From coastal clifftops to lush native forest, bustling town centres to peaceful riverside paths, West Auckland offers some of the most varied and rewarding walks in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The treasured Waitākere Ranges provide a green backdrop to the city, harbouring tranquil streams, dramatic waterfalls, and towering kauri. In the lowlands, riverside trails connect local communities, while urban and beachside walks showcase the area’s diverse landscapes.
In recent years, extensive restoration work has reopened some much-loved tracks that were closed for kauri dieback protection or storm damage repairs. These upgrades mean walkers can enjoy safer, more sustainable paths while knowing their footsteps on the new board walks are helping protect our unique environment.
Whether you’re after a short, shaded stroll, an urban wander, a half-day bush adventure, or a leisurely family walk beside the water, these walks out west offer something for everyone.
Ōpanuku Stream Walkway, Henderson
The Ōpanuku Stream Walkway follows the gentle curves of the stream through the heart of Henderson. This family-friendly route offers a mix of native plantings, open grassy spaces, and shady riverside stretches, with plenty of spots to pause and watch tūī, pīwakawaka, and kingfishers.
It’s popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists alike, connecting local parks and playgrounds with nearby attractions like the Corban Estate Arts Centre. With multiple entry points, it’s easy to enjoy a short section or explore the full length of the walkway at your own pace.
Te Ara Manawa Walkway (Hobsonville Point)
Te Ara Manawa, meaning the pathway amongst the mangroves, is a scenic coastal loop that weaves through parks, coastal edges, and restored native plantings around Hobsonville Point.
At just over 5 km-long, it’s an easy, family-friendly route with boardwalks over the mangroves, wide sealed paths, and plenty of spots to pause and enjoy views of the upper Waitematā Harbour.
The walkway connects playgrounds, cafés, and picnic areas, making it just as popular for a relaxed Sunday stroll as it is for a jog or bike ride. Along the way you’ll see interpretation panels sharing stories of the area’s natural and cultural history, from traditional Māori food gathering to its role as a former airbase.
Cascade Kauri, Waitākere Ranges
The Cascade Kauri / Te Piringa Track in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park reopened in late 2023, after six years of being closed, once again allowing walkers to experience one of the region’s most significant kauri forests. Boardwalks and cleaning stations have been added throughout the route to protect the towering trees from kauri dieback.
A must-visit for those wanting to see mature kauri in their natural setting, the track offers a peaceful journey beneath a canopy alive with birdsong, and connects with other routes in the Waitākere Ranges.
Manutewhau Path (Massey)
The Manutewhau Path follows the gentle flow of the Manutewhau Stream through a leafy green corridor in Massey. This short, easy walk is perfect for a quiet escape, with shaded stretches under mature trees, birdsong from tūī and kererū, and small footbridges that cross the stream at several points.
The path connects local reserves and neighbourhood streets, so you can walk a section or link it with nearby tracks for a longer outing. It’s especially beautiful in spring when the planting along the banks bursts into colour, and in summer when the shaded spots offer a break from the sun.
Zig Zag Track, Titirangi
The recently reopened Zig Zag Track is a 2.9km one-way route linking Park Road in Titirangi to Titirangi Beach Road, that takes you away from the city streets and into the wild beauty surrounding one of West Auckland’s most iconic beaches.
The track winds down a steep hillside through lush native bush, with a series of switchbacks, stairs, and views that open out to the harbour.
It’s a local favourite for both a brisk workout and a scenic wander to the water’s edge - the kind of walk where you’ll swap a friendly nod or “kia ora” with just about everyone you pass.
So, whether you’re chasing harbour views, a deep forest escape, or a gentle amble by the water, West Auckland’s walking tracks are ready to explore.
Grab your walking shoes, remember to give your gear a clean at the stations provided to protect our kauri, and enjoy these unique landscapes right on the city’s doorstep.
