10 minute read
9 TOP AUCKLAND WALKS
© AA Traveller 2021
1. MT TAMAHUNGA WALKWAY
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A pleasant walk to the summit of Mt Tamahunga through farmland and forest.
Where is it? Start at Omaha Valley Rd, Matakana, an hour north of Auckland.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Grassy inclines are framed by pines, palms and pūriri trees. Climb through the groves to a flat section, 437m above sea level. Later, a helipad and trig mark the peak; also the site of Otamahua Pā where 200 Māori prisoners sheltered after escaping Kawau Island.
Terrain: Private farmland, tramping tracks, sometimes rocky and slippery. Significant mud after rain.
Need to Know: 3hr, 5km return. Reasonable fitness. Some steep sections. No dogs.
Sawmill Brewery, Matakana © Camilla Rutherford
2. TE ARA TAHUNA ESTUARY WALKWAY
Ōrewa coast © Adobe Stock
Where is it? The walk follows Ōrewa Estuary, a five-minute drive south of Ōrewa town on the Hibiscus Coast.
Terrain: Easy, flat and family-friendly.
Good to Know: The trail path is shared by both walkers and cyclists. Approximately 1hr 45min; 7.5km return. Easy walking. Dogs are allowed on leash.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Don’t be alarmed if you hear the shrill of a bicycle bell, the pathway is co-shared with cyclists and when the weather’s good, it’s very popular with both walkers and riders. With good reason. This family-friendly walkway is flat, wide and sealed, with plenty to see along the way including Māori carvings, mangroves and crystalline water flecked with kayakers. Follow the water’s edge and explore the natural and historical significance of the area. You’ll pass beautiful homes with spectacular gardens overlooking the estuary, as well as farmland. About halfway around, you can stop in Millwater for refreshments and the Estuary Arts Centre, at the ocean end of the estuary, is well worth a visit. Look out, too, for diverse birdlife. There are several public toilets en route; in summer, it’s a good option to take swimwear for a post-walk dip in the sea.
3. NORTH SHORE COASTAL WALK
Where is it? Start at the Devonport ferry building, or at Long Bay Regional Park.
Devonport © Auckland Unlimited
Terrain: Footpaths, easy tramping tracks and coastal sections. The tide will determine if you head further ashore at some points or continue along the shoreline.
Need to Know: Approximately 7hr; 23.5km one way. Reasonable fitness required - good shoes are crucial. Footpaths, easy tramping tracks & coastal sections. Dogs are allowed.
TRACK OVERVIEW: This is a wonderful way to get to grips with the beauty of Auckland’s North Shore without having to penetrate the commercial hubs (although you will find numerous excellent cafés along the way). Departing from elegant Devonport, follow the foreshore before heading up over the crest of North Head towards Cheltenham Beach and Narrow Neck, undulating as you go. With Rangitoto Island constantly on the horizon, continue along the coast past Takapuna and towards Milford and Castor Bay. At low tide you’ll have rock pools to explore as well as a good selection of interpretation panels and relics from World War Two, gun emplacements, tunnels and sites of significance including Rahopara Historic Reserve at Castor Bay. The Mairangi Bay village is popular for lunch with several tasty options; from there press on past Murrays Bay, Rothesay Bay, Browns Bay, Waiake and Torbay before arriving at Long Bay where a swim, if you walk in warmer weather, will be welcome.
4. AUCKLAND FORESHORE HERITAGE WALK
Couple walking along the waterfront © Auckland Unlimited
Where is it? Start at Pt Erin Pools, not far from the Auckland Harbour Bridge on the city side, and end at Parnell Baths in Judges Bay.
Terrain: Mostly easy, flat and paved but with steep parts at either end.
Need to Know: Approximately 3hr one-way, from west to east; 5km. Average fitness required. Steep parts at either end. Dogs on leashes welcome.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Auckland wasn’t always the mecca of shiny highrises and glittering lights that you see today. Throughout history, transformation came thick and fast, and even though each century brought a wealth of change, little remnants of the past have remained in tact. Featuring ancient pā sites and old shipyards to modern suburban areas and beaches, this is an excellent walk to get to grips with Auckland’s interesting history. The walk goes through parks, past grand old homes and gardens in St Marys Bay, through land granted to Roman Catholic Bishop Pompallier in the 1850s, past heritage industrial buildings and into the merchant centre of early Auckland. Much of it follows the coastline under the shade of massive pōhutukawa trees, many of which will have witnessed the changes to the city scene over the decades. This walk is one of the official Auckland City Heritage Walks. Download a PDF of the walk from the Auckland Council website; it is an informative and detailed guide. The walk is also speckled with plaques featuring photographs and information as to how the area once looked, and because this is a self-guided walk, each sign explains how to continue onto the next section.
5. COAST TO COAST WALKWAY
Fernery, Auckland Domain © Adobe Stock
Where is it? Waitematā to Manukau, Central Auckland to South Auckland. Start at Auckland’s Britomart Train Stationor walk the other way by starting in Ōnehunga.
Terrain: City streets, parks and bush tracks.
Need to Know: Dogs on leashes welcome. 5hr; 16km. Reasonable fitness required.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Part of Te Araroa, the walkway that travels the length of New Zealand,this is a great way to get a sense of Auckland City’s heart. Winding its way through pretty suburbs and city parks, you’ll also ascend several of Auckland’s famous volcanic peaks including Maungawhau Mt Eden and Maungakiekie One Tree Hill,where the views are magnificent.Other highlights include the 200-acre Auckland Domain and Albert Park beside the university. Discover Auckland’s history and geology while rubbing shoulders with the locals, but do take some provisions as there are portions of the route that aren’t well served with places to eat and drink.Wherever you finish, you’re close to trains and transport to make your way to wherever you need to be next.
6. RANGITOTO SUMMIT TRACK
Rangitoto Island © Todd Eyre
Where is it? Take a 25min ferry ride from Queens Wharf in Auckland City.
Terrain: Moderate fitness is required for the gradual and steady incline to the top. Good footwear is advised if you’ll be exploring the lava fields, as some areas can be uneven.
Need to Know: 2hr return; 7km return, via same track. Moderate fitness required. Moderately steep. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: This is an easy climb through pōhutukawa forest and lava fields to a peak 260m above sea level. When you reach the summit of this volcanic island, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. You’ll walk on well-formed paths through lava fields that support over 200 species of moss, plants and trees including the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world,which provides a home for dozens of shore, sea and forest birds.After Rangitoto was declared pest-free in 2011, forest and other native birds have flocked back to the island and their birdsong will accompany you as you explore this special place.
7. WAIHEKE ART WALKING TRAIL
Where is it? The north-west coast of Waiheke Island. Accessed via a 40-minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland.
Terrain: A relaxed trail through natural bush, park and wetland using well-formed pathways. Some coastal and roadside walking is required,with mild inclines.
Need to Know: Dogs permitted but must be kept under control. 2hr one way; 3km. Suitable for all fitness levels. Easy walking.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Start this easy but picturesque walk as soon as you alight the ferry at Matiatia terminal on Waiheke Island. Stroll along the foreshore to the Atawhai Whenua bush reserve track. A trail of shady forest emerges 15-minutes later on the main road where you can then nip into Alison Park. Overlooking Blackpool valley, the fields are scattered with sculptures from bygone Sculpture on the Gulf exhibitions. Opposite Alison Park is the Artworks Centre, featuring Whittaker’s Musical Museum, the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, complete with its gorgeous gallery shop, and arguably the island’s finest piece of architecture: the local library. Amble on to Oneroa village where you’ll find the Toi Gallery. The venue is owned by two artists and is brimming with dramatic installations and contemporary sculptures. Don’t miss the amazing Tivoli Art Gallery which is also a specialist bookstore. From here, drop down to Oneroa Beach and walk over the rocks to Little Oneroa Beach (low tide only). Check out John Freeman’s ancient kauri sculpture studio or sit and rest on the sand. A relaxed 3km family-friendly amble which offers plenty of stops at sandy bays, art spots and lookout points.
8. TE ATATŪ PENINSULA WALKWAY
Where is it? Te Atatū Peninsula, Orangihina Park, West Auckland.
Terrain: Boardwalks, concrete paths, gravel. Would suit sturdy strollers.
Need to Know: 1hr; 4km. Basic fitness required. Easy walking. Dogs welcome on a leash.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Following the eastern edge of the family-friendly suburb of Te Atatū Peninsula, enjoy spectacular views across the Waitematā Harbour to the North Shore, the Chelsea Sugar Factory, Auckland Harbour Bridge, and all the way to Rangitoto Island. Starting at Orangihina Park (or wherever suits you) follow the path along the waterfront where walkers with a fondness for birds will want to keep their eyes out for fernbirds, dotterels, oyster catchers, godwits, herons and all sorts of seagulls. Pretty and undemanding, this is a good walk for younger visitors who like to take things slowly, stopping at picnic tables, playgrounds, the pony club and toilets en route. Native planting is flourishing here and just a short way off the path you’ll find several excellent cafés where you can refuel. Cyclists are also welcome on much of the path, with the general philosophy ‘share with care’.
9. HŪNUA FALLS LOOP TRACK
Hūnua Falls, East Auckland © Auckland Unlimited
Where is it? 233 Falls Rd, Hūnua Ranges. About 50km from downtown Auckland.
Good to know: The park has three mountain bike trails, several other heartier walks and 10 camping grounds.
Need to know: Swimming is not recommended at the falls. 20min; 800m. Low level of fitness required. Easy walking. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: There’s something truly majestic about a thundering waterfall and the 30m Hūnua Falls is one of the most popular cascades in the greater Auckland region. Take the short track that follows the Wairoa River, walking through dense forest until you get to the lookout platform at the waterfall. The Hūnua Ranges are also an excellent spot for bird watching; keep a look out for the kōkako as this is one of the few places in Auckland to see this rare bird. Because this is an extensive kauri area, be sure to give your footwear a good scrub upon entering and exiting the area to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
