Local Escapes

21 Stunning Walks In Auckland To Take At Least Once

By Alice Rich
31st Jan 2024

The Hillary Trail is one of Auckland's best walks.

At Urban List, we believe that walking is one of the best ways to make the most of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It gets you moving, raises your heart rate, and there are some seriously stunning walks in Auckland on offer. Plus, it's a tonic to the frenetic pace of everyday life. 

So grab some sturdy shoes, make use of the kauri dieback wash stations and get amongst the beautiful coastlines, stunning waterfalls, urban strolls and native bush. Here are the best walks in Auckland.

Cascade Kauri / Te Piringa

Waitākere Ranges

The Cascade Kauri path through the forest.Image credit: Auckland Council | Supplied

TLC was wrong—you should absolutely go chasing waterfalls, and the newly reopened Cascade Kauri / Te Piringa is the perfect way to do so. Home to some of our oldest kauri trees in the Waitākeres, it’s an honour to be able to wander these tracks once more after being forced to close following concerns over Kauri dieback and damage to infrastructure six years ago.

There are three walks to choose from: the Upper Te Piringia Loop, the Lower Te Piringia Loop, and the longer Montana Heritage Trail. Access is via Falls Road from 8am-9pm every day through summer. 

THE DETAILS

Distance: Varies 
Walking Time: 20mins, 40mins, 4.5 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Puhoi Track

Puhoi, Auckland  

This old ridge track is part of Te Araroa (a trek from Cape Reinga to Bluff). Following the Auckland floods the swingbridge has been removed, so detour via Puhoi Road between Puhoi Village and Remiger Road.

Climb through pines to a ridge track before descending through farmland. The Puhoi Track ends at the Puhoi Domain which is conveniently close to the Puhoi Pub for some well-deserved refreshments. Cheers to that! 

THE DETAILS

Distance: 4.8 km 
Walking Time: Two hours
Difficulty: An easy hike after an initial climb 

Massey-Cossey Loop Track

Hunua Ranges, Hunua, Auckland

A view on blue water on the Massey-Cossey Loop Track, one of the best walks in Auckland.Image credit: Massey-Cossey Loop Track | Sharon Lang Alltrails

This loop track will get your heart pumping with a fair amount of stairs. You’ll then follow the bush track to a lookout point before descending to the Cossey Dam. Once you’ve finished the track, enjoy a picnic in front of the Hunua Falls. Don’t forget to snap an iconic photo in the golden frame before you leave. 

The Details

Distance: 8.3 km
Walking time: Three hours
Difficulty: Medium

Wenderholm Perimeter Path

Schischka Rd, Waiwera, Orewa

If you haven’t experienced Wenderholm in the heat of summer, it should be at the top of your list. Picnics under brilliant red pohutukawa trees, sunbathing on the beach and cooling off in the blue waters are the good life incarnate.

And if you fancy a bit of a walk, the Wenderholm Perimeter Path’s a great shout. The track itself is a mix of boardwalk, steps, gravel and grass, including scrambling up the unformed track, and it’s peppered with culture not least of which is summiting Maungatauhoro, a wāhi tapu/sacred place in Māori history. It’s all pretty well signposted from the main car park—follow the red markers.

The details

Distance: 4.6 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Green text reads: From bush walks to beaches, Tāmaki Makaurau is blessed with gorgeous walks to enjoy whatever your fitness level. Here's your Urban List cheat sheet.

Karamatura To Mount Donald McLean

Waitākere Ranges, Huia, Auckland 

Someone takes a photo from the summit of Don Mclean track.Image credit: Donald McLean lookout | Armelle Frimpong

The ultimate stair walk, this track will take you along a forested path (part boardwalk, part loose) up to the Mount Donald McLean lookout and back. Gird your loins because this one’s all about the climb.

If you reach the top and never want to see another stair in your life (valid), you can trace the road back down the hill and it will eventually lead you back to the Karamatura car park, otherwise, it's back the way you came through stunning bush and canopy and yes, more stairs. This is one of the only tracks currently open in the Waitākere Ranges following Cyclone Gabrielle.

The details

Distance: 11.6 km 
Walking Time: Four hours
Difficulty: Bush trails, boardwalks, many steps, challenging at times. 

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Auckland’s Own Ring Of Fire

Auckland-Wide

More than fifty volcanoes make up Auckland City and every cone makes for a great walk. Highlights include Maungawhau/Mt Eden, Te Kopuke/Mt Saint John, Mangere Mountain, Maungauika/North Head, Puketapapa/Mount Roskill, Takarunga/Mt Victoria, Te Tatum a Riukiuta/Three Kings and Maunakiekie/One Tree Hill. Tackle them one by one or link a bunch together for an epic trek, here's a list of our faves

Rangitoto Summit Track 

Rangitoto Island, Auckland 

People at the summit of Rangitoto Island.Image credit: Rangitoto | Todd Eyre Auckland Unlimited

Speaking of our Ring of Fire, your volcanic scavenger hunt wouldn’t be complete without summiting Rangitoto. On your way up you’ll be treated to lava fields and the world’s largest pōhutukawa forest before arriving at the top to enjoy panoramic views of the Tāmaki Makaurau and the Hauraki Gulf. 

