Stage Three of the University of Aucklandshort walks project, with five walking circuits starting and ending from the Epsom campus in Epsom Avenue.
If you would like free copies of these PDF brochures, please leave your request in the comment box below.
Stay on track…get other detailed guides with maps from our Walks Store
Volcano crater, Mount Saint John
Mount Saint John Loop
This walk takes you around Melville Park and up to the Mount Saint John volcano rim with views of One Tree Hill, Mount Eden and the Waitakere Ranges before dropping back down to the streets of Epsom.
Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.5 kms)
Entrance to “Rannoch”
Newmarket Loop
This walk starts off along the residential Epsom streets and winds into Newmarket. From Newmarket, it is a straight run back to the start.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.24 kms)
Cornwall Park Loop
A flat walk that takes you to the Puriri Drive entrance to Cornwall Park, past the memorial fountain and statue of Sir John Logan Campbell.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.05 kms)
Streets of Epsom Loop
This flat walk is mostly along quiet tree-lined suburban streets. Enjoy the original houses and well-tended gardens.
Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.5 kms)
Mount Eden Loop
A walk through Mount Eden Village and a climb up to the summit of Mount Eden to take in the views of volcanoes and the city. Why visit Mount Eden?
Time: approx. 50 minutes. (about 4.5 kms) for full loop. Optional shorter loop approx. 40 minutes
If you would like free copies of these PDF brochures, please leave your request in the comment box below.
Stay on track…get other detailed guides with maps from our Walks Store
Stage Two of the University of Aucklandshort walks project, with five walking circuits starting and ending from the Grafton campus in Park Road.
If you would like free copies of these PDF brochures, please leave your request in the comment box below.
Mount Eden Loop
This walk takes you to the foot of Mount Eden and returns via the Grafton Bridge. There are minimal traffic light controls, which gives you the opportunity for a steady workout. Why visit Mount Eden?
Time:Approx.45 minutes (about 4kms)
Auckland Domain Loop
This walk will help you forget that you live and/or work in a city – it takes you into the native bush of the Auckland Domain for a refreshing break, where you can get off the concrete and hear the birds.
Time:Approx.45 minutes (about 3.86kms)
Auckland Town Hall Loop
This diverse walk explores the busy city streets of Karangahape Road and Symonds Street, and gives you a refreshing break in Myers and Albert Parks.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.36 kms)
Newmarket Loop
This diverse walk explores the back streets of Newmarket, and gives you a refreshing short break in the Auckland Domain.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 3.93 kms)
Parnell Loop
This walk takes in Auckland Domain, a brief visit to Parnell’s Scarborough Reserve and returns along Auckland Domain’s bush track.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.26 kms)
If you would like free copies of these PDF brochures, please leave your request in the comment box below.
Stay on track…get other detailed guides with maps from our Walks Store
Newmarket is a lively area with a wide choice of shops, cafes, cinemas and restaurants. For people who live or work in or near Newmarket, these five walks in Auckland take you through the back streets starting from Newmarket Railway Station. It is very easy for visitors to Auckland to catch a train or bus from Britomart. Or if you are travelling by car, then you could start from a place where parking is easy along the loop. Why visit Newmarket? The history of Newmarket
View from Mt Eden summit
Mt Eden Loop This walk in Auckland that starts from Newmarket Railway Station and takes you to the summit of Mount Eden, can become a day trip for those who have the time. You could leave Newmarket in time to arrive in Mount Eden village for morning tea or lunch, after taking in the views from the top of Mount Eden. Why visit Mount Eden?
After exploring the shops, you could then stop in Eden Gardens to enjoy what is on display, followed by lunch or afternoon tea and then perhaps a visit to Highwic House before heading back to Newmarket.
Otherwise, this one and a half hour walk provides a healthy workout.
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: Volcano Views, residential housing, Mount Eden Village shops, Newmarket boutique shops, Mt Albert Grammar School, entrance to Government House Time: approx. 90 minutes. (about 6 kms)
Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AC-055 Newmarket to Mount Eden Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store
Hobson Bay Walkway
Hobson Bay Walkway Loop Spring can be such a tease. We can have wonderful warm days where we think that summer is around the corner. And then we have days like today, windy with rain threatening. So with raincoats packed, we set out to walk from Newmarket Railway Station to the Hobson Bay Walkway.
