Category Archives: Auckland Wetlands and Waterways

Within Auckland we are very lucky to have unique wetlands spread out among the suburbs. These environments provide refuge for bird life and swamp plants. The restoration and preservation of these areas has been carried out by the Auckland Council, Fish and Game NZ, the Department of Conservation, Forest & Bird and the National Wetlands Trust. Take a walk through these wetlands and waterways, and appreciate what there is to see there.

Grey Lynn Explorer

It was time to visit the newly opened (15th June 2013) Cox’s Bay Reserve boardwalk and to incorporate it into another circular walk to add to our collection.

Cox's Bay Reserve board walk © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

This walk explores both Cox’s Bay Reserve and Grey Lynn Park.
Cox’s Bay Reserve is made up of three parks – Hukanui Reserve where the new boardwalk is, Bayfield Park where you may wish to have your picnic, and the sports fields of Cox’s Bay Park. It is a mini-paradise for dog owners with off-leash dog exercise areas.

And it is family friendly too, with a selection of children’s playgrounds and picnic sites. It is a great place for joggers and people who like to use the outdoor fitness stations.

The wide open spaces, sculptures, playing fields, the creek, mangrove swamps, gullies, the bay itself, a field with cattle and tall mature trees surrounded by interesting residential housing, make this another walk that is full of variety.

Also of interest is the Kelmarna Gardens Nature Trail off Hukanui Crescent – A self-directed nature trail will show you chickens, vegetable gardens, a pony and young cattle, an organic orchard, beehives, worm farm, compost making, native trees and flax. The trail winds its way through the gardens, across paddocks and links to Cox’s Creek Walkway. The gardens were established in 1981 and have been organically managed for 32 years. The land is owned by Auckland Council for the benefit of the whole community.

For history information visit “Meanderings about Cox’s Creek”.

Dogs – Off leash exercise areas in Cox’s Bay Reserve and Grey Lynn Park (check signage for rules).

Dog friendly walks in Auckland - part three

Description: Paved walkways, steps, inclines and board walks. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. (Suitable for prams/buggies excluding the steps).
To see: Sculptures, playing fields, the creek, mangrove swamps, gullies, the bay itself, a field with cattle and tall mature trees surrounded by interesting residential housing.
Time: approx. 70 minutes. (about 5.58 kms)
Parking: Westmoreland Street West off Richmond Road, Grey Lynn.
Buses: Richmond Road, Grey Lynn MAP
Children’s playgrounds. Off-leash dog exercise areas in in Grey Lynn Park and Cox’s Bay Reserve (please read the signs).
Cafe: Bread and Butter

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AC-081 Grey Lynn Explorer) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Dog Friendly Walks part 3”).

Le Roys Bush Loop

Saying that you are going for a walk in the bush in urban Auckland, may sound like an oxymoron…however, that is one of the many wonderful aspects of walking in Auckland – you never have to go far to find native bush. Kauri Glen Reserve lives up to it’s name and Le Roys Bush follows a stream downhill to the restored wetlands of Little Shoal Bay, Northcote (which was once a tidal estuary filled with mangroves).

Little Shoal Bay © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

This morning the sun was out (as well as the tide!), which made it a very pleasant and warm winter’s day.  Some of the smaller tracks are wet, muddy and slippery so if that doesn’t fit with you, then I suggest that you save them for a summer walk. The loop walk we have documented keeps you on the drier paths and boardwalks.

We were rewarded with sunlight filtering through the native trees, the sound of the bubbling stream and the songs of the native birds – we could have been deep in the bush instead of in the middle of urban residences!

  • Free Map for your smartphone – go to the new prototype site:  Le Roys Bush Walks [22Nov2015]

Kauri Glen is one of the oldest bush reserves on the Shore (measures about 25 acres and first sizeable pieces of land that was placed under public management) which includes trees such as taraire, totara, kauri, tawa, rewarewa and maire. Kiekie and nikau are abundant in this sub-tropical rainforest. Smaller species of note are pate and karapapa. The area is alive with the likes of tui, fantails and moreporks.

Little Shoal Bay Reserve is a great place to start and finish at – with plenty of parking and a fun looking children’s playground.  Dogs must be kept on leash to protect the flora and fauna.

Alternatively you could begin your walk at Birkenhead. A new track has been constructed (September 2016) from 31-45 Birkenhead Avenue. Called the Maori Pipi Walk.

You could pop into the Northcote Tavern  for lunch, coffee or a beer afterwards – full of character and nice ambience. Or stop at Sausalito Cafe.

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Please protect our Kauri.  Clean ALL dirt off your shoes and dogs feet BEFORE you arrive. Spray feet on entering and leaving. Dogs on leash at all times. Keep to the tracks. Enjoy your walk. 
Join Le Roys Bush on Facebook.