THE DETAILS

Distance: 7 km 
Walking Time: Two hours return
Difficulty: An easy walk through lava fields and pōhutukawa forest to the top 

Te Ara Hura

Waiheke | 100km | Varies 

Technically a network of walks, Te Ara Hura, showcases everything we love about Waiheke Island. Made up of four main areas—‘headlands’, ‘beaches ‘n’ baches’, ‘forest heart’ and ‘far end’—the tracks are well signposted and have loads of entry points so you can dip in and out (and into a top-notch vineyard) as you like. Some tracks are currently closed, check the link above before you set out.

THE DETAILS

Distance: 100 km total distance 
Walking Time: Varies
Difficulty: Some walks are easier than others, check the map 

Karioitahi Beach  

685 Karioitahi Road, Lake Puketi, Waiuku

Car tracks disappearing off into the mist along the black sands of a beach. Image credit: Karioitahi Beach | Alice Rich

For a walk that feels like you've been transported to a different world chuck on your (old) sneakers, fill your pockets with snacks, grab a friend and catch up while you walk the black sands of Karioitahi. If the wind gets up, this can turn wild pretty quickly so be prepared and book in at the Bersantai Day Spa at nearby Castaways Resort for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. 

THE DETAILS

Distance: 35 km one way
Walking Time: As long as you like
Difficulty: A long, flat walk along the black sand, can get very hot underfoot in summer 

Tāwharanui Ecology Trail

Takatu Road, Tāwharanui Peninsula, Auckland

This enchanting bush trail is a bird lover’s dream, with the bonus of simply gorgeous sea views. Start at Sanctuary Hut in the Anchor Bay car park. Follow the yellow track markers along the road and beach, over the rocks, up along the cliff and through the native bush.

Once you’ve had a gander, go for a snorkel at Anchor Bay, stroll along the beautiful white sands of Tāwharanui Beach or plant some trees with the Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society

THE DETAILS

Distance: 3.3 km return
Walking Time:  1.5 hours
Difficulty: An easy walk along sealed roads, native bush, rocks, and an ascent to cliff

Ōmanawanui Track

Whatipu Road, Huia, Auckland

Part of the Hillary Trail/Te Ara Tūhuru (most of the rest of which is currently closed), the Ōmanawanui Track is well worth the climb. Once characterised by some pretty unforgiving hills, the track reopened in 2021 after a glow-up and now sports box steps and boardwalks that are a helluva lot friendlier on the legs.

The track begins at Whatipū Beach and climbs through native bush with ample opportunity to soak up some magnificent views of the West Coast, Manukau bar and, if you’re lucky, all the way down to Mt Taranaki. 

The details

Distance: 3km
Walking time: 1-2.5hr 
Difficulty: Easy

Duder Regional Park 

Whakakaiwhara Peninsula | Varies

Get your fill of rolling hills and spectacular sea views at Duder Regional Park. Whether you pick the coastal perimeter track or inner loop you’re sure to have an enjoyable stroll. Visit in spring to witness lambs taking their first steps in this world. 

THE DETAILS

Distance: 6.3 km loop trail 
Walking Time:  Almost two hours
Difficulty: Moderate walk along beach, hills and farmland with lots of peaks and troughs

Ambury Regional Farm Park 

43 Ambury Road, Māngere Bridge, Auckland

Open grass dotted with sheep during early sunset. Image credit: Ambury Park | Alice Rich

Nestled into the bend of the Manukau Harbour is Ambury Park, a wonderland for cotton ball sheep, adorable pigs, astonishing peacocks and more—literally the best Auckland walk for animal lovers. The walk is more of a wander where you can pick your own pace and track.

There are BBQs, drinking fountains, bathrooms, live shearing sessions, and picnic tables on-site, so you can set up camp for a full day of farm life.

If you're after an easy 26-minute walk go for the Ambury Foreshore Path a 2.3-km loop trail, otherwise, take in the park and the nearby Māngere Mountain on this two-hour, 8.7 km track around both.

THE DETAILS

Distance: Trails vary, see above
Walking Time: 26 minutes to two hours
Difficulty: The foreshore path is easy while the Māngere Mountain trail is classed as moderate

Westhaven Promenade Loop

Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay, Auckland

Starting at the foot of the Harbour Bridge end of the Westhaven Marina, follow the wooden boardwalk for seaside views of the Waitematā Harbour, Herne Bay and Cox’s Bay, marvelling at the luxury yachts along the way. The walk finishes at Point Erin Park.

