From coastal strolls to city rambles, volcanic views and waterfalls, we’ve picked five walks around the Auckland region so you can get out and explore this summer.
1. Mount Tamahunga Walkway
Start at Omaha Valley Road in Matakana for a pleasant walk to the summit of Mount Tamahunga, through farmland and forest. Grassy inclines are framed by pines, palms and pūriri trees. Climb through the groves to a flat section 437m above sea level. The peak is marked by a trig, which is also the site of Otamahua Pā, where 200 Māori prisoners sheltered after escaping Kawau Island.
- 3 hours, 5km return
- Reasonable fitness required
- No dogs
2. Coast to Coast Walkway
Traverse the city from the Waitematā Harbour to the Manukau on the famous Coast to Coast Walkway. Begin at Britomart Train Station in the heart of the city and pass through pretty suburbs and city parks, before climbing the famous volcanic peaks of Maungawhau Mt Eden and Maungakiekie One Tree Hill. You can also explore the Auckland Domain and Albert Park in the central city before finishing up at Onehunga on the shores of the Manukau Harbour.
- 5 hours, 16km
- Reasonable fitness required
- Dogs are allowed, on leash
3. Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Walkway
Skirting the beautiful Ōrewa Estuary, this picturesque pathway is a flat, easy and family-friendly walking experience. Te Ara Tawhuna is a shared walkway and cycleway, so be mindful of other users. There are Māori carvings, mangroves, gardens and farmlands to appreciate along the way. Stop in at Millwater for refreshments and make sure you visit the Estuary Arts Centre at the ocean end of the walk, too.
- 1hour 45 minutes, 7.5km return
- Easy walking
- Dogs are allowed, on leash
4. North Shore Coastal Walk
Part of the Te Araroa trail that runs the length of New Zealand, this 23.5km section between Long Bay and Devonport can be tackled in one go, or broken up into smaller sections. Follow the foreshore from Devonport past North Head, Cheltenham Beach and Narrow Neck for beachside rambles and volcanic views. The route includes footpaths, easy tramping tracks and coastal sections.
- 7 hours, 23.5km one way
- Reasonable fitness required
- Dogs are allowed
5. Hūnua Falls Loop Track
Experience the best of the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park on this short loop track. Follow the Wairoa river through dense forest until you reach the lookout platform at Hūnua Falls – one of the most popular cascades in the wider Auckland region. The Hūnua Ranges are also a great spot for birdwatching where you can even spot rare kōkako. Top tip: tempting as it may be, swimming is not recommended at the falls, as there can be dangerous currents.
- 20 minutes, 800m
- Easy walking
- No dogs