***Please note: September 2018 This track has been temporarily closed due to Kauri Dieback
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Description: Bush track and board walks. Slippery when wet. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Native bush, waterfall, wetlands, views across Auckland Harbour, native birds.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.0 kms)
Parking: Little Shoal Bay Reserve
Buses/Ferries: Queen Street, Onewa Road, Northcote MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map  (AN-079 Le Roys Bush Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Dog Friendly Walks part 2”).

New Lynn pottery and parks

Manawa Wetland Reserve © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

This walk in New Lynn (West Auckland) explores either side of the town centre and takes in Olympic Park and it’s popular children’s playgrounds, and the wetlands of Manawa. The Park and the Wetlands has a community of ducks and pukekos.

According to the TimeSpanner: “The Manawa Wetland Reserve has been redeveloped from a dump for Crown Lynn  rejects, before the clay was scoured out for bricks and pots and other thing, and it was the site of the poudrette factory, and before that, it was New Lynn’s Waterfalls Estate in the 1860s.”

Watch video Manawa Wetlands – Anywhere Auckland

To research the clay and brick history of New Lynn, get lost in Papers Past.

Taking the train to New Lynn could be the start of a day’s outing.  Do this walk along this side of the Whau River in the morning, have lunch in New Lynn, visit the Mall and then do the Avondale Whau River walk on the other side of New Lynn.

Description: Mix of flat and undulating paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Olympic Park, Manawa Reserve Wetlands, Gardner Reserve, Ambrico Kiln, Whau River
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.25 kms) Children’s Playgrounds: Olympic Park
Start: Olympic Park (off Wolverton Street)
Buses/Trains: New Lynn Train Station (MAP)

Best of the West - Short Walks in Auckland

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AW-076 New Lynn Reserves) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Best of the West“).

West Harbour Circuit

West harbour walkway. Copyr

West Harbour is tucked in between Hobsonville Point and Moire Park.  The walk circuit is short and does provide a couple of viewing points east to the city skyline. Start at the Waipareira Walkway at the West Harbour Marina and enjoy a coastal walk meandering in and around many little inlets, passing by wetlands and through native bush. If you are lucky, you may catch glimpses of bush birds like fantails and tui. There’s a nice picnic spot and children’s playground at Luckens Reserve (the swimming beach is below the reserve).

Find our GPS Google Map and further information here.

The tide soaked mangrove forest, provides a buffer between land and sea and is a nursery for fish and a safe haven for the many seabirds that nest there.

It is interesting to see the change in residential housing from mansions to more modest accommodation.

Visitors to Auckland may wish to catch a ferry to West Harbour, do the walk and then stay for lunch at either the cafe or restaurant, before returning to downtown Auckland. At Clearwater Cove you have the option to extend your walk by visiting the West Park Marina to watch the boats come and go.

Dogs – off leash exercise areas within the reserves.

Description: Mainly level paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Clearwater Cove marina, views of Auckland City, Mangrove, native brids
Time: approx. 90 minutes. (about 5.75 kms)
Start: Clearwater Cove Marina, West Harbour MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AW-074 West Harbour 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 West“).

Otara Creek Walkway

The Otara Creek Walkway in South Auckland, passes through some 220 hectares of waterway/tidal mudflats and forms a green corridor within Otara township.

Otara Creek Walkway

This huge reserve was almost empty today; we saw two cyclists and one stray dog.

This walkway is ideal for family cycling and for taking your dog for an off-leash walk. (Dogs are welcome along the walkway provided they are kept under control and do not disturb wildlife or other park users. Dogs are not permitted on sport fields or near children’s playgrounds.)

The creek has mangrove mud flats and is sadly polluted – the locals seems to take delight in dropping shopping trolleys into the creek. However, if you can overlook the neglect, you may find enjoyment in the bigger view: the sounds of the birds and the trees and the native plants within the Otara Creek Reserve.

When I got home the thought came to me what it was that was missing here.  Other walks along waterways in Auckland like Wattle Downs and Conifer Grove have homes facing the waterway, but here alongside Otara Creek, there are only fenced off back yards.  Would people feel a sense of ownership, if another row of houses inside the reserve faced the creek?

History: An Otara timeline from 1955 to 2010

Description: Mainly level paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Dog friendly.
To see: Otara Creek and estuary, mangrove mud flats
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 5.75 kms)
Start from: Fair Mall, Bairds Road, East Tamaki  MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AS-073 Otara Creek Walkway) over at our Walks Store  and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Dog Friendly Walks part 3” and “Best of the South”).