We missed the rain for most of the walk, but when the skies did open up, we were close enough to Cafe Monet to drop in for a delicious hot coffee and wait for the rain to stop.
This walk is slightly longer than our usual, taking 90 minutes to cover just under 7.5kms. The route takes you through parks, reserves, boardwalks, bush and residential streets, from bustling Newmarket to the more sedate Remuera.
We suggest that this could be part of a day trip, so allow yourself time to explore both the Newmarket and Remuera shopping precincts or if it’s a fine day, take a picnic and enjoy the views from the edge of Hobson Bay or from Mount Hobson. Or you could sit on a park bench in Waiata Reserve or Newmarket Park and just watch the world go by and the dogs play…
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: Volcano Views, shore birds, residential housing, mangroves, boardwalk, Mount Hobson Time: approx. 90 minutes. (about 7.25 kms) Start: Newmarket Train Station or Victoria Avenue. Dogs: Off leash exercise areas in Newmarket Park, Waiata Reserve, Thomas Bloodworth Park
Mount St John Loop We walked south from Newmarket Railway Station today, and headed for the volcanoes of Mount Hobson and Mount Saint John. Going to the top of Mount Hobson is optional, however from the path alongside of the mountain, you can catch glimpses of Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island . From the summit of Mount Saint John there are fine views of other Auckland volcanoes.
This walk takes in the shops, cafes, and restaurants of Newmarket and the leafy suburban streets of nearby Epsom.
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: Volcano Views, residential housing, Newmarket Shops Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.56 kms)
Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AC-053 Newmarket to Mount Saint John Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store
Auckland Museum
Auckland Museum loop For people who live or work in or near Newmarket, this walk takes you through the back streets to the Auckland Domain and Auckland Museum, starting from Newmarket Railway Station.
It is mostly flat walk apart from the slight hill that goes up past Auckland Grammar School, Mountain Road.
Our surprise discovery today was Rannoch – an Arts and Crafts House with an amazing lava forest, and is home to over 100 sculptures.
Description: A mix of mainly level paths, slight incline going up Mountain Road. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see: Rangitoto Views, Auckland Grammar School, Maori TV HQ, Jubilee Building, Auckland Hospital, James Wallace Arts Trust “Rannoch” Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.29 kms) Cafes: Numerous in Newmarket Children’s playgrounds: Outhwaite Park
Nearby attractions: Newmarket boutique shops (Nuffield and Osborne/Teed Streets) , Domain Winter Gardens, Domain Sensory Gardens, Newmarket Pool, Newmarket cinemas (Rialto and Event), Highwic House. On Saturday mornings there is a Farmers Market behind the Jubilee Building.
Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AC-052 Newmarket to Auckland Museum Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store
The Maze, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland
Parnell Loop It is very easy for visitors to Auckland to catch a train from Britomart to interesting places to walk in Auckland. You could start this walk from Newmarket Railway Station. Or if you are travelling by car, then you could start from Newmarket Park.
This diverse walk also takes you through a piece of urban bush, by a bubbling stream – a small wilderness walk in the city.
Dogs – off leash exercise areas in Ayr Reserve and Newmarket Park.
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: Newmarket Broadway, Jubilee Building, Auckland Domain, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ayr Reserve Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4 kms) Parking: Newmarket Park off Ayr Street, Parnell MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AC-050 Newmarket to Parnell) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Dog Friendly Walks part 1”).
Special Newmarket ‘5-Walk’ Bundle
Purchase all five Newmarket walks to experience this amazing part of Auckland for a discounted price of $7.95. You will receive the downloadable files with walk description and maps for:
We have just begun a new mini-project – creating shorter walks for the University of Auckland Sport and Recreation, to enable staff and students to enjoy a walk in their day.
The first of the mini series starts with five walks from the Recreation Centre in Symonds Street. We will be adding these walks to the list of free guides currently available.
You can download a free copy of the PDF brochure for each walk below.
Centennial Walkway, Auckland Domain
Auckland Domain Loop.
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 Domain, Kauri Trees, Historical Buildings, Auckland High Court
Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.94 kms)
Karangahape Road Loop.
