Tag Archives: Yachts

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.

Wynyard Quarter waterfront loop

Wynyard Quarter Auckland

Another beautiful sunny, calm winter’s day in Auckland!  The harbour water was dazzling as we walked along the Wynyard Quarter waterfront and the Viaduct Basin.

This walk is a flat one that is great for visitors to Auckland and families who enjoy Auckland’s maritime theme.

The circuit we walked took in many interesting sites- from the new open spaces, fishing boats, trams, opening bridges and fish markets to the super yachts and harbour-side bars and restaurants.

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

The new Wynyard Quarter Stage One opened for business in August 2011. As the Wynyard Quarter expands, there will be more to see and do.  So it’s worthwhile coming back often to view progress.

Verdict: Lots to see and do. Fun for children. Easy for push chairs and wheel chairs.

See more photos on our Facebook page.

This walk can be linked together with the Point Erin and Auckland Harbour walk for a longer walk starting from the Ferry Building/Britomart and taking in Victoria Park markets.

Nearby Attractions: Auckland Fish Market (cnr Jellicoe and Daldy Streets) Voyager Maritime Museum

Description: mainly a level path. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To see:  Auckland harbour views, Rangitoto Island views, bridges, yachts
Time: approx. 45 minutes. Plus time for lingering(about 3.89 kms)
Start: Off Halsey/Beaumont Streets or from Britomart MAP

Coastal walks in Auckland book (part 1)

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AC-044 Wynyard Quarter & Viaduct Harbour Loop walk) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 1”).

Point Erin and Auckland harbour walk

Auckland Harbour Bridge

A glorious day after very rough weather earlier this week made the walk today very enjoyable.  The sun shone on the full tide, which encouraged me to take many photos as we walked around Westhaven Drive and under the Harbour Bridge.

This Auckland walk not only has fabulous views, it is mostly flat (apart from the steep steps at Jacob’s Ladder (which have recently been shortened)), Victoria Park has a great children’s playground and skate park, and there are beautiful old homes to enjoy. There is also a dog off leash area along the way.  Victoria Park Markets have been upgraded with cafes and a few retail stores.

Westhaven Promenade - short walks in Auckland

30th January 2015: The Westhaven Promenade is now open. This will form part of a 20km continuous walkway and cycleway that runs from Herne Bay in the west to Tamaki Drive in the east. Read more: Westhaven Promenade

Dogs – this walk includes an off leash dog exercise area in Point Erin Park.

Description: A mix of level paths, one lot of steep steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Running shoes suitable.
To see:  Auckland City views, Rangitoto Island views, harbour views, Harbour Bridge.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5.4 kms)
Parking: Carparks in Westhaven Drive

We stopped at the Sitting Duck Cafe for a coffee in the sun, overlooking the moored yachts – bliss!  I didn’t want to leave…

Coastal walks in Auckland part 2

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AC-043 Point Erin and Harbourside) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 2”).