Tag Archives: Discover

Walks for teens

If you have been out walking around Auckland with your family as you have been growing up, being set free to go walking on your own will seem natural.

However, now that you are a teenager, if you haven’t had the opportunity to get out and explore Auckland , then we may be able to help.

As teens you love your freedom, but your parents will still want to be aware of where you are. Many of our short walks start from bus stops or train stations. Our self-guide walking brochures include a map and easy to follow detailed directions, which will hopefully keep you on track.

You could head off to explore on your own, with your best mate or a group of friends – your choice. You will get the chance to learn/improve map reading skills, find out how reliable (or not) the Auckland public transport system is, visit parts of Auckland that are new and interesting, and experience how quickly (or slowly) a parent will collect you when you have spent your fare home money.

To start, we have a good choice of free walk self-guide brochures that you can download – just enter your name and email address to get an email which will give you instructions. Fill in details HERE .

Here are 10 teen friendly walk ideas to get you going:
1. Walk around the volcanic crater called the Orakei Basin
2. Choose from 5 walks around Newmarket
3. Walk to the Auckland Museum from Britomart
4. Walk to the Wynyard Quarter from Britomart
5. Explore the Whau River walk in New Lynn
6. Walk alongside the Opanuku Stream in Henderson
7. Explore the Waikumete Cemetery in Glen Eden
8. From Devonport head up Mt Victoria and /or North Head
9. Coast to Coast walk from Britomart (or read the route backwards and start from Onehunga)
10. Walk from Greenwoods Corner to Cornwall Park or Pah Homestead

For more ideas for things to do, read: Free range teenagers

And just in case you didn’t know, this article explains how walking benefits teens.  Have fun and get walking!

Onehunga to Pah Homestead

Another fine autumn day. And a wonderful walk in Auckland up through Onehunga Mall and across to the Pah Homestead in Monte Cecilia Park.  This walk is certainly diverse! The Onehunga Railway station is a great spot to arrive in Onehunga at the southern end of the mall.   From here you can either amble slowly and enjoy the curious collection of shops, seek out some of Onehunga’s landmarks or just push on up the hill. Once you reach Monte Cecilia Park you can enjoy the magnificent old trees and the views across to One Tree Hill and Mangere Mountain, before heading down to Onehunga Bay Reserve. Or you can linger longer and walk around Pah Homestead and view the art collection at the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre.

Tree lovers may like to read this NZ Herald article: Growing our heritage

This walk takes in 3 children’s playgrounds and numerous cafes.

** Catch the train to Onehunga and consider making this into a day outing by taking the time to discover the places of interest along the way.  Onehunga Heritage Walks.  Dressmart Outlet Shopping offers a large range of products.  Sunday indoor markets  **

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: Historic cottages, Views of One Tree Hill and Mangere Mountain, Historic Homestead and parkland
Time: approx. 90 minutes. (about 7.5 kms)
Parking: Princes Street Onehunga MAP Buses: Onehunga (Municipal Place)

Recommended cafes: The Library Cafe and Columbus Coffee

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AC-038 Onehunga to Pah Homestead) at our  Walks Store or walk from Greenwoods Corner in Epsom

Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit

walks in Auckland

The Henderson Opanuku Stream walk comes under Project Twin Streams. A great deal of progress has been made. It is a very pleasant short bush walk among the native trees – two giant kauris and many macrocarpas, and the sound of birds. 
This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area. And a mostly flat walk.

More work needs to be done on making sign posting clear to encourage more people to get out and discover what a beautiful area it is. The area would also benefit from BBQ areas and children’s playgrounds to encourage more families to enjoy the outdoors.

The walking route is also suitable for prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash only).

This is another walk that you can get to by rail and make it a day outing as Henderson Railway Station is close by. You may like to pack a picnic or take advantage of the Henderson Cafes.

Description: Mostly level paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather.
To see: Trees and fauna, stream, parks.
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 5.2 kms)
Start: Opanuku Reserve off Henderson Valley Road MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AW-029 Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit) over at our Walks Store  and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Best of the West“).

Waiheke Island walkways and vineyards

Walks in AucklandDiscover the uniqueness that is Waiheke Island. You will feel as though you are far away from Auckland.
Unspoiled sandy beaches, lush native bush,
fabulous views, and the island’s best walkways.

Waiheke Island walkways and vineyards are just waiting to be explored.

And Auckland City Council’s vast network of walkways makes this a pleasure.

Catch the ferry and enjoy a day out, and prepare to swim on a summers day – if you decide on Walk One, take in refreshments at Cable Bay, Mudbrick or Jurassic Ridge

Try this suggested walk from the NZ Herald Waiheke: Get art and about

Or try ‘Best Resturants on Waiheke‘ according to View Auckland.