The cold weather is on its way but don’t stay inside and hibernate this coming winter – get outdoors. There’s nothing like taking a stroll on a crisp winter’s day to make you feel invigorated, and with more than 4000 parks across the region, Auckland is jam-packed with amazing walks.
"Our parks provide endless opportunities for people to get out and connect with nature all year round, rain or shine," says Environment and Community Committee Chair Penny Hulse.
"Venturing into our green spaces and exploring what they have to offer is a free and easy way to beat the winter blues."
So, rug up warm, throw on a raincoat and enjoy some of these walks this winter:
Auckland Domain
The Auckland Domain – our oldest park – is home to several great walking and running trails. Among these are the Domain Walk, Centennial Walkway and the Lovers' Walk. While you’re there, check out the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Te Atatū Peninsula Walkway
This 4km walkway starts from Orangahina Park and follows the eastern edge of the Te Atatū Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll have spectacular views across the Waitematā Harbour towards Auckland city.
The Beachlands-Maraetai Walkway
This is a 6km coastal walkway and cycle path that winds along Auckland's south-eastern coast. It connects the settlements of Beachlands and Maraetai and offers views of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. This walkway has significant Māori and European history and interesting coastal flora and fauna.
Meola Reef Reserve
Take the 1.7km gravel path around Meola Reef Reserve and enjoy views of the upper Waitematā Harbour across to the Chelsea Sugar refinery. There is also an off-leash dog area.
Archibald Park
Take a walk around Archibald Park path, which is part of Te Whau Pathway and offers a safe off-road shared path. This is great if you or your kids are learning to ride a bike and want to combine a bike ride with a kick around at the sports fields or picnic.
Tōtara Park
Stretch the legs on the range of walkways in one of south Auckland’s premier parks, Tōtara Park. Here you’ll enjoy a tranquil, country atmosphere with superb flora and fauna and rolling farmland. Then pop over to the nearby Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Long Bay Regional Park
Take in the stunning, panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and its offshore islands by walking the Coastal Track at Long Bay Regional Park. This multi-use track takes you to the northern end of the park through coastal bush and secluded bays.
Keep our kauri standing
Kauri dieback in Auckland is a serious problem and it’s important we all play our part to prevent the spread of the disease.
To help keep our kauri standing for future generations, the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park have been closed until further notice. Some higher-risk tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park have also been closed as a proactive measure to prevent the introduction of kauri dieback disease into the park, where it has not yet been detected.
Controlled Area Notices (CANs) are in place across the currently open tracks within the forested area of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and the whole of the native forested area of the Hunua Ranges regional parkland.
Aucklanders and visitors to the region are advised to find alternatives to get out and enjoy what our beautiful backyard has to offer.
If you enter or leave a forest/area with native trees anywhere across the region, here are three easy steps you need to remember:
- Scrub – all soil off your footwear and other gear.
- Spray – your footwear and gear at every cleaning station you encounter. Kauri dieback can be spread by just a pinhead of soil.
- Stay – on the designated open tracks.
