Tāmaki Makaurau is home to an array of regional parks, campgrounds, beaches and walks and Auckland Council has you covered for ways to explore the great outdoors this Easter weekend.
Three of our regional parks in the west remain closed for safety reasons: Muriwai Regional Park, Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park and Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. Cordons remain in place and access is limited to residents and emergency personnel only.
All other regional parks are open, though some individual tracks are closed due to slips or dangerous trees.
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Park committee says that while the communities of Muriwai, Piha and Karekare remain closed because of the ongoing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, there are plenty of other gems to explore, including more than 4000 parks.
“We encourage Aucklanders and visitors to get out over the weekend to make the most of our regional parks, local parks, community facilities, and our public open spaces. Our regional parks are iconic to Tāmaki Makaurau and part of what makes our region a vibrant and desirable place to call home, so enjoy those we have access to while continuing to support our disaster-affected communities out west by staying away for now, as they recover,” he says.
Visitors to regional and local parks are asked to respect all track closures and not remove any barriers or signage.
Remember to check our map of open and closed tracks on the Auckland Council website before heading out.
Here are our top picks of places to enjoy this long weekend:
For a bush walk
If you’re looking for a wild New Zealand nature experience, go bush on the Cossey-Massey Loop Walk in the Hunua Ranges using the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council’s “Plan My Walk” app with lots of safety advice and weather forecasts. This 8km loop walk starting at