Stretch your legs and challenge your fitness on one of Auckland’s many rewarding walks. From hill summits to clifftop walkways, these trails are sure to raise your heart rate through both effort and excitement.
Maungauika/North Head Path
The path up Maungauika/North Head climbs to the tihi (summit) of the maunga, from where you can enjoy expansive views of the Auckland cityscape, Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto. This impressive vantage point was an important defensive post for both Māori and Europeans - remnants of gun batteries and tunnels are dotted along the trail.
Maungarei/Mount Wellington Path
Steep sections and many steps feature on the path up to the summit of Maungarei/Mount Wellington, but the climb is worth it for the views over the Tāmaki Estuary, Panmure Basin and Rangitoto Island. The three overlapping craters of Maungarei are also visually spectacular. This is a significant archaeological site and the crests of the craters feature remnants of extensive Māori earthworks.
Maungarei/Mount Wellington Path
Fisherman’s Rock Path
Waiheke Island has some outstanding coastal paths. Check out the Fishermans Rock route, which features one of the longest staircases on the island. There are some steep sections to this track, but as a reward for your efforts you’ll discover secluded beaches, rocky coves with rock pools to splash through, and uninterrupted views across the ocean.
Fisherman’s Rock Path
Duder Farm Path
The Duder Farm Path is a sprawling track encompassing farmland and coastal views from the grassy and pōhutukawa-fringed Whakakaiwhara Peninsula in Duder Regional Park. The highlight of the track is reaching the Oturia Trig station, from where you will have sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf.
Mercer Bay Path
The coastal Mercer Bay Loop Path is a great introduction to West Coast trails. It’s a wildly beautiful walk through windswept regenerating forest, with incredible views from high cliffs. The path leads you to the Te Ahua headland, where a Māori pā once stood. For an even more challenging walk, take the Comans Track down to Karekare Beach - just note that it’s a long climb back up.
Mercer Bay Path
Shakespear Tiritiri Path
This hike through regenerating native forest and along clifftops in Shakespear Regional Park features three lookout points. The track can be steep in sections, but the views from each lookout are spectacular. You’ll be able to spot islands like Tiritiri Matangi, Rakino, and Rangitoto, and see as far as Wenderholm and Mahurangi regional parks.
