TRACK OVERVIEW
COAST TO COAST WALKWAY 5
One Tree Hill © Getty Images
Sixteen kilometres of urban walking. Start downtown at Princes Wharf and, as the name suggests, march all the way to the other side of the narrow Auckland isthmus to arrive in Ōnehunga on the Manukau Harbour.
Where is it? Waitematā to Manukau, Central Auckland to South Auckland. Start at Auckland’s Britomart Train Station or walk the other way by starting in Ōnehunga.
Terrain
Britomart features huge glass domes peering down at the train tracks below, and historic buildings frame its central, paved courtyard, in between high-end shops and slick cafés. Come nightfall, plush bars blossom and nearby Snickel Lane offers a trendy food precinct. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, La Cigale French market pops up between 8am and 1pm and a secret New York-style cocktail bar called Caretaker can be found down hidden steps on Customs St.
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 200acre 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.
Dogs on leashes welcome 5hr; 16km Reasonable fitness required
City streets, parks and bush tracks.
Emerging from the sea approximately 600 years ago in a series of fiery volcanic explosions, pest-free Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand.
Rangitoto Summit Track © Todd Eyre / ATEED
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
RANGITOTO SUMMIT TRACK 6
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
advised if you’ll be exploring the lava fields, as some areas can be uneven.
Other Tracks… Lava Caves Track
and trees including the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world,
15min one-way from Summit Track; 1hr one-way from Rangitoto Wharf; 1hr 45min one-way from Rangitoto Wharf to lava caves to summit.
which provides a home for dozens of shore, sea and forest birds.
Wilson Park Track
After Rangitoto was declared pest-free in 2011, forest and other
1hr 45min from Rangitoto Wharf; 45min from Summit Track turn-off to summit.
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
native birds have flocked back to the island and their birdsong will accompany you as you explore this special place.
2hr return; 7km return, via same track Moderate fitness required Moderately steep No dogs
WALKING MUST-DO’S 27
