AKL Paths is a great resource for getting out and active your way. More so with the summer months providing some fantastic sunny days for outdoor training.
But whether you're training for an event or just going for a weekend jog, one thing that can make it hard to get out the door is boredom. After all, running the same route all the time can be monotonous.
To re-invigorate your exercise, check out these paths in your part of Tāmaki Makaurau:
North
Walking around an estuary is a great and easy way of working on your fitness. Running through parks and bush trails as you weave along the estuary route is made enjoyable with what you can see. As well as the local wildlife, there are many features of Māori carved pou and landmarks to explore the historical significance of the area. The path is wide and paved which means your kids can ride their bikes alongside you as you run.
Drinking fountain along the way.
Located in Beach Haven, Hellyers Creek Path starts at Shepherd’s Park where there is a children’s playground. Regenerating forest and great views of Hellyers Creek are key aspects to this walk. The path is undulating and there are some stairs and tree roots to negotiate. As you get close to the creek look out for our native tuna (eel). At low tide the mudflats that are visible host a number of feeding birds.
Drinking fountain at Shepherd’s Park.
West
Running along the banks of the Oratia Stream, this path takes in beautiful native forest and local community artwork. Community planting, thanks to Project Twin Streams, has seen over 100,000 trees re-populating the surrounding stream area. That planting and volunteer work on making the stream healthier make this a pleasant are really refreshing excursion. On Saturdays finish off with exploring the farmer's market held at Parrs Park.
This path links the Northwestern Cycleway with the Henderson shops as it weaves its way along the banks of the Henderson Creek. The highlight of this path is the treetop-themed playground at Tui Glen Reserve, which is rated as one of the best playgrounds in the region. This path connects to the Opanuku Path and Art Trail at the Corban Estate Art Centre meaning you can make it all the way to the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges.
Drinking fountain at Tui Glen Reserve & West Wave Pools and Leisure Centre
Central
A great waterfront path, this is perfect for lunchtime exercise. With the option to loop back, this can be enjoyed in segments or in its entirety. Be sure to enjoy the views to the Harbour Bridge, observe the dragon boat teams training in the marina or be on the lookout for the latest superyacht docked next to Silo Park.
Drinking fountain along the way.
Mission Bay to Wynyard Quarter Path - 15km
There is no better training than running the actual course, right? With the path weaving its way between Mission Bay and Wynyard Quarter it is no wonder that this is the course for Round the Bays. Enjoy the views to the city centre or Rangitoto Island depending on what way you travel. Nice and wide this is a shared path so expect to see cyclists along the way.
Drinking fountain along the way.
East
This path links Meadowlands Park and Lloyd Elsmore Park as it weaves its way along the Cascades Stream. You may choose to stop for a breath and take a picture at the Hattaway Bridge, which is beautiful small structure and unique in Auckland. This is a shared path so take the kids along on their bikes as you exercise.
One for a good weekend workout, the Waitawa Kōtare Path allows you to explore the beauty of the Waitawa Regional Park just before Kawakawa Bay. This path is ideal for freshening up your exercise, with a fair bit of elevation work. The scenic loop incorporates parkland, regenerating coastal bush and wetlands.
South
This path meanders along the edge of the Pahurehure Inlet and the suburb of Karaka. Although only 4km, this route is a loop so running around it three times will give you a distance of 12km. With great views across the Manukau Harbour why not run it more than once?
The Māngere Foreshore Path is perfect for those who want a longer distance to build stamina. It offers a unique experience along the foreshore of the Manukau Harbour. Starting from Ambury Farm it hugs the coast towards the Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve and incorporates the Māngere Lagoon volcanic explosion crater. The gravel path means good footwear is essential, but it is well worth the visit.
Find more on Akl Paths
For more information or to explore new parts of our great region, head to aklpaths.co.nz and plan your next adventure.
