Category Archives: Walks in Auckland North Shore

The North Shore has its own climate – the locals will tell you its always warmer! The North Shore walks will take you onto volcanoes. And along beaches and through bush. There are fabulous views looking back towards the city and out to the Hauraki Gulf.

Devonport Narrow Neck Loop

Narrowneck Beach © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

The dark grey sky and strong winds did not bode well for our walk from Narrow Neck Beach (north of Devonport) to Ngaratinga Bay – a mini coast to coast loop. However, we did stay dry and the walk was invigorating and very enjoyable with plenty of interest along the route.

Fort Takapuna Reserve stands guard above Narowneck Beach and is one of four off leash dog exercise areas. The other off leash areas are: Ngaratina Park, Woodall Park and Cambria Reserve. Cheltenham Beach is off leash at certain times.

From Fort Takapuna Reserve there is a good view across Cheltenham Beach to North Head.

There is only a little of street walking and that provides a peek at the pretty Victorian style houses that Devonport is well known for.

If you have time, you may wish to stop at the Devonport Museum – you will pass by the entrance along the route.

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: Wonderful Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City views, views of North Head and Mount Victoria, historical buildings & sites, Victorian style homes.
Time: approx. 60 minutes (about 5.5 kms).  Dog off leash areas. Children’s playgrounds.
Start:  Old Lake Road, Narrow Neck. MAP

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AN-090 Devonport Narrow Neck Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store

Devonport Ngataringa Loop

Devonport © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

With the weather looking uncertain and the wish to keep our shoes out of the mud, today we headed over to one of our favourite places to walk in Auckland – Devonport. We were uncertain of where we were headed, and as it turned out, we were very pleasantly surprised at how well our circular route revealed itself.

As always, it is uplifting to walk along the esplanades and parades of Devonport with the view across the Gulf and to the skyline of the city and beyond. And then the joy of looking at the beautifully kept Victorian style homes.  Followed by the sounds of birds as we walked alongside Ngataringa Park.

Dogs – off leash exercise area in Ngataringa Reserve.

We are then spoilt for choice as to where to stop for refreshments, and choosing from the many cafes can take time!

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:  Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City views, historical buildings, Victorian style homes.
Time: approx. 60 minutes (about 5.5 kms).
Parking:  In Devonport Village near ferry terminal or along King Edward Parade. MAP

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AN-089 Devonport Ngataringa Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store

Northcote Tuff Crater Loop

This loop walk that takes in Northcote’s volcanic Tuff Crater and Onepoto Domain is based on one from Margaret Scrymgeour’s booklet “Explore the Shore”.

Onepoto Domain Northcote

We started the walk from the children’s playground area at Onepoto Domain.  We had heard about the children’s cycle track and it is a really safe place to bring young children and their bikes.  The playgrounds looks like a lot of fun too (it has a flying fox).  It is a great place to have a picnic, feed the ducks and an ideal spot for parenting groups to meet up.

Onepoto Basin is another of Auckland’s explosion craters and it is the oldest dated, erupting about 250,000 years ago. The Maori name “Onepoto” means small beach (named after Halls Beach near Northcote Point).

Tuff Crater is another explosion crater (this one is filled with water), which is being restored to its natural state with a balanced ecosystem of native plants and wildlife, all with volunteer help. It was formed by explosive eruptions around the same time as Onepoto.
For more information about the Tuff Crater, you may wish to view this video. (please note that our loop walk includes part of the Tuff Crater. There are future plans to build a circular walkway completely around the Tuff Crater).

Tuff Crater - dogs on leash only

Dogs may be off-leash on the track within the Tuff Crater Reserve (according to Auckland Council  Bye-laws Department re phone call 3/6/2014).  There is a risk that they could disturb endangered bird life, so please keep them under control.  We do have a request for dog owners to pick up litter (as we did come across litter).
PLEASE NOTE: As of the 29th October 2014 the new dog rules for Tuff Crater – Dogs prohibited within the foreshore (mangroves) of Tuff Crater; on-leash on track around reserve.

Description: Bush tracks, steps, inclines. Muddy in places when wet. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Native bush, views across Auckland Harbour, native birds, volcanic crater
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.0 kms). Dog friendly, but on leash only.
Parking: Onepoto Domain, Northcote.
Buses: Onewa Road, Northcote MAP

P1 Dog friendly walks in Auckland

Google Maps for
Onepoto Domain &Tuff Crater

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map  (AN-085 Northcote Tuff Crater Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Dog Friendly Walks part 1”).

Beach Haven Coastal Walk

The Beach Haven coastal walk on Auckland’s North Shore hugs to the coastline with views to Bayview, Hobsonville Point and the bush that runs alongside the Upper Harbour Highway. The route follows Hellyers Creek, then all the twists and turns of the small mangrove-filled inlets, and through trees filled with birdsong.

Beachaven Coastal walk © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

Today was rainy and windy – the yachts sailing out from Hobsonville Point were making the most of the winds.  But we were sheltered by the trees and small gullies.

This walk begins at the Community Creche entrance to Shepherd’s Park, where there is a children’s playground  a cyclists learning track and a fitness trail, as well as sports fields. The signs indicate that dogs must be kept on-leash (but we did see dogs off leash along coastal walkway).

If you wanted to make this a day outing, you could catch a ferry from Britomart to Beach Haven.  Bring a picnic lunch.

Description: Bush track, steps, inclines. Muddy in places when wet. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Native bush, views across Auckland Harbour, native birds.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.0 kms)
Parking: Beach Haven Community Creche carpark.
Buses: Tramway Road stop on Beach Haven Road.
Ferry: to Beach Haven MAP

Cafe suggestion: CAFE AU BON COIN CAFE PATISSERIE

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AN-084 Beach Haven Coastal Walk) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store.

Bayview Giant Kauri Walk

***** ATTENTION Kauri Dieback has been identified on Auckland’s North Shore. Auckland Council will look to close tracks soon. As this Kauri tree in Lynn Reserve is the largest Kauri on the North Shore, and of significance to our community, you are asked to not visit this track. When walking near any Kauri, your shoes must be so clean you could ‘kiss’ them. Please protect our Kauri. The best way to help is to not walk near them.
Danielle Grant – Deputy Chair Kaipatiki Local Board ****

Bayview Giant Kauri tree © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

We returned to Bayview on the North Shore to complete a circular walk in a different direction to our previous Bayview Coast and Bush Walk.

Today’s walk starts off in Lynn Reserve, and heads up a bush filled gully with a small stream, to a giant Kauri tree (over 2 metres in diameter and is said to be about 800 years old) among a grove of smaller kauri trees which are growing in Leigh Scenic Reserve.  It is awesome!

The route joins up with the Glenfield Coastal Walkway and heads around to the boat ramp and Manuka Reserve at the bottom of Manuka Road.  Hearing the song of the tui birds as we slowly walked up the incline of Manuka Road gave us great encouragement.

This walk through the bush and along the Upper Harbour coastline is not only beautiful, it provides a great workout if you are into fitness. It is also a fun family walk that includes two children’s playgrounds, plus dog off leash exercise areas.

The new playground at Lynn Reserve looks great, and in the week since we last visited, a children’s ‘learn to cycle track‘ has been installed.

***Please note: September 2018 This track has been temporarily closed due to Kauri Dieback

Description: Bush track, steps, inclines and board walks. Muddy in places when wet. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Native bush, including Giant Kauri, small waterfalls, views across Auckland Harbour to Hobsonville Point, native birds.
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 5.8 kms). Dog off leash areas. Three children’s playgrounds.
Parking: Lynn Road, Bayview near Glenfield.
Buses: 111 Lynn Road, Bayview MAP

Bayview Coast and Bush Walk

Today we set out to explore the Bayview area near Glenfield on Auckland’s North Shore. What a wonderful surprise to find a beautiful bush walk, alongside the Upper Harbour reaches, all part of the Glenfield Coastal Walkway.

Manuka Reserve © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

The walk takes in Manuka Reserve with views of the upper harbour, Hobsonville Point and native bush. Not only are there stands of manuka trees (tea trees) beside the estuary, but inland within Leigh Scenic Reserve, there are kauri trees and palms.

This circular walk is mostly bush with only a small section of street footpaths.  It is suitable for families, with two places to stop at playgrounds. Dogs must be kept on leash.

Description: Bush track, steps, inclines and board walks. Muddy in places when wet. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Native bush, small waterfalls, views across Auckland Harbour to Hobsonville Point, native birds.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.0 kms). Dogs on leash. Two childrens playgrounds.
Start: Lynn Road, Bayview near Glenfield. MAP

***Please note: September 2018 This track has been temporarily closed due to Kauri Dieback

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AN-080 Bayview Bush Walk)over at our Walks Store  and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Dog Friendly Walks part two”).

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”).

Chelsea Heritage Park Loop

Winter is perhaps not the best time to do this bush walk starting at the Chelsea Estate Heritage Park – the track was very muddy and slippery – but we survived, and it was fun!

The pink Chelsea Sugar Refinery sits on the edge of Auckland Harbour.  From the shore there is a wonderful view across to the Harbour Bridge and City. Swan and ducks greeted us at the dam, expecting to be fed.

You can walk the beaches, feed the ducks, picnic by the ponds or go exploring around the 45 hectares of bush land at the Chelsea Sugar Refinery.

Auckland Harbour © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

Our walk takes us from the dam at the Chelsea Sugar Refinery through native bush along the cliff edge to Kauri Point Centennial Park and then inland to Chatswood Reserve.

There are a myriad of walking tracks and some are difficult to find after the recent rain and the dropped leaves from the trees covering the ground. Luckily we had our map, so we did not get lost! There’s plenty of native bush and birdlife to enjoy – the birds were singing loudly today.

Update October 2015The track from Chelsea Estate Heritage Park to Chelsea Bay/Telephone Road Reserve is currently being repaired and made accessible for pushchairs. Possible locations for a gate to separate the on-leash track from the off-leash grass and beach area are being decided as required by the Local Board after the Dog Access Hearings last year.
The track has had broken concrete removed, ruts smoothed out and drainage channels created. It has been resurfaced and compacted to give it the natural-looking surface that is used on DOC tracks.
The Chelsea bridge will be completely replaced next year.

Update August 2016 From the Kaipatiki Local Board
The new Chelsea Estate bridge project is now completed and ready to be walked, cycled and enjoyed. The new bridge is 2.7 metres wide and cost $287,000 to consent, design and build. Old piles from the old bridge were recycled at the new Island Bay Playspace and some went to a local resident keen to create a unique element within his new house build project.

Description: Part bush track. Very slippery when wet. Suitable for users of above average fitness and mobility.
To see: Chelsea Sugar Refinery, views across Auckland Harbour, native bush, ducks, swan.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.0 kms)
Parking: Chelsea Sugar Refinery car park, bottom of Colonial Road
Buses: Mokoia Road, Highbury MAP

***Please note: September 2018 This track has been temporarily closed due to Kauri Dieback

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AN-078 Chelsea Bush Walk) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store.

Takapuna to Milford Loop Walk

Copyright 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

Many walkers on Auckland’s North Shore will be familiar with this route.  We start  off from the boat ramp at Takapuna, head along the shore line over sand, rocks and narrow pathways; past beautiful houses that overlook the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island to Milford, where we head inland along the marina before returning to Takapuna.

This walk suits sure-footed folk, and you would want to avoid high tide and stormy seas.

Dogs – Takapuna Beach is an off-leash exercise area 24/7 in winter, but only before 10am and after 6pm during daylight saving.

Description: Partly rocky and narrow seaside pathway. Slippery when wet.  Avoid at high tide and stormy weather. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see:  Hauraki Gulf, beaches, marina, residential homes.
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 6.22 kms)
Parking: Takapuna Boat Ramp, The Promenade
Buses: Hurstmere Road, Takapuna (MAP)

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AN-077 Takapuna Milford Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store.

Takapuna Explorer

Our walk around Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore was in warm winter sunshine.  It was great to see so many people out walking – some with their dogs off-leash on the beach (check out the Council dog rules), making the most of the day.

Takapuna Beach Auckland Copyright Unleashed Ventures Limited 2013

We followed a route documented by Margaret Scrymgeour from her booklet “Explore the Shore”. This walk takes in the sandy shore as well as the mangrove filled estuaries. The walk is quite undulating, so gave us a good workout. The views of Rangitoto are stunning, and we also enjoyed the view to Auckland City, Mount Eden and the Harbour Bridge.

Description: Mix of flat and undulating paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Takapuna Beach, Rangitoto, Mangrove, native birds, ducks
Time: approx. 90-120 minutes. (about 8 kms)
Start: Takapuna Boat Ramp, The Promenade  MAP

Coastal part 2

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AN-075 Takapuna Explorer) over at our Walks Store  and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 2”).

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”).

Explore the Shore

Explore the Shore” is a series of three books each containing 10 main walks and compiled by Margaret Scrymgeour. The walks cover a large area of Auckland’s North Shore.

I had the pleasure of meeting Margaret at an Auckland Council Regional Cycling and Walking forum on the 12th June. We have much in common – we have made our walks circular, one hour to one and a half hours in length, and we take in the parks and reserves.

The books are currently free and are available from Libraries and Information Centres. They contain clear directions and a map for each walk.

These books can be downloaded from the Living Streets website:

Volume One: Download Albany & Greenhithe booklet (PDF, 1.5MB) Greenhithe, Chester Park, The Oaks, Kell Park & Lucas Creek, Albany Village & Landing, Civic Centre & Central Albany, Brookfield, Clemows, Rosedale to Unsworth Reserve, Fairview Heights

Volume Two:  Download Bays to Devonport booklet (PDF, 2.4MB) Torbay Coastal, Browns Bay Inland, Murrays Bay Inland, Mairangi Bay, Campbells Bay to Castor Bay, Sunnynook, Around Lake Pupuke, Around Takapuna, Belmont, Devonport Inland

Volume Three: Download Kaipatiki booklet (PDF, 8.0MB) Northcote- Tuff Crater, Old Northcote Point, Birkenhead & Le Roys Bush, Chelsea (Sugar) Heritage Park, Beach Haven, Shepherds Park, Windy Ridge, Glenfield Coast & Bush, Highbury & Eskdale Reserve, Totaravale & Unsworth Reserve

Kaipataki Explorer Online Guide

  

Northcote Point and Auckland Harbour Bridge

Walks in Auckland

I felt like a tourist in my home city this morning! The morning was stunning after last night’s opening of the Rugby World Cup 2011. The skies were blue and the water still in the harbour, with just a little mist left around the edges. I had not explored Northcote Point before (it would have been a fine vantage point for the previous night’s fireworks display).

We had not prepared a route – it was a discovery walk and we were well rewarded. Views of Auckland City. Dwarfed by the pylons of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. A new-found path along the motorway. And an interesting mix of old and new residential homes. Plus children’s playgrounds as a reward for children. All made for a fun walk.

Download the Council’s Heritage walk brochure here.

Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Auckland City views, Waitemata Harbour views, Harbour bridge foundations.  See if you can spot Mt Eden, Mt Victoria and the Chelsea Sugar Refinery.
Time: approx. 70 minutes. (about 5.85 kms).

Coastal walks in Auckland book (part 1)

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map  (AN-021 Northcote Point Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 1”).

Lake Pupuke Takapuna

Today’s walk around Lake Pupuke in Takapuna was a discovery one.

Walks in Auckland

I have been here only a few times – with my children when they were little and once to a garden sculpture exhibition.

I had not realised that you can walk the circumference, although unfortunately not completely by the lake edge.

However the bits by the lake edge – Killarney Park, Henderson Park, Sylvan Park, Kitchener Park and the Quarry Lake Reserve more than make up for the street walking.  There is lots to see at the lake edge, from the water birds to the water activities (sailing, wind-surfing, canoeing and model yacht racing). For more info about Lake Pupuke click here.

Lake Pupuke walkway track was muddy in places but would be ideal walking from November to perhaps June.  From September to December the path from Henderson Park to Sylvan Park is closed to allow the water birds space to nest and breed.

Even though the day was cold, windy and with spots of heavy rain, it was still a very enjoyable walk.  We will be back to document the Lake Pupuke walk very soon (and hopefully the day will be sunnier).

December 2011
We came back on a lovely summer day. We stopped and had a delicious iced coffee at the Cafe French Rendez-vous beside The Pumphouse.

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.
To see: Lake activities, water birds
Time: approx. 90 minutes. (about 7kms)
Start: The Pumphouse carpark (MAP)

Volcano Walks in Auckland

This walk  (AN-024 Lake Pupuke) and other walks are now available from the Walks Store  and our Book Store (Volcanoes).

12 Volcano Walks

12 Volcano Walks

Lake Pupuke is featured in our book “Volcanoes”. Available from AmazonShort Walks in Auckland: Volcanoes (and on Kindle)

Spectacular views from Mt Victoria Devonport

walks in Auckland

Today was clear and sunny, which called for a walk and climb to look over Auckland from up high from Mount Victoria. Mt Victoria provides spectacular views – it is higher than North Head and closer to Auckland City. This walk has a dog friendly off-leash area. (See other Dog Friendly Walks) And Devonport’s village-style shops and cafes is always a great place to visit and walk around. It’s fun to arrive in Devonport by ferry. And you could spend the whole day there – spend half the day at North Head and the other half at Mt Victoria with a lunch and shop browse in-between…..

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: Wonderful views of Rangitoto, Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City, historical buildings.  Mount Cambria Reserve – A volcanic cone that is now a park, having been quarried away for roading, garden walls and ship’s ballast. Victoria Picture Palace/Theatre – built in 1912, oldest cinema in NZ. Fort Mt Victoria and the Disappearing Gun. St Francis De Sales Catholic Church, St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Devonport Cemetery
History: https://www.devonport.co.nz/heritage.htm
Time: approx. 60 minutes. MAP

12 Volcano Walks

Suggested Cafés: 1) Along King Edward Parade 2) Many in Devonport Village 3) Five Loaves@ 29 Church St

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map  (AN-020 Mt Victoria Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (Volcanoes).

More: Devonport Walks and Trails