STEP OUTDOORS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: If you’re striding into nature this winter, read up before you lace up...

HELP FIGHT KAURI DIEBACK DISEASE

Kauri Dieback Disease is an irrevocable disease that’s killing kauri trees in regional parks and forcing some tracks to close. You can help by:

• Using the cleaning stations.

• Staying on the boardwalks and off kauri roots.

• Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/protectkauri for more info and track updates.

How to experience winter in our big backyard

1. FIND A UNIQUELY AUCKLAND LANDSCAPE

There are 48 dormant volcanoes in Auckland and no visit to the region is complete without scaling at least one. Hop on the ferry to Rangitoto Island, climb to the summit of Maungawhau (Mt Eden), catch the sun setting from Mt Albert, discover Cornwall Park at Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) or explore tunnels by torchlight at North Head.

2. DOWNLOAD THE APP

Download the Pūkete Taiaoo Tāmaki Makaurau app to discover the flora, fauna and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Learn Te Reo pronunciation and discover mustsee green spaces. Available for both Apple and Android.

Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, West Auckland

3. EXPLORE REGIONAL PARKS

1. Ambury, South Auckland See farm animals as you wander around this working farm.

2. Āwhitu, South Auckland White-sand beaches, parkland pastures and coastal wetlands.

3. Tāpapakanga, South Auckland A working coastal farm popular with walkers and kayakers.

4. Shakespear, North Auckland Safe beaches, great walks and a sanctuary for native wildlife.

5. Tāwharanui, North Auckland Stunning white-sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays and native forest.

4. MAKE THE MOST OF THE COAST

Whether you want calm, white-sand shores or wild black-sand beaches, Auckland has it all.

• NORTH: The shore-tickling Takapuna-Milford Heritage Walk (also known as the lava trail) requires a steady foot to navigate 2km of volcanic ledge, small bays and rocky outcrops.

• EAST: Popular beaches include Bucklands, Howick and Maraetai Beach. The walkway to Little Bucklands Beach from Half Moon Bay Marina is particularly lovely.

• SOUTH: Underexplored Āwhitu Peninsula is crammed with beach and wetland, while Āwhitu Regional Park boasts Kauritutahi Beach, a tranquil stretch of white sand.

• WEST: Favourite beaches include Piha, Bethells, Muriwai and Karekare for their iron-rich black sand and sulky winter waves that thrash the shoreline.

Piha Beach, West Auckland © Getty Images