Tag Archives: Perimeter

Maraetai and Omana loop walk

Today was our first walk around the 3 km perimeter of Omana Regional Park near Maraetai (pronounced my-right-eye). The walk itself was pretty uninteresting apart from the view looking back to Auckland City. However, the walk along the coastline from Omana Beach to Maraetai Beach was much more interesting.

Maraetai and Omana loop walk © 2011-2014 Unleashed Ventures Limited All Rights Reserved

The weather was brilliant and it was fabulous to see so many people out enjoying themselves in and on the beautiful blue clear water, as well as picnicking on the grassy shore in the shade of the pohutukawa trees. The tide was high (actually a “king” tide) which added to the beauty.

The shared pathway/cycleway between Maraetai and  Beachlands is very scenic, and suitable for family cycle rides.

Description: Mostly level paths, with a few short steep bits. Gravel and sealed track/paths.  Sturdy footwear recommended for Omana loop.
Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind.
To see: Farmland, bush, coast, boats.
Time: We did the Omana perimeter loop (3kms) and walked to Maraetai return (5kms).
Start:  Either from Maraetai or Omana Beach Road. Map

Click here for  Omana Regional Park map.

The combined walks of Maraetai and Omana lived up to our expectations of a diverse walk – farmland, bush, coast, boats and village.
Click on photo to enlarge.

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“.