Tag Archives: Twin Streams

Glen Eden Bush and Stream walk

Glen Eden is undergoing stream restoration and cycleways development as part of the Twin Streams Project, so we set out for an exploratory walk to see what we could uncover.

We started off at Ceramco Park, but if you are arriving by train, you could take the Upper Waikumete Walk and Cycle Way starting from the corner of Captain Scott Road and West Coast Road, turn right into Savoy Road to continue to Ceramco Park. We followed the Waikumete Stream, footpaths, walkways and tracks through native bush and wetlands, over bridges and along pleasant residential streets, making this an enjoyable short urban bush walk.

Dogs – Off leash exercise areas within reserves and parks.

Nearby Walk: Glen Eden and Waikumete Cemetery Circuit Walk

Description: Mainly flat with one steep road. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Suitable for pushchairs.
To see: Waikumete Creek, wetlands, native bush, kauri trees.
Time: approx. 60 minutes (about 5.47kms).
Parking:  Ceramco Park.
Start: 120 Glendale Road, Glen Eden. MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AW-099 Glen Eden Bush & Stream Walk) over at our Walks Store  and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Dog Friendly Part 2” “Best of the West“).

Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit

walks in Auckland

The Henderson Opanuku Stream walk comes under Project Twin Streams. A great deal of progress has been made. It is a very pleasant short bush walk among the native trees – two giant kauris and many macrocarpas, and the sound of birds. 
This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area. And a mostly flat walk.

More work needs to be done on making sign posting clear to encourage more people to get out and discover what a beautiful area it is. The area would also benefit from BBQ areas and children’s playgrounds to encourage more families to enjoy the outdoors.

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

This is another walk that you can get to by rail and make it a day outing as Henderson Railway Station is close by. You may like to pack a picnic or take advantage of the Henderson Cafes.

Description: Mostly level paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather.
To see: Trees and fauna, stream, parks.
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 5.2 kms)
Start: Opanuku Reserve off Henderson Valley Road MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AW-029 Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit) over at our Walks Store  and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Best of the West“).

Walking with children on bikes and scooters

Walks in AucklandRecently a friend enquired about doing walks in Auckland with young children who like to ride bikes and scooters. This can be a lot of fun for the kids, and is a great way to get them into outdoor activities  while adults get their exercise and fresh air too.

Be prepared to carry the bike/scooter and also make sure your children know how to stop on downhill slopes (and warn them about how to use their muscles to go up hills!). Good idea to have a first aid kit handy and some water and snacks to keep up the energy!

The important thing to look for is mainly flat wide paths, so with that in mind here are a few ideas:
Cornwall Park * – the circular path does have hills
Western Springs – take some bread to feed the ducks!
Albany Lakes Civic Park – An urban oasis, this 6.4ha Albany Park has an art bridge, water features, an outdoor staging area and two large storm water lakes.

Waiaturua Reserve – Wander over wide open spaces, enjoy the beauty of the wetland environ or explore pockets of bush. With wide pathways established for walking and jogging and a landscape that includes extensive native planting. See more of Waiaturua Reserve.

Watercare Coastal Walkway – 7kms one-way from Ambury Farm to Otuataua Stonefields
Henderson Creek Cycleway
Opanuku Walk & Cycleway  – Twin Streams Walk & Cycleways Fun Map
Te Atatu Peninsula Walkway *
Pikes Point/Onehunga Foreshore walkway – Southdown to Mangere
Sanders Reserve
Onepoto Basin

(Those marked with an * are currently included in Short Walks in Auckland self-guides.)

More ideas from the NZ Herald here

And some other great bike rides for when the children are older – Bicycle Culture on Auckland’s North Shore.

If you have another suggestions, please share and post in the comment box below. Thanks!

Have fun!walks in Auckland