Tag Archives: Parnell

Downtown and pink pathway loop

Enjoy a circular 8.5km central Auckland walk that takes in some of our cities great sites, including the historic Downtown Ferry Building, buzzing Wynyard Quarter, Victoria Park, eye-catching Pink Pathway and Auckland University. This adventure provides stunning views across Auckland, plenty of opportunities for cafe’s & ice creams and essentially circumnavigates the central city.

Auckland Pink Bike Path
The iconic Auckland Pink Pathway for walking and biking

We completed the route by starting by the Spark Indoor Arena (as more parking opportunities) and venturing in an anti-clockwise direction. Catching a bus or train to Britomart and walking to the Ferry Terminal and commencing from there would make a great starting point if you were making use of public transport.

Walk Time 2 – 2.5 hours (approx 8.5km)
SurfacePaved
Difficulty2 – hills from downtown to the pink pathway
Buggies/WheelchairsSuitable
FacilitiesToilets, Cafe’s, Drinking Fountains, Dedicated cycleway/walkways
HighlightsWaterfront, Pink Pathway, City Sites

Link to open Google Map in a separate tab or tap the icon in the top right of this map.

Download a printable version of the Downtown and Pink Pathway Loop Walkway Map.

Downtown and Pink Pathway Loop Description

Auckland Historic Ferry Building

We commenced our walk by the Spark Arena due to better parking but quickly made our way past the historic Auckland Ferry Terminal as we enjoyed the views of Auckland’s waterfront and harbour.

This is always a busy and bustling part of town as people come and go from the Britomart Bus & Train Terminal and Auckland’s Ferries.

At the Ferry Terminal are a range of cafe’s and restaurants, including the Island Gilato ice cream cafe. If you want to make a whole day of it, perhaps take a trip to Devonport also on a Fullers ferry. As you pass the wharf, maybe there will be a cruise ship to admire or just enjoy the sparkling Waitemata Harbour.

Check out Devonport walks here.

Cruise Ship in Auckland

Continue your journey heading to Wynyard Quarter, including a view of the historic vehicle lighter-basin draw-bridge before crossing the newer pedestrian draw-bridge. Take in the views of the large launches and yachts moored at the wharves. Wynyard Quarter and Tank Farm have been extensively redeveloped over the past few years and often have a variety of interesting entertainment and feature events.

Downtown Drawbridge

Next, head to ‘greener pastures’ as you leave the Wynyard Quarter via Beaumont St and enjoy the open spaces of Victoria Park, home of Grafton Cricket Club. There are also toilets and water, as well as playgrounds and a skate park. Enjoy the many beautiful large trees that inhabit this Downtown Auckland park. You may also want to take a small detour to Victoria Park Market, the most famous of Auckland’s markets.

Its now time to start your ascent which will eventually get you to the famous Pink Pathway. You have a choice of walking via Fanshawe St or Victoria St, both options include a steep climb and arrive on Nelson St, just a block away from the Sky Tower. This part of the walk includes plenty of road crossing and traffic lights but is safe and easy to navigate.

At the top of Nelson St, you are greeted with the entrance to Aucklands Pink Pathway, constructed to efficiently join the west side of the city center with the eastern side over the top of Auckland’s busy motorway spaghetti junction. It enables direct access to Grafton Gully and Auckland University, while also joining the Western bikeway. The Pink Pathway is well illuminated at night, making it a safe option even in the dark. Experience the hum of the city as you walk on top of the motorway and the views from the transparent sides.

As you leave the pink walkway, you head to Upper Queen St and follow the signs to the Grafton Gully bike-path/walkway. Follow this path downhill all the way back towards the bottom of Parnell. On your left is Auckland University and on your right is the Auckland Domain, Its a beautiful walkway and all the better enjoying it heading downwards! Once you return to near sea level, the path cuts through the base of Constitution Hill and along Beach Rd until making your way back to the Spark Arena or Ferry Terminal.

Buggies and Wheelchairs

The walk is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Just be prepared for some effort pushing them up Victoria and Nelson Streets,

History of Aucklands Ferry Terminal

Devonport Walks

Victoria Park Market

Pink Pathway

Kingsland-Mt Eden Loop

This Auckland walk takes you from Kingsland Train Station (with views of Mt Albert), touches the city end of Dominion Road, Eden Quarter, and through the suburban streets of Mt Eden, to Mt Eden Village and return.

Kingsland, Auckland

You can enjoy the tree lined footpaths and beautiful old homes.  And this walk makes it very apparent that Eden Park is really in Kingsland.

You can choose to take your time and stop at various shopping precints along the route or do the 90 minute walk in one gulp!

Description: Mainly level paths and steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see:  Kingsland, Dominion Road, Mt Eden Shops; residential homes
Time: approx. 90 minutes. (about 7.0 kms). Dogs on-leash. One small children’s playground.
Start: Kingsland Train Station MAP

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide ( AC-065 Kingsland-Mt Eden Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store

Walks from Newmarket

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

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AC-054 Newmarket to Hobson Bay Walkway) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store

Gateway to the crater of Mount Saint John

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.

View more photos on our Facebook Page

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 walk provides the option of visiting Auckland Museum, and the Sensory Garden  in the Auckland Domain and the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.

If shopping is your thing, Newmarket’s Broadway has a large selection and then there is Parnell with it’s boutique-style shops.

The Parnell Farmers Market is held on Saturday mornings, behind the Jubilee Building.

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.

Dog friendly walks in Auckland - part one

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:

  • Newmarket to Parnell
  • Newmarket to Auckland Museum
  • Newmarket to Hobson Bay
  • Newmarket to Mt Eden
  • Newmarket to Mt St John

Hobson Bay Walkway and Parnell

walks in Auckland

This walk in Auckland is a low tide walk (check the tides here) that takes you around the edge of Hobson Bay, via the Freda Kirkwood Walkway and along the back streets of Parnell finishing at the Shore Road Cafe.

Dog lovers have two reserves that are off-leash exercise areas.

Nature lovers can enjoy the Native Bush in Ayr Reserve (look out for the cheeky fantails).

Parts of the Hobson Bay Walkway includes a boardwalk which hopefully will one day be extended to make this walk accessible at high tide too.
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. NB Low-tide walk only
To see: Hobson Bay views, Rangitoto Island view, mangroves, native bush, fantails.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5 kms)
Parking: Shore Road, Thomas Bloodworth Park
Suggested Cafe: Shore Road Cafe

Dog friendly walks in Auckland - part three

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AC-034 Hobson Bay Walkway and Parnell Loop) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Dog Friendly Walks part 3”).

Coast to Coast Walk

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

Newmarket Park Circuit

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.