Tag Archives: Ferry Service

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

Hobsonville Point circuit

Walks in Auckland

Today’s discovery walk was at Hobsonville Point.  A good friend of mine had already told me about how wonderful the Catalina Cafe  is on a sunny day.  And then today I read about Hobsonville Pt Park children’s playground which is quite unique – made from sustainably sourced materials.

Access the Google Map for this walk here.  Take it with you and follow the blue dot on your screen to navigate and see your progress.

The family friendly walk explores the former air base with the very few remaining old buildings.  There is a great deal of development going on with new housing and a planned ferry service to the CBD from ‘The Landing’ (which used to be the launching and landing place for flying boats, including Sunderland and Catalina planes). The historic buildings are being demolished at a fast pace to make way for new housing, so if history is your thing, get down there before it is completely gone.

The walking route is also suitable for prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash only as of August 2014).

This walk takes about 60-80 minutes and is ideal for spring and autumn (too hot in summer and too muddy in winter). There is a lot to explore if you haven’t been here before. This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area and is a mostly flat walk.

Please note: As this area is under constant development, the walking route and the off leash dog exercise area, may be subject to change.

Description: Level sealed paths and bush track. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. Suggested spring/autumn walk.
Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet.
To see: Hangars, barracks, officers housing, seaplane slipway, Auckland harbour views, weekend markets.
Time: approx. 60-80 minutes. (about 5.5 kms)
Start: Opposite Catalina Café off Buckley Avenue MAP


Suggested Café:
Catalina Cafe

You may wish to download our free Hobsonville Point walkway brochure when you enter your contact details here or find your own route here.

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AW-013 Hobsonville Point) 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 West“.