AUCKLAND
Walking in
View of Auckland from Mt Eden © Getty Images
Auckland
Auckland is a place of incredible diversity, where a bustling metropolis gives way to pretty seaside villages, sparkling harbours, wild and serene coastlines and bird-filled native bush. Whether you prefer to stroll alongside a shimmering inner-city harbour with coffee stops en route or get into the wild spaces, Auckland has a walk for you.
B
est of all, with so many
along the harbourside, historic
beckon, and you’ll feel a million
of Auckland, that’s easy – look
different landscapes and
reserves beg exploration, fossilised
miles away from the big smoke.
for the telltale peak of a volcano
natural features so close
forests intrigue and cliff-top tracks
Auckland’s west coast is bordered
rising above the city’s skyline. With
by, it’s easy to experience them all in one day.
lead to hidden sheltered bays. On the city’s outskirts, lush forest
In suburban Auckland, purpose-
trails revealing tumbling waterfalls
built boardwalks wind their way
or secluded sandy beaches
by native temperate rainforest and a stunning rugged coastline. The wild black-sand beaches and
around 50 extinct or dormant volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field, these unique features make
coastal tracks are great for blowing
for great walking adventures.
out the cobwebs and immersing
Some of the more accessible
yourself in nature.
include the tallest mainland
The islands of the Hauraki Gulf
volcano, Mt Eden at 196m, One
each have their own appeal –
Tree Hill with its interesting history
there’s the bird sanctuary of
and rural feel thanks to grazing
Tiritiri Matangi, Waiheke with
cattle, Mt Victoria and North Head
its vineyards, historic ruins and
with their old gun emplacements
stunning white-sand beaches, the
and eerie underground tunnels
isolated Great Barrier Island with
– don’t forget your torch, and
its rugged beauty and the iconic
Mangere Mountain – the area’s
peak of Rangitoto Island that
best preserved volcanic cone.
dominates the Auckland landscape. If you’re wondering where to find a walk with incredible views
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LEFT: Rangitoto Island coastal walk RIGHT: Shopping, Queen St Both © ATEED / Todd Eyre Photography