Half Moon Bay West

Half Moon Bay. Copyright 2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

Half Moon Bay was bathed in sunshine this morning – very welcome after a week of rain.  The walk west follows the cliff tops with fantastic views of Point England Reserve, Tahuna Torea, Rangitoto and Mount Wellington.

It’s been a while since we had visited Half Moon Bay; the last time there was a lot of building work going on.

We were prompted by Brett to return – this is his suggestion “A great one to commute to by ferry, go for a walk & check out the cafes, restaurants & bar at Half Moon Bay Marina, even a supermarket now at the marina. Best kept secret, free push bikes available from Grangers Restaurant & Bar!” Thanks for the tip, Brett!

Description: Mainly level paths, some steps and steep slopes. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see:Views of Tamaki Estuary, Point England Reserve, Tahuna Torea, Rangitoto, Mt Wellington.  Wetlands, Pukeko birds habitat.
Time:approx. 60 minutes. (about 4.7 kms)
Start from: Half Moon Bay Marina off Ara-Tai Road MAP

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AE-070 Half Moon Bay west) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store

Check it out: the Half Moon Bay ferry service

Wattle Downs Walkway

Wattle Downs in South Auckland was another new area for us to explore. The Wattle Downs Walkway 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).

Wattle Downs walkway © 2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

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.

Wattle Downs Public Toilets

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”).

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

Orewa Te Ara Tahuna shared path

Today we headed north out of Auckland to Orewa to walk around the Te Ara Tahuna shared path.  This cycleway/walkway encircles the Orewa Estuary for a distance of 7.58km.  It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to walk it at a leisurely pace.

The tide was going out as we walked around anti-clockwise.  It is a diverse walk, starting from the car park by the Estuary Arts CentreMAP

Orewa Estuary

We walked past beautiful houses and gardens set along the path, crossed bridges, walked on the edge of farmland with picturesque bales of hay and past mangroves – arriving back to the view of the ocean along the Hibiscus Coast Highway.

Look out for all the different wetland birdlife. You will also see kauri trees, pohutukawa trees, cabbage trees and flax. There are picnic tables available at the Orewa end, as well as a skate park.  Benches provide views of the estuary and take the time to admire the beautifully carved wooden seats (six in total as of today’s date).

The cycleway is ideal for families with children who are competent cyclists.  The pathway is a mix of concrete, bitumen and loose gravel.  Be sure to have snacks and drinks with you to keep up the energy levels. And if the weather is appropriate, take beach gear for a refreshing swim afterwards.

There are now public toilets at MetroPark in Millwater (about halfway round) and a coffee lounge,dairy and other shops at the Millwater Parkway shops.

We stopped off at Olivers for a delicious lunch accompanied by a wonderful musician.

Download the Auckland Transport Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Map or pick up a free map from the Orewa Citizens Advice Bureau.

Highbrook Park Loop

If you have been out to Highbrook Business Park in South Auckland, you may have noticed a walkway along the waters edge to the north.  This has intrigued my friend and I for some time, so today we set out to explore and work out a way to include it an interesting circular walk.

Mission accomplished and rewarded with a delicious iced coffee at Highbrook Park’s Sierra Cafe! **Update December 2014** There is now a further selection of cafes and eateries at The Crossing (we had coffee at The Light Horse).

IMG_4918

According to “Volcanoes of Auckland, the Essential Guide” Highbrook was developed as a racehorse stud farm before it was converted to a business park. The explosion crater’s proper name is Pukewairiki which means “the hill with the associated small lagoon”. The crater floor is now salt marsh and mangrove forest.

The pathway along Highbrook Park is safe for family cycling. This walk does not include a playground and would be suited for older children.  Look out for the pohutukawa blossoms early summer. There is an off-leash dog exercise area on the Otara Creek (south) side of this walk.

Description: A mix of level and slightly hilly paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.  Suitable for mountain bikes.
To see:  Pukekiwiriki Crater, wetlands, views of Tamaki Estuary, Otara Creek, Pakuranga Creek, Mount Wellington and other volcanoes,  Highbrook Model Airpark.
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 5.8 kms)
Start: Business Parade North, Highbrook  MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AS-063 Highbrook Park Loop) over at our Walks Store  and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Dog Friendly Walks part 1” and “Best of the South”).

Mt Wellington Explorer

View of Mt Wellington

This walk around the base of the Mount Wellington volcanoe explores the Stonefields residential development, the Maungarei Springs Wetland and the businesses along Lunn Avenue. You may wish to extend the walk by heading up to the summit of Mount Wellington for views over Auckland, or explore the streets and houses of Stonefields.

The volcanic site of Mount Wellington was formed 9000 years ago.  It was used as a village by the Maori with evidence dating back 600 years ago.  Winstones Limited began quarrying stone here back in 1936—and much of the stone was used for building Auckland.  In 2001 the site was sold and is still in development as a large residential area.

Description: A mix of level and slightly hilly paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Mount Wellington, Maungarei Springs Wetlands, re-used stone quarry (Stonefields)
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.0 kms)
Start: Mitre 10, Lunn Avenue  MAP

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AE-062 Mt Wellington Explorer) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store

Point England Walk

Point England Reserve

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”).

Belmont Bay Walk

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
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.

Coastal walks in Auckland part two

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

Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.00 kms). Playgrounds.

Start: Corner Eversleigh Road & Rutherford Street  MAP

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”).

Ambury Park Farm Walk

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.

Ambury Park Farm


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 mountain buggies.

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.

Other Mangere WalksMangere Bridge to Onehunga LoopMangere MountainMangere Esplanade Loop

Nearby places to visit: Watercare Coastal walkwayAmbury Regional ParkVilla Maria Winery and cafeButterfly Creek,  Otuataua Stonefields historic reserve , Mangere Strawberry and Vegetable Farm @ 127 Kirkbride Road.

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”).

The Cascade Walkway

The Cascade Walkway (7.5km of shared paths between Meadowland Drive and Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga)  is another area that has been on our list to explore.  We set out from Howick Historical Village hoping to find well sign-posted walking paths. The best we found was a post with two arrows on it! (New signage has been installed since our first visit).

The Cascade walkway map

The paths are great for cycling and walking (with your dog and/or your children).  There is diverse birdlife and native plants and trees. We were surprised by the lack of picnic/BBQ facilities, public toilets and children’s playgrounds within the Cascade Reserve.  However, we did come across 3 children’s playgrounds in total, making this a short family friendly walk.

walksinauckland.com

Near the Historical Village is an area to play with marbles, and another area for kids to ride their bicycles on a specially made track. There is a duck pond  and some bench seats along the walkway nearby.
We had lunch and coffee at the Homestead Cafe (the homemade bacon and egg quiche was very tasty).

You can find the Auckland Council’s information on the Cascade Walkway here.

Dogs – off leash exercise areas available (see more Dog Friendly Walks)

Suitable for family cycling:Between Meadlowland Drive and Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, 7.5km.

Description: Mainly level paths and a few slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Mostly concrete paths with a small stretch of dirt track under trees. Buggy/pram friendly.
To see: Creeks, birdlife, small waterfall, bridges, tunnel. View of Rangitoto Island, Pigeon Mountain, Mt Wellington, Waitakere Ranges and One Tree Hill
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 6 kms)
Start: Bells Road off Cascades Road/Pakuranga Road MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map of the AE-040 Cascade Walkway Loop at our Walks Store and our Book Store (“Dog Friendly part 3” and “Best of the East”).


Watch this video to get a taste of Cascades Walkway:

Oakley Creek Loop walk

walks in Auckland

We have wanted to include Oakley Creek walkway in our walk guides for some time.  The Oakley Creek Te Auaunga (whirlpool or swirling waters) Walkway itself is a one-way track, and we wanted to include it as part of a bigger circular walk. And today we did it!  There was a lot of water in the creek today and the 6 metre high waterfall was in fine form.  The new viewing platform is great (update December 2012 – sad to see that the platform has been burnt down).

Oakley Creek flows from Hillsborough, through Mt Roskill, Owairaka and Waterview to the Waitemata Harbour, making it one of Auckland’s longest urban streams. Oakley Creek is also home to the New Zealand longfin eel which is threatened, so fishing is not allowed.

The Friends of Oakley Creek is a project to help preserve and protect the creek, and was set up in 2004. The Friends of Oakley Creek have been doing a fantastic job with restoration and keeping the creek maintained, clean and improving the water quality.  This is a volunteer organisation, and they continually seek help with their efforts – lend a hand if you can.  If you would like to get involved, visit their Facebook page: Friends of Oakley Creek .

You can walk through native bush, wetlands, see water birds and enjoy the peace beside Oakley Creek. We have decided to create two separate loop walks – one a northern loop, the other a southern loop.  You may wish to get both, and link them together for a longer walk.

Children’s playgrounds in both walks – the southern loop Heron Park has a flying fox.

Both loop walks take in off-leash dog exercise areas (dogs on leash alongside the Creek). See other Dog Friendly Walks

walks in Auckland


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: Water birds Habitat, waterfall, Oakley Creek
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4 kms
Start: Cadman Avenue (off Fairlands Avenue/ Great North Road) MAP

Urban Bush walks in Auckland

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AC-042 Oakley Creek Walkway Loop South) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Dog Friendly Walks part 2”).

Watch this video to get a taste of the Oakley Creek walkway.