, Waitemata Harbour views, farmers markets, old cottages. Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 3.92kms) Start: Stratford Street (off Gladstone Road) MAP Suggested Cafés: la Cigale, 69 St Georges Bay Road, Rosie’s Café, 82 Gladstone Road
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochures over at our Walks Store (AC-009 Parnell Markets and Reserves) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Dog Friendly part 3”).
Churchill Park is one of a few walks in Auckland that does not have much shelter, so it was a great day to get into the park, with a pleasantly warm sun and no rain.
The walk starts off going uphill and there are further gentle undulations – it fits the ‘fitness’ criteria! There is some variety – big pine tress, distant city skyline views, a path following a stream (where the Nikau Palms were showing off their red berries), a few cattle taking up what shade they could find and then once out of the park the fabulous views over the harbour and estuary.
Churchill Park, Glendowie Park and Roberta Reserve all have an off-leash dog exercise area and today there were dog owners taking advantage of the weather.
For children, there is an attractive playground area at the walk start and end point. Update June 2014: A recent redesign and reconstruction has transformed Roberta Reserve playground into a series of exciting, safe play spaces for kids of all ages. For more adventurous youngsters, the park’s large colourful rope fort, eagle’s nest and swing basket are a real highlight.
Description:A mix of level paths, and a few steep paths. Suitable in dry weather. Suitable for users of all ages and abilities, suitable for normal footwear and for wheelchairs and pushchairs. May be muddy in places during the winter months. To see: Sea views, city views, stream, private gardens, farm animals Time: About 5kms (approx. 60 minutes). Start: On corner of Robert Ave and Riddell Road. MAP Playground: Corner of Riddell Road & Roberta Ave
Suggested Café: Ronnies Café, Corner of Riddell Road and Roberta Avenue (they do great iced coffees and date scones!)
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AE-007 Churchill Park) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 1”, “Dog Friendly Walks part 1” and “Best of the East”).
One of my favorite walks in Auckland is North Head and Devonport. There are many things to do and see in Devonport Village and the views from North Head are magnificent.
Catching the ferry across from the city adds to the experience. This brings back memories for me when my children were little and we caught the ferry to Devonport, they played in the playground and we followed that with take-away fish and chips eaten at the beach. As they got older they enjoyed visiting the shops especially the second-hand books shops. When we walked around North Head we missed out on seeing the many tunnels and gun placements because we did not know they were there. Our self-guides take you around North Head so that you do not miss out on the fun bits.
When Grace and I set out for Devonport this morning we did not realize that the Wine and Food Festival was today. It started at 1pm so it was fortunate that we did not leave the walk until the afternoon. It is a glorious summer day and we wished we had brought our swimming togs to join others in the sparkling water at Cheltenham Beach. However, we were there to check out my walking directions and to take photos – and we did succeed doing that and had fun too.
If you do head out to North Head be sure to bring a torch with you to explore the tunnels and batteries. And your camera to capture the wonderful views overlooking the Hauraki Gulf.
We discovered the newly opened (October 2010) Torpedo Bay Museum and cafe at the base of North Head. Entry to the Museum is free and there are guided tours. The cafe sits in a great location overlooking the water with no traffic to hinder the prime view.
Description: A mix of level paths, steep paths and steps. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To see: Volcano, tunnels, military defenses. Wonderful views of Rangitoto, Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. Be sure to bring a torch to explore the tunnels. Time: approx. 60 minutes. Start: In Devonport Village near ferry terminal or along King Edward Parade. MAP
This walk has something for almost everyone… how about you?
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AN-005 North Head Devonport) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Volcanoes” and “Coastal part 1”).
Mt Eden/Maungawhau is one of the many volcano walks in Auckland, and one of the most popular places to visit.
Mt Eden boasts spectacular views of the city centre and surrounding region. Most people take a coach to the summit, hop out, take photos and then get back on the coach again.
Today, Grace and I walked around and over the summit in the summer humidity.
There are some shady tracks that do give relief from the heat. These tracks can be slippery when wet so we advise suitable footwear. Mt Edens walking paths and tracks are not as developed as the ones in Cornwall Park. It feels like more of a country walk than a city walk. But it does allow us to do the Mt Eden ‘Round the Maunga walk’.
As I mentioned the views are spectacular. Which is the highlight of this walk, as well as of course, getting the outdoor exercise. This is an excellent workout walk for people who are watching their weight because of the steep inclines and steps.
For visitors who have to choose between visiting One Tree Hill and Mt Eden – One Tree Hill is a larger area with more to see, sheep and cattle, a cafe plus a fine view from the summit. Whereas Mt Eden has a huge crater and a fabulous view of Auckland City. There is a good choice of cafes in Mt Eden Village, a children’s playground and an off-leash dog area.