From here you have the choice of heading to Point Erin Pools for a quick dip to cool down (in the summer) or heading through Victoria Park to Albert Street, the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter to complete the loop. 

THE DETAILS

Distance: 3.1 km
Walking Time: 36 minutes 
Difficulty: Easy

Shakespear Regional Park Loop

Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay, Whangaparaoa

Wander around this forested Whangaparaoa gem, soaking up all the greenery and refreshing ocean views. The Shakespear Regional Park Loop track somewhat traces the park’s periphery and, while dogs aren’t allowed, it’s popular with walkers and runners.

Smash the whole thing out in one, pause for a picnic and a swim on the beach part-way through, or make a weekend of it by staying overnight at Te Haruhi Bay campground. Best tackled at low tide.

The details

Distance: 8.2 km
Time: Two hours
Difficulty: Medium

Aotea Track

Great Barrier Island, Auckland

The beginning of some stairs and an awe-inspiring view of native bush on Aotea Track, one of the best walks in Auckland. Image credit: Aotea Track | Alice Rich

While Great Barrier Island is home to many awe-inspiring nature walks, Aotea Track, named after the Māori name for the island, is a must if you’ve got a couple of days to spare.

Highlights include a vintage tram line operated by the Kauri Timber Company back in 1925, summiting Mt Hobson (627m) and enjoying a well-earned soak in the Kaitoke Hot Springs. 

THE DETAILS

Distance: 25 km
Walking Time: Two to three days
Difficulty: A combo of easy walking tracks, boardwalks, stairways, bridges

Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path

Tāmaki Drive, Auckland 

If you’re after sparkling seas from the suburbs to the city (and back again, if you’re feeling particularly athletic), a stroll along Tāmaki Drive will hit the spot. The flat walkway is shared with cyclists and rollerbladers and featured landmarks en route include Mission Bay Beach, Bastion Point and Ōrākei Domain.

Keep your eyes peeled for wetsuit-clad marine mammal medics saving faux whales—these beaches are a favourite training spot for local animal rescue charity Project Jonah

THE DETAILS

Distance: 3.4 km
Walking Time: 45 mins
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain

North Shore Coastal Walk

The North Shore, Auckland

Footprints on a white sand beach with several figures in the background. Image credit: North Shore Coastal Walk | Alice Rich

The Northern Beaches are some of the most picturesque places in Auckland City and on the North Shore Coastal Walk, you get to enjoy every one of them. Starting at Long Bay you’ll follow the coastline—sometimes along sand, sometimes along roads—all the way to Devonport.

With stops at Torbay, Browns Bay, Rothesay Bay, Murrays Bay, Mairangi Bay, Campbell’s Bay, Castor Bay, Milford and Takapuna you can tailor the length of the walk to your liking (you can even start further north). If you do choose the full day, finish this hike in style by catching a ferry across the gulf and into the heart of Auckland CBD. Magic.

THE DETAILS

Distance: 31.4 km
Walking Time: Six to seven hours
Difficulty: Intermediate, some of the paths are very steep, can be slippery

Ōrākei Basin Walkway

Ōrākei, Auckland 

Catch a train from Britomart and you’ll be at Ōrākei Basin in no time. Fascinatingly, this tidal lagoon is the result of a volcanic eruption 85,000 years ago. Circumnavigate the huge body of water via the boardwalk, plus the optional side route through tree-lined streets of Meadowbank and Remuera, finishing with a delicious, healthy victory snack from Bowl & Arrow or perhaps a hit of the good stuff from Moustache

THE DETAILS

Distance: 4 km
Walking Time: One hour
Difficulty: Easy, boardwalk and native bush, some steep stairs halfway around 

Western Springs Lakeside Park 

731 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland

If you’re looking for a relaxing stroll, Western Springs is the spot. Start at the car park off Great North Road. From there, wander around the freshwater lake where you’ll see familiar native faces like pukeko, teal and shovelers. The final must-see at Western Springs is the Fukoaka Garden—a tranquil Japanese garden and tea pavilion open to the public 10am-5:30pm daily. 

THE DETAILS

Distance:  1.6 km
Walking Time: 25 mins
Difficulty: Easy 

Coast To Coast Walkway

Waitematā To Manukau, Auckland

Ever wanted to attempt to cross the width of the country on foot in one day? The Coast To Coast Walkway does just that, crossing through the Auckland Domain, Albert Park, Newmarket shops, Mt Eden, Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill. Plus, you’ll gain bragging rights of crossing the entire city on foot in such a short amount of time. 

THE DETAILS

Distance: 15.5 km
Walking Time: Four hours
Difficulty: Easy 

Want more outdoor adventure? Check out:

Main image credit: Hillary Trail by Mark Meredith 

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