Category Archives: CBD Walks

We encourage visitors to Auckland to walk and explore the Central Business District. There are arcades, lanes, historic and new buildings, markets, sculptures, parks, the art gallery, harbour side, museum and more, to discover. Our guides will help you to stay on track and we encourage you to get off track to explore.

Parnell Rose Gardens Loop With Views And Beautiful Scents

 

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

Arriving in Auckland by Cruise Ship

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.

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).

Westhaven Promenade - short walks in Auckland
Taking in the view along Westhaven Promenade.

 

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.

Walks in Auckland City

While most of our walks are within urban Auckland, we would like to encourage you to explore Auckland city’s Central Business District (CBD). For visitors on short stays, walking around Auckland city is the best way to explore and discover the backstreets and character.

Many of these walks in Auckland City start from Britomart at the Auckland Harbour end of Queen Street.

The Auckland City CBD discovery walk – starts from Britomart. This walk brochure is free for people who download our FREE report ‘What to do and see in Auckland’. This walk takes you past historical buildings and through parks and reserves. We also take in lanes, arcades and courtyards.

Victoria Park and Markets – begins at Victoria Park Markets and takes you through the suburban streets of Freemans Bay up to Ponsonby Road via the well-hidden gem of Western Park.

Auckland Coast to Coast Walk – starts from Britomart and takes about 4 hours non-stop.  It is split into 4 stages, with directions on where to catch a bus to return to Britomart at the end of each stage. This walk is full of variety from kauri trees, to the Parnell shops and cafes, churches and cathedrals, views of the harbours, volcanoes and Waitekere Ranges and an art collection.

Karangahape Road and Parks – starts from BritomartWalk the back streets and parks of Auckland City.  This walk provides fine views of Mt Eden (down the side roads off Karangahape Road), the Harbour Bridge and the Sky Tower, and introduces you to the eclectic shopping strip of Ponsonby and Karangahape Road.

Auckland Harbour and Point Erin – starts from Victoria Park Market which is within an easy walk from Britomart. This Auckland walk not only has fabulous views, it is mostly flat (apart from the steep steps at Jacob’s Ladder ), Victoria Park has a great children’s playground and skate park, and there are beautiful old homes and moored yachts to enjoy. View the Auckland Harbour Bridge up close.

Wynyard Quarter Waterfront – starts from Britomart.  Explore the Viaduct Basin and Wynyard Quarter boating scene and cafes.  See where the America’s Cup yachts were based.  There is always something to see along the way…

Auckland Museum – starts from Britomart. This mini-tour walk takes in the Auckland Domain,Albert Park, Queen Street, Chancery Lane, Vulcan Lane, High Street, and old Government House.

Auckland Art Gallery – starts from Britomart. The route winds through parks, arcades and past historic buildings.

We have also put together 5 walks for the University of Auckland from their city-side Symonds Street campus.

If you have the time and wish to have a break from the City head to Devonport: Mount Victoria and North Head – start from Britomart and walk to the Ferry Building to catch the ferry to Devonport.  Explore the historic houses and buildings beneath Mount Victoria and/or walk up to North Head.  Stop in Devonport Village to browse the shops and refresh at cafes. Or catch a train or bus to Newmarket and spend the day walking and exploring.

Britomart to Auckland Museum Loop

Last weekend in Albert Park, we met a couple from California who were trying to find their way to walk to the Auckland Museum from the city. So thanks to them, we have another walk in Auckland!

Auckland Museum

We decided to start the walk at Britomart, but of course, you can start walking from any point along the loop.


The mini-tour walk takes in the Auckland Domain, Albert Park, Queen Street, Chancery Lane, Vulcan Lane, High Street, and old Government House.

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: Auckland City views, Rangitoto Island view, City Lanes, Albert Park, Old Government House, Auckland Domain, Wintergardens, Museum

Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.6 kms)
Start: Britomart Place MAP

For a refreshment break we suggest Cafe Columbus at the rear of the Museum or the Wintergarden Cafe near the Winter Gardens and duck pond.

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AC-048 Britomart to Auckland Museum Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store

Auckland Art Gallery Loop walk

A true winters day in Auckland with rain and a cold wind. There is shelter in the city as we wind our way through the inner streets and arcades, taking in the old and new buildings until we reach one of the newest, the Auckland Art Gallery.

If you are a visitor to Auckland you will find this walk will help you to get your bearings and introduce you to the city character.

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:  Arcades & lanes, Ferry Building, Albert Park, Auckland Civic Theatre, Auckland Art Gallery, Chancery Lane, High Street, Auckland Town Hall, Old Government House, Auckland High Court.
Britomart Place Market – open on Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm. It’s a market that sells fresh food, a treat for the local city residents and visitors.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4 kms)
Start: Britomart  MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochure over at our Walks Store (AC-047 Art Gallery Loop Walk).

Wynyard Quarter waterfront loop

Wynyard Quarter Auckland

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.

See more photos on our Facebook page.

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.

Nearby Attractions: Auckland Fish Market (cnr Jellicoe and Daldy Streets) Voyager Maritime Museum

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

Coastal walks in Auckland book (part 1)

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AC-044 Wynyard Quarter & Viaduct Harbour Loop walk) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 1”).

Karangahape Road and Parks

walks in Auckland

The weather did not look too promising this morning (it did improve), so we set out to walk the back streets and parks of Auckland City.  This walk provides fine views of Mt Eden (down the side roads off Karangahape Road), the Harbour Bridge and the Sky Tower.

walks in Auckland

We got our ‘out in nature’ hit in Myers and Western Parks (with children’s playgrounds and a dog friendly off-leash exercise area). The Children’s playground in Western Park has seven slides and a Flying Fox, making this a short family friendly walk.

Auckland doesn’t seem so big when we walk it – it seemed to take no time at all to walk from Aotea Square to Ponsonby!

This is a great walk for visitors to Auckland and for families.  Catch the train to Britomart to begin the mini adventure!

We walked up to the Art Gallery in Kitchener Street to try the Mojo Cafe on Level One of the Art Gallery for the first time.

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:  Views of Mount Eden, Auckland City, Auckland Harbour bridge, parks, K’Rd shops
Time: Loop approx. 60 minutes. (about 4 kms)
Parking: 1 hour meter parking off Queen Street (2 hours on Sundays)

Dog friendly walks in Auckland - part two


Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AC-036 Karangahape Road and Parks) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Dog Friendly Walks part 2”).

Walks in Auckland – Victoria Park and Markets

How do you recover after last night’s fabulous TV screening of the wedding of Prince William and Catherine?  Go for a walk in Auckland of course!

Today’s walk begins at Victoria Park Markets and takes us through the suburban streets of Freemans Bay up to Ponsonby Road via the well-hidden gem of Western Park and the sculptural installation by John Radford on Ponsonby Road.

Tunnel under construction

Victoria Park Markets have been upgraded and the last time we were there (2014), they were starting to look interesting.   Did you know that these buildings started life as “The Destructor; Auckland’s first rubbish depot”?  Read more at Suite101: History of Victoria Park Market

Western Park is a delight.  There is a comprehensive children’s playground that includes a flying fox and long slide, a fitness trail and wonderful trees such as the massive Moreton Bay Fig trees and Kauri trees and Cyprus trees to name a few. This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area. (See other Dog Friendly Walks)

This video gives a taste of Western Park.

Colourful Ponsonby Road is worth exploring and there many cafes and restaurants to choose from.  This area is also full of heritage buildings and places of interest.  Choose from four Ponsonby Heritage Walks.

A mix of level and steep paths. Suitable in dry and wet 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 : City dwellings, City tourist market, park with mature trees, character shopping street with cafes and restaurants. Dogs: Off leash area. Children’s Playground=Yes Time : approx. 60 minutes. Allow extra time to explore.
Start Point: Victoria Park Market


Find this walk and other walk brochures in Central Auckland here.

Auckland CBD discovery walk

The Auckland CBD discovery walk is free for people who download my FREE report ‘What to do and see in Auckland’.

As I did not grow up in Auckland and also have not worked in Auckland City, the CBD is still a mystery to me. Many people think of Auckland City as just Queen Street and yet, there are small areas in Auckland that give character and colour to the city.

We set out from Britomart on a sunny Saturday morning, not really knowing what we would come across. The biggest surprise was finding a wee market in Britomart Place – open on Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm. It’s a market that sells fresh food which must be a treat for the local city residents.

Our walk takes us past historical buildings and through parks and reserves. We also take in lanes, arcades and courtyards. High Street is great for window shopping and Chancery has a buzzy feel from the cafes there.

Stopping briefly on Queen Street, we had fun watching a busker – dressed as a rugby player statue. He only moved when people gave a donation.

If you don’t come into the city often, then its time you caught a bus or train to Britomart to give yourself a treat – take a short walk in Auckland’s C.B.D.