We've all got a gym bunny mate who chooses the moment we're struggling up a hill to slap a silly grin on their face and proclaim loudly that they "eat hills for breakfast." Well, full disclosure: I am that friend. And to make things worse, I'm a Personal Trainer too so, yep, I'm guilty of a special kind (read: unbearable) level of Energiser Bunny-level enthusiasm during group fitness activities.
Needless to say, I've wracked up a fair amount of steps in my time seeking out all manner of walks and hikes and I've popped all my favourites onto this list. 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. (Sandbag carry optional but applauded.)
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Jump to:
- Coastal Walks With Stunning Views
- Hidden Bush Walks Near The City
- Easy Family-Friendly Walks
- Challenging HIkes For The Ultimate Flex
- Dog-Friendly Walking Trails
- Instagram-Worthy Walking Spots
- Waterfall Walks Worth The Trek
- Urban Culture Walks
- Longer Walks And Weekend Day Trips
Coastal Walks With Stunning Views
Ōmanawanui Track
Whatipu Road, Huia, Auckland
Image credit: Our Auckland | website
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 to Mt Taranaki.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 3km
Walking time: 1-2.5hr
Difficulty: Easy
Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path
Tāmaki Drive, Auckland
Image credit: Tāmaki Drive | Alice Rich
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, plus plenty of cafes and ice cream shops along the way for a pitstop. (The Kohi Beach Store does mean gelato and if the weather caves it's the perfect excuse to nip into the Berkeley Mission Bay cinema for a movie.)
Keep your eyes peeled for wetsuit-clad marine mammal medics saving faux dolphins and 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
Karioitahi Beach
685 Karioitahi Road, Lake Puketi, Waiuku
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. Especially good for a makeshift therapy sesh. 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
Image credit: Auckland Council | supplied
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, have a picnic, stroll along the beautiful white sands of Tāwharanui Beach or plant some trees with the Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society. And if you haven't quite got your fix of beaches yet, check out the complete edit of Auckland's best beaches.
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
Hidden Bush Walks And Adventures Within The City
Western Springs Lakeside Park
731 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Image credit: Western Springs | Auckland Council
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
Auckland’s Own Ring Of Fire
Auckland-Wide
Image credit: Māngere Mountain | Alice Rich
More than fifty volcanoes make up Auckland City and every cone makes for a great walk (especially when paired with a bangin' brunch from one of Auckland's best cafes. Highlights include Maungawhau/Mt Eden, Te Kopuke/Mt Saint John, Māngere 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 challenge, like I did with my clients one Saturday. Side effects may include death stares.
THE DETAILS
Distance: Varies
Walking Time: Varies
Difficulty: Varies
Easy Family-Friendly Walks
Westhaven Promenade Loop
Westhaven Marina, St Marys Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Sails Restaurant | Facebook
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 and a feed at one of Ponsonby's best cafes. Alternatively, you could continue on from Victoria Park to Albert Street, the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter to complete the loop in which case I'd head to Bowler to smash a protein smoothie and massive salad bowl or get a cheeky beer at 16 Tun.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 3.1 km
Walking Time: 36 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Puhoi Track
Puhoi
Image credit: Puhoi Track | Alice Rich
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. But if you're feeling extra, well, extra, then you could slide straight into a kayak and paddle your way to Wenderholm.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 4.8 km
Walking Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: An easy hike after an initial climb
Wenderholm Perimeter Path
Schischka Rd, Waiwera, Orewa
Image credit: Couldrey House | Instagram
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. This, too, is part of Te Araroa. The track itself is a mix of boardwalk, steps, gravel and grass—including scrambling up 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. Visit the nearby Couldrey House to brush up on your history.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 4.6 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Duder Regional Park
Whakakaiwhara Peninsula | Varies
Image credit: Duder Regional Park | Alice Rich
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. This one's perfect for a picnic and if that's your vibe (it is), you'll want to add these other gorgeous picnic spots to your list too.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 6.3 km loop trail
Walking Time: Almost 2 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
Image credit: Ambury Park | Alice Rich
Perched on 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 mins-2 hours
Difficulty: The foreshore path is easy while the Māngere Mountain trail is classed as moderate
Challenging Hikes To Flex On
Karamatura To Mount Donald McLean
Waitākere Ranges, Huia, Auckland
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. I'm going to be real with you—this staircase is an absolutely (glorious) punisher.
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. Celebratory burpees at the end anyone? No? Just me? Fair.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 11.6 km
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Bush trails, boardwalks, many steps, challenging at times.
Massey-Cossey Loop Track
Hunua Ranges, Hunua, Auckland
Image credit: Massey-Cossey Loop Track | Sharon Lang Alltrails
This loop track will get your heart pumping with a fair amount of (yep, more) 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: 3 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Dog-Friendly Walking Trails
Ōrākei Basin Walkway
Ōrākei, Auckland
Image credit: Ōrākei Bay Village | Instagram
Catch a train from Britomart and you’ll be at Ōrākei Basin in no time (or if you've got a car, there's plenty of parking in the surrounding side streets or at Ōrākei Bay Village). 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 round of celebratory cookies from Moustache. Pssst: In need of more dog-friendly places? Auckland's home to a swathe of dog-friendly beaches.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 4 km
Walking Time: One hour
Difficulty: Easy, boardwalk and native bush, some steep stairs halfway around
Instagram-Worthy Walking Spots
Shakespear Regional Park Loop
Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay, Whangaparaoa
Image credit: Shakespear Regional Park | Alice Rich
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: 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Aotea Track
Great Barrier Island, 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, endless staircases, bridges
Waterfall Walks Worth The Trek
Cascade Kauri / Te Piringa
Waitākere Ranges
Image credit: Auckland Council | Supplied
TLC was wrong—you should absolutely go chasing waterfalls, and 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 again after it was closed following concerns over Kauri dieback and damage to infrastructure for six whole years.
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
Urban Culture Walks
Public Art Trail
Auckland Wide
Image credit: Auckland Council | website
There are more than 400 public artworks in the Auckland Council Art Collection which are dotted around the city and there's a guide you can follow to collect 'em all (yes, that was a Pokémon reference and, no, I'm not sorry). It's giving unlocking secret worlds-meets-scavenger hunt with a creative twist and it's a great way to get those steps in while learning more about the artwork and artists who have shaped the atmosphere of this city. Better still, loads of the artwork is on rotation, and new bits and pieces pop up all the time so it's a never-ending adventure. Shoutout to Seung Yul Oh's 'OnDo' giant noodle installation that used to be on Dominion Road.
THE DETAILS
Distance: Varies
Walking Time: Varies
Difficulty: Easy
Coast To Coast Walkway
Waitematā To Manukau, Auckland
Image credit: Albert Park | Auckland Council
Ever wanted to attempt to cross the width of the country on foot in one day? The Coast To Coast Walkway does exactly that while walking you past a heap of Auckland icons. It kicks off in Britomart and traverses through Downtown through Albert Park, Auckland Domain, Newmarket shops, Mt Eden, Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill to Māngere. As a bonus, you’ll gain bragging rights of crossing the entire city, no wheels required. Need a caffeine hit to make it to the end? There are plenty of top-tier matcha and coffee shops along the way.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 15.5 km
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Longer Walks And Weekend Day Trips
Rangitoto Summit Track
Rangitoto Island, Auckland
Image credit: Rangitoto | Todd Eyre Auckland Unlimited
Speaking of our Ring of Fire, I'm constantly in awe of the fact we live amongst volcanoes. And 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. Better still? Kayak over and catch sunset.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 7 km
Walking Time: 2 hours return
Difficulty: An easy walk through lava fields and pōhutukawa forest to the top
North Shore Coastal Walk
The North Shore, Auckland
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: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate, some of the paths are very steep, can be slippery
Te Ara Hura
Waiheke | 100km | Varies
Image credit: Waiheke Walks | website
Technically a network of walks, Te Ara Hura, showcases everything that Waiheke Island's known for. 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, or be prepared to deviate to a cheeky wine tasting.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 100 km total distance
Walking Time: Varies
Difficulty: Some walks are easier than others, check the map
Want more outdoor adventure? Check out:
Main image credit: Hillary Trail by Mark Meredith
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