Tag Archives: Suggestion

Beach Haven Coastal Walk

The Beach Haven coastal walk on Auckland’s North Shore hugs to the coastline with views to Bayview, Hobsonville Point and the bush that runs alongside the Upper Harbour Highway. The route follows Hellyers Creek, then all the twists and turns of the small mangrove-filled inlets, and through trees filled with birdsong.

Beachaven Coastal walk © 2011-2013 Unleashed Ventures Limited

Today was rainy and windy – the yachts sailing out from Hobsonville Point were making the most of the winds.  But we were sheltered by the trees and small gullies.

This walk begins at the Community Creche entrance to Shepherd’s Park, where there is a children’s playground  a cyclists learning track and a fitness trail, as well as sports fields. The signs indicate that dogs must be kept on-leash (but we did see dogs off leash along coastal walkway).

If you wanted to make this a day outing, you could catch a ferry from Britomart to Beach Haven.  Bring a picnic lunch.

Description: Bush track, steps, inclines. Muddy in places when wet. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Native bush, views across Auckland Harbour, native birds.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.0 kms)
Parking: Beach Haven Community Creche carpark.
Buses: Tramway Road stop on Beach Haven Road.
Ferry: to Beach Haven MAP

Cafe suggestion: CAFE AU BON COIN CAFE PATISSERIE

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AN-084 Beach Haven Coastal Walk) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store.

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

Moire Park, Massey

Walks in Auckland This is the second time we have been to Moire Park in Massey/West Harbour West Auckland (the first time was 12 months ago).  The park has many paths of different grades to suit all kinds of walkers. The walking circuit we have documented takes in the variety of the paths and scenery – from native bush to a hill view of the City.

This is a dog friendly walk. (See other Dog Friendly Walks) And there is a variety of playgrounds for children to enjoy. There is a BBQ and picnic area available.  And a Pump Park for young cyclists.

walks in auckland

We studied the map near where we parked the car in Granville Drive (a great looking children’s playground nearby). We thought we had it sussed and set off. We had a print-out of the map with us because even though there are markers pointing out the tracks, they are not numbered or colored. This area would be enhanced with better sign-posting.

Note: this GPS Google Map is of Moire Park and does not include some of the extra walking described in the description below and brochure.

Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. Muddy tracks after rain.
To see: Auckland City views, Waitakere Hills view, native trees and fauna, urban development.
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 6 kms)
Start: Westgate Shopping Centre. MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (GS-031 Moire Park Bush Walk) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Dog Friendly Walks part 1”).

Pram, mountain buggy and wheelchair friendly walks

Auckland is a hilly city and not very wheel friendly to prams, mountain buggies, wheelchairs and people recovering from an accident or operation.  However there are some flat walks in Auckland that do avoid the steep bits.

You can find a list of wheel-friendly walks at Auckland Regional Council.

Check out Pram and buggy friendly walks in Auckland for more ideas.

If you know of any other flat walks, please leave your suggestion in the comment box below.

walks in Auckland with pram