November sees the return of the popular Auckland Walk Challenge hosted by Auckland Transport.
Now in its third year, registrations have already surpassed previous years’ numbers with close to 7000 individuals and 1300 teams signed up to participate.
“We’re delighted with the response this year,” says Auckland Transport Strategy and Sustainability GM Hamish Bunn.
“The Auckland Walk Challenge has grown in popularity every year and this is looking like the best year yet. It’s great to see so many Aucklanders getting out and active together.”
Aiming to encourage Aucklanders to get active, the free month-long event is a fantastic way of exploring Tāmaki Makaurau. The challenge is to do 7000 steps a day with 30 minutes a day going a long way to achieving that goal.
But to really up your count and get bragging rights over your teammates try pounding the pavement on one of Auckland’s paths after work or during the weekend. Auckland Council has the perfect tool to inspire you and help keep achieving the daily step count fun.
Explore with AKL Paths
“AKL Paths is an easy-to-use online tool that allows Aucklanders to pick and choose what path best matches the activity they want to do. With the Auckland Walk Challenge this month the AKL Paths tool is a great way to plan your adventure and explore our region,” says Hamish Bunn.
“Auckland has a number of great paths that suit all ages and abilities. Routes span parks, streets and beaches across Auckland and AKL Paths provides useful information including maps, path durations and location of facilities such as playgrounds, public toilets, basketball courts and pools."
To help with inspiration here are some paths to explore near public transport.
Three paths close to a train station
Oratia Stream Path
This award-winning shared path is a 10-minute walk from the Henderson Train Station, taking in native bush and community artwork as you follow the Oratia Stream toward the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges. Head down Railside Ave and turn down Cranwell St. At the end of this street there’s an access way that cuts through to Hart Domain where the path begins.
Ōrākei Basin Path
This picturesque walkway takes you around the Ōrākei Basin lagoon situated in a former volcanic cone and is a great place to get stunning views of the city skyline, especially at sunset. Get off the train at Meadowbank Station and head to the end of Purewa Road, where the path begins.
Onehunga Bay to Waikowhai Path
Take in the views of Māngere Mountain across the Manukau Harbour as you follow this path from the Onehunga Reserve across the Tumana Bridge to the broadwalk along the bottom of the Hillsborough Cliffs. The path is a 10-minute walk from the Onehunga Train Station. Head towards Princes St and follow it down towards the water, where it connects to the start of the path on Beachcroft Ave.
Three paths close to a ferry terminal
Devonport Waterfront Path
This path is great for families with a playground right at the start of the path. Pram accessible it weaves its way around the coast to Torpedo Bay where the end of the wharf allows for great views across the Waitemata back to the central city. Take a 12-minute ferry ride from the city. The path starts at the Devonport Ferry Terminal.
Half Moon Bay to Wakaaranga Creek Path
Sitting above the Tāmaki River this path has amazing views out to Rangitoto Island as it winds its way through parks and residential streets before finishing at Wakaaranga Park where you can enjoy the beautifully restored ecosystem. Take a 40-minute ferry ride from the city. The path starts at the Half Moon Bay Marina.
Hobsonville Point Path
Great for a weekend excursion, this path takes in the old Air Force base including the old munitions stores at Bomb Point where artists have created some outstanding sculptures and art to brighten the environment. Time it right to take in the farmers market as part of your exploration. Take a 40-minute ferry ride from the city. You can start the path at the Hobsonville Ferry Terminal and loop around finishing off with a beverage at the local brewery or cafes next to the wharf.
Free public transport for children
There's never been a better time to get outdoors and active with your kids.
Children aged 5-15 years old who have a registered AT-HOP card travel free every weekend on buses, trains and ferries. Simply purchase an AT-HOP card, register it as a child’s card and the card is good to go in two days’ time.
Once that is done, head out on your own family adventure over November, explore Tāmaki Makaurau, clock those steps and get active in the process.
