Tag Archives: Auckland

Teen friendly walks, Walks in Auckland Central

Coast to Coast Walk

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This weekend we embarked on an alternative Auckland coast to coast walk – from Waitemata Harbour to Manukau Harbour.  Auckland City Council do have their own documented walk here.  However our alternate walk has less road, more parks, more bush, more direct, more variety, more views and more fun. It takes about 4 to 4 1/2 hours if there are no stops.

*** Currently, you can download our alternative Coast to Coast walk for free by entering your email and name in the box on the right. *** Alternatively click HERE for the free EGuide & Coast to Coast walk

walks in auckland coast to coast
View of Waitemata Harbour from Mt Hobson

The walk can be done in stages (so that at convenient points, if you need to return to the start we let you know where you can catch a bus or train) or you may wish to set a day aside to do the complete walk. It takes about four hours non-stop, but do allow yourself time to explore the side-trips (e.g. walk around Parnell, one of Auckland’s most interesting and historic suburbs) and have refreshments.

If you are looking for things to do in Auckland this is a great day outing. This alternative coast to coast walk starts off at the Ferry Building and ends at Onehunga (or you could start from Onehunga and time your arrival to be at Wynyard Quarter to watch the sun set over the Harbour from a bar or restaurant.) The 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. It includes many playground areas for children which we hope is an incentive for them to do this walk. This walk in Auckland shows off the diversity of this wonderful city.

Watch the short video – Things to do in Auckland – Coast to Coast Walk

Walks in Auckland coast to coastAuckland residents may even be surprised to find places they were not aware of!

Vistors will discover Auckland’s back yard secrets and many cafes and shops – the ones that the bus tours miss.

You really don’t get to know a place until you have explored it by foot!

walks in Auckland coast to coastFor instance we discovered a new labyrinth in Parnell – something that I would not have recognized if I had not recently read “Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice”.

Suggested Cafes in Onehunga: The Library Cafe and Columbus

If you are keen on other coast to coast walks around the world – you may like to try the Walk from Cumbria to Yorkshire which spans 85 miles of quintessentially English landscape

Out of Auckland Walks

Martha Goldmine Pit Rim Walkway

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Time for an out-of-Auckland walk.  The Martha Goldmine Pit Rim Walkway in Waihi is an interesting one hour walk.  The walkway has been developing over the last few years and since I last walked it about two years ago, further work on it has progressed.  Future plans are to turn the huge hole into a fresh water swimming lake.

But for now it is an education and a workout!  I like to start the walk opposite the Information centre in Seddon Street and turn left at the battery to walk in a clock-wise direction.  There are many places to stop and view the workings and machinery, plus read the information pinned onto the fence.

The walk is good on a cloudy cool day as in the middle of summer there is little shade.  There are slight uphills, a small shelter-belt of native bush and open grasslands and waterways, that provide contrast.  After rain, there are wet parts so it is wise to wear waterproof footwear.

Learn more, visit Waihi’s Walkways

Walks in Auckland - General Information

Health Benefits of Walking | Walks in Auckland

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We all know that walking is good for us but do we really know how good it is? Many studies have shown walking promotes longevity and other numerous health benefits.

Studies show that walking can:

  • Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
  • Lower blood pressure.
  • Reduce high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profile.
  • Reduce body fat
  • Enhance mental well-being.
  • Increase bone density: helping to prevent osteoporosis.
  • Reduce the risk of various cancers.
  • Reduce the risk of diabetes. Help osteoarthritis
  • Help flexibility and co-ordination: reducing the risk of falls.
  • Improves circulation.

Watch this fun video:

At Walks in Auckland, we believe that walking can be healthy and FUN!  Our walking self-guides show you the way…

walks in AucklandDiscover the uniqueness and diversity of Auckland, download your FREE guide to things to do in Auckland

 

Auckland Coastal Walks, Dog Friendly Walks, Walks in Auckland Central

Remuera and Hobson Bay Walkway Circuit

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Walks in Auckland

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.

Waiata Reserve is tucked in between Victoria Avenue and Orakei Road – a beautiful large space –  this is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area.

Walks in Auckland

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”).

  • Coastal walks in Auckland book (part 1)
  • P2 Dog friendly walks in Auckland
  • walks in auckland
  • Walks in Auckland
  • Short walks in Auckland
Auckland Bush walks, Auckland Coastal Walks, Auckland Nature Walks, Dog Friendly Walks, Walks in Auckland Central

Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays

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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.

Dogs – this walk includes  off leash dog exercise areas.

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!

Short Walks in Auckland: Urban Bush

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”).

  • Grave stones
  • View of Manukau Harbour
  • Kayaking in still waters
Auckland Bush walks, Auckland Coastal Walks, Auckland Nature Walks, Auckland Wetlands and Waterways, Things to do with children, Walks in Auckland East

Tahuna Torea nature walk

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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”).

  • Urban Bush walks in Auckland
  • coastal walks (part one) in Auckland
Out of Auckland Walks

Walks in Auckland – weekend in the Coromandel

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As much as I enjoy going for walks in Auckland, it is also refreshing to head out of town.

Our family has a holiday house on the south-east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.  The Coromandel is mostly an unspoilt part of New Zealand with beautiful beaches, many walk paths and natural bush.  I love going there to relax and refresh myself.

It is only a two hour drive for us from Auckland via Paeoroa and the Karangahake Gorge.  Two places that are worth stopping at.  The Gorge has interesting walks and mining tunnels that are fun to explore with torches.

You can choose from a variety of walks in the Coromandel region, no matter where you stay. There is a great uphill walk (that I suggest you do on a cool day) to the Wentworth Falls near Whangamata that I enjoy. And another walk for cool days is around the Martha Mine in the gold mining town of Waihi – I like to go around that anti-clockwise. From the northern end of Waihi Beach is a track that leads to the spectacular secluded beach of Orokawa Bay with the typical pohutukawa trees providing shade at the edge of the sand.

In the future I will be putting together some family day trips from Auckland that will include interesting places to visit.

Auckland Coastal Walks, Auckland Volcano walks, Teen friendly walks, Walks in Auckland North Shore

Devonport and North Head Loop Walk

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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.

Use this DOC brochure to find your way around.

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.

More: Devonport Walks and Trails 

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

Suggested Cafés: 1) Torpedo Bay Cafe 
2) Along King Edward Parade
3) Many in Devonport Village

12 Volcano Walks

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”).

Auckland Volcano walks, Dog Friendly Walks, Walks in Auckland Central

Walks in Auckland – Mt Eden/Maungawhau

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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.

Auckland City provide a Mt Eden Heritage brochure for people who enjoy history.  More info online here.

Find this walk and other walks in Central Auckland here.

Walks in Auckland Central

Newmarket Park Circuit

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The Newmarket Park walk is behind and at the top of the shopping village of Parnell. It used to be a beautiful area of grass, mature trees and large rocks, one of the ‘hidden’ walks in Auckland. Sadly, all that has disappeared – today all that Grace and I could see was earth-moving equipment working on naked soil. So the pleasant walk we had in mind changed. We walked through the reserve opposite, then headed up to the Cathedral, then towards the Domain.

We allowed ourselves to be side-tracked when we saw the signs for Farmers Market behind the Foundation for the Blind building. When we arrived, it was all packed up – it starts at 8am and finishes at 12. We had arrived after 1pm…From there we crossed the railway line and headed back down the hill to our parked car.

We continued chatting at the cafe at Palmers Garden Centre.

It will be a long while before Newmarket Park is restored, so until then I will not be making available my walk for that area. UPDATE: Newmarket Park has been reopened. There is a children’s playground, a duck pond and public toilet facilities.

We have a selection of walks that visit Newmarket Park over at Walks from Newmarket.