Overview
An inherent characteristic of our Kiwi DNA, escaping the city and ambling far from the beaten path is one of the few simple pleasures which transcends generations, proclivities and social status. Fortunate to live surrounded by an abundance of breathtaking walking tracks, here are our walking picks for the limited time span and for every occasion — whether you're with Mum, Grandad or your best buddies.
Auckland Council
WENDERHOLM REGIONAL PARK
Loop: 1.5 hours approximately
Escape from Auckland and head north some 45 minutes toward the leafy, coastal surrounds of Wenderholm Regional Park. Nestled between the inlets of the Waiwera and Puhoi Rivers, the park offers sprawling grass for picnics, plenty of trees to climb, a beautiful white sandy beach and best of all, a lovely loop track suitable for all ages. The Perimeter Track is aptly named as it follows the boundary of the park beginning from the carpark through native bush where Tui and Kereru are abundant. Winding upward there's a great mix of sights, sounds and well-formed steps as you make your way to the top of the track toward spectacular views of the park, Sullivans Bay and Motuora Island. Descending along the cliff edge and back into bush past the old water reservoir catch a glimpse of the historic Couldrey House homestead before spilling out to any number of idyllic picnic spots.
Splore
TAPAPAKANGA REGIONAL PARK
Loop: Two hours approximately
About an hour and a half east of Auckland's CBD, Tapapakanga Regional Park on the western shores of the Firth of Thames feels like a coastal farm dreamland with rocky shores, rolling hills and a rich Maori history. The Coastal Walk follows red waymarkers from carpark to coast and quickly inland past a Maori pa (while possible to follow the coast at low tide, the pa site is worth the visit). Meandering through coastal forest head to the trig with panoramic views of the Coromandel before hitting farmland and heading back toward the carpark. The collection of Kereru are mesmerising, but be weary to boot up if the days prior have been rainy.
Expert Tip: Visit on a Sunday so you can pop into the famed Clevedon Farmers Market — you'll be rewarded with fritters brimming with whitebait, homeopathic goodness and some of the tastiest treats.
Department of Conservation
TE HENGA WALKWAY
One way: Four hours approximately
Forming part of the spectacular Hillary Trail, the Te Henga Walkway traverses the cliff-tops from Bethells to Muriwai, interlinking with a number of other walking tracks in the Waitakere Ranges — solidifying its position as the most interesting and varied track in the west. Best organised with a bunch of mates so you can leave a car at each end, begin the track from Bethells Road crossing the Waitakere River footbridge where you'll quickly rise to the kind of views poetry was made for. Take in Bethells, O'Neill Bay and phenomenal coastal vistas before meeting the stair-master that is the exit to Constable Road.
Expert Tip: Everything's better when you take the time to enjoy it. Pack a picnic, or at the very least a beer and some roasted almonds (treat yourself) to maximise the pit stop. How's the serenity?
Russell Street via Flickr
WATTLE BAY LOOP
Loop: One hour approximately
Making up a portion of the 10-kilometre Waikowhai Walkway, the Wattle Bay Loop is an easy combination of suburban scenery and coastal bush with a perfect little spot for a picnic by the beach. Begin at the Manukau Domain, following the road from Halsey to Canberra Avenue, down through Wattle Bay Reserve and back along to the Manukau Domain. There's plenty of easy-going ground to enjoy a yarn plus the track offers beautiful harbour views from the western end of the Manukau Domain.
Department of Conservation
RANGITOTO ISLAND TO HOME BAY
Return: Six hours approximately
An incredible combination of volcanic, coastal and farm scenery, skip the summit push and treat your 'out of town' friend to a real taste of Auckland's DNA as you follow the inland route from the Rangitoto Wharf to the Islington Bay Wharf, crossing the causeway to Motutapu Island and over farmland to reveal the idyllic Home Bay. Follow the same track back after a much needed break at the campsite or take the Coastal Track back to the Rangitoto Wharf from the Islington Bay Wharf (note this detour will add an hour to your trip). Offering beautiful views and a really unique perspective of the Gulf, plenty of water is required as there's none on either island and careful planning to work with the ferry timetables.
Rotoroa Island Trust: Natalie Slade
ROTOROA ISLAND
Return: Allow the entire day
A tiny island to the east of Waiheke in the Hauraki Gulf, Rotoroa Island has been off limits to the public for more than 100 years while operating as an alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre. Now thriving with wildlife and a successful regeneration program, visitors are invited to explore the island sanctuary and any number of the idyllic private bays from Cable Bay on the northern side to Ladies Bay on the east. The island is small and many will be able to get around the island within the day, so allow up to eight hours for this excursion.
Expert Tip: Be sure to pay a visit to Kiwi environmental artist Chris Booth's sculpture on the southern tip of Rotoroa which also showcases stunning vistas.
Department of Conservation
STONY BATTER HISTORIC RESERVE
Loop: Two hours approximately
Another walk which requires a little organisation, Waiheke Island is a 30-minute ferry from downtown Auckland with a 48-kilometre drive from Matiatia Wharf to reach the historic Stony Batter Reserve. Hire a car, bribe an island friend, ferry your own vehicle or travel by boat — any way you get there, the Stony Batter to Hooks Bay walk is interesting, enjoyable and stirring in any weather. Characterised by brilliant jutting rocks and the remains of WWII gun emplacements, the famed underground tunnels are currently closed to the public, however set to reopen later this year — giving you just enough time to plan a summer excursion to the island.
Expert Tip: Allow yourself time in the afternoon to whet your whistle at the laid back Man O' War winery overlooking the sandy shores of Man O' War Bay.