Coast to Coast Walkway

Sixteen kilometres of urban walking. Startdowntown 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

City streets, parks and bush tracks.

Need to Know

Dogs on leashes welcome

TIME & DISTANCE: 5hr; 16km

FITNESS: 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.

One Tree Hill

Getty Images

In the neighbourhood...

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.

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels