Walking. It’s one of the best things you can do in Auckland and there are heaps of stunning walks to choose in east Auckland. Here are our top picks.
Beachlands to Maraetai Path
The Beachlands to Maraetai walk and cycle path along the beautiful Pōhutukawa Coast is perfect for a fun day out. You’ll see stunning vistas of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Grab a coffee or ice cream along the way, take a pit stop at Ōmana Regional Park or go for a swim at one of the beautiful east coast beaches of Maraetai, Te Pene and Ōmana Esplanade Reserve.
Bucklands Beach Path
Take a stroll in Bucklands Beach alongside the Tāmaki Estuary. The Bucklands Beach Path offers fantastic views to Rangitoto Island, the Waitematā Harbour and Maungarei (Mt Wellington). There are some popular swimming, fishing and boating spots – so pack your gear if you want to join the action after your walk.
Macleans Path
Loop through wide green open space, regenerating bush and wetland areas on the Macleans Park Path. Admire amazing views to the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands and have a go on the 80m dual flying fox.
Waitawa Regional Park
Head on over to Waitawa Regional Park, which has a focus on recreation with walking, trail running, horse riding and mountain biking tracks throughout the park. Located 50km south-east of central Auckland, Waitawa is made up of three small peninsulas and fronts onto four bays. Check out the 6km Waitawa Kōtare Path or 4km Waitawa Kererū Path.
Point View Bush Path
Get your bush walk on at the Point View Reserve, a 29-hectare natural heritage reserve with spectacular panoramic views and amazing bird life. The Point View Bush Path starts at the carpark off Point View Drive and includes a number of stairs without handrails.
Mangemangeroa Shelly Park Beach Path
The Mangemangeroa Valley is one of east Auckland's hidden gems. The Mangemangeroa to Shelly Park Beach Path follows the Mangemangeroa Creek and passes through a diverse landscape of farmland, native forest, estuary and salt marsh habitat. Be sure to keep an ear out for tūī, kererū, pīwakawaka (fantail), tauhou (silvereye) and riroriro (grey warbler).
Duder Regional Park
Make your way around 148ha of coastal parkland at Duder Regional Park. The Duder Farm Path takes your through rolling farmland and showcases some of the best coastal views in Auckland. Located on the pōhutukawa-fringed Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, Duder makes you feel like you’re on your own island thanks to 360-degree views across the Brookby/Maraetai hills, the Hunua Ranges and Hauraki Gulf islands.
Tāwhitokino Beach Path
Get away from the crowds and discover the unspoiled beauty of remote Tāwhitokino Beach. Named one of Auckland's top ten 'secret beaches', Tāwhitokino is only accessible by foot, kayak or small boat, so prepare for an adventure! The Tāwhitokino Beach Path can only be done at low-tide and is ideal for the confident walker.
Keep our kauri standing
Help prevent the spread of kauri dieback. 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– clean all soil off your footwear and gear. Kauri dieback can be spread by just a pinhead of soil.
- Spray– your footwear and gear with disinfectant at every cleaning station you encounter.
- Stay– on track and off kauri roots.
Always check the Auckland Council kauri webpage before going for a walk to find out what tracks are currently closed.
Get together this February
Check out OurAuckland for other great ideas on how you can get together with friends and family this February.