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: Symonds Street Cemetery, Historical Buildings, Albert Park, Auckland Art gallery, Khartoum Place, Myers Park
Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.67 kms) Download brochure UA-S002 Karangahape
Scarborough Terrace, Parnell, Auckland
Parnell Loop
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 Domain, Kauri Trees, Historical Buildings, Auckland High Court, Parnell Cottages
Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.65 kms) Download brochure UA-S003 Parnell Loop
View of Auckland’s Sky Tower
Britomart Loop
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: Historical Buildings, Auckland High Court, Albert Park, Auckland Art Gallery, Britomart Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.72 kms) Download brochure UA-S004 Britomart
The Ferry Building, Quay Street Auckland
Quay Street Loop
Description: A mix of level paths, steps and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Historical Buildings, Ferry Building, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Old NZ parliament building site
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.19 kms)
The Cascade Walkway (7.5km of shared paths between Meadowland Drive and Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga) is another area that has been on our list to explore. We set out from Howick Historical Village hoping to find well sign-posted walking paths. The best we found was a post with two arrows on it! (New signage has been installed since our first visit).
The paths are great for cycling and walking (with your dog and/or your children). There is diverse birdlife and native plants and trees. We were surprised by the lack of picnic/BBQ facilities, public toilets and children’s playgrounds within the Cascade Reserve. However, we did come across 3 children’s playgrounds in total, making this a short family friendly walk.
Near the Historical Village is an area to play with marbles, and another area for kids to ride their bicycles on a specially made track. There is a duck pond and some bench seats along the walkway nearby. We had lunch and coffee at the Homestead Cafe (the homemade bacon and egg quiche was very tasty).
You can find the Auckland Council’s information on the Cascade Walkway here.
Suitable for family cycling:Between Meadlowland Drive and Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, 7.5km.
Description: Mainly level paths and a few slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Mostly concrete paths with a small stretch of dirt track under trees. Buggy/pram friendly. To see: Creeks, birdlife, small waterfall, bridges, tunnel. View of Rangitoto Island, Pigeon Mountain, Mt Wellington, Waitakere Ranges and One Tree Hill Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 6 kms) Start: Bells Road off Cascades Road/Pakuranga Road MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map of the AE-040 Cascade Walkway Loop at our Walks Store and our Book Store (“Dog Friendly part 3” and “Best of the East”).
Watch this video to get a taste of Cascades Walkway:
We have wanted to include Oakley Creek walkway in our walk guides for some time. The Oakley Creek Te Auaunga (whirlpool or swirling waters) Walkway itself is a one-way track, and we wanted to include it as part of a bigger circular walk. And today we did it! There was a lot of water in the creek today and the 6 metre high waterfall was in fine form. The new viewing platform is great (update December 2012 – sad to see that the platform has been burnt down).
Oakley Creek flows from Hillsborough, through Mt Roskill, Owairaka and Waterview to the Waitemata Harbour, making it one of Auckland’s longest urban streams. Oakley Creek is also home to the New Zealand longfin eel which is threatened, so fishing is not allowed.
The Friends of Oakley Creek is a project to help preserve and protect the creek, and was set up in 2004. The Friends of Oakley Creek have been doing a fantastic job with restoration and keeping the creek maintained, clean and improving the water quality. This is a volunteer organisation, and they continually seek help with their efforts – lend a hand if you can. If you would like to get involved, visit their Facebook page: Friends of Oakley Creek .
You can walk through native bush, wetlands, see water birds and enjoy the peace beside Oakley Creek. We have decided to create two separate loop walks – one a northern loop, the other a southern loop. You may wish to get both, and link them together for a longer walk.
Children’s playgrounds in both walks – the southern loop Heron Park has a flying fox.
Both loop walks take in off-leash dog exercise areas (dogs on leash alongside the Creek). See other Dog Friendly Walks
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: Water birds Habitat, waterfall, Oakley Creek Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4 kms Start: Cadman Avenue (off Fairlands Avenue/ Great North Road) MAP
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (AC-042 Oakley Creek Walkway Loop South) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Dog Friendly Walks part 2”).
Watch this video to get a taste of the Oakley Creek walkway.
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.
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
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“.
Cornwall Park Loop
Streets of Epsom Loop
Mount Eden Loop
Mount Eden Loop
Newmarket Loop
Parnell Loop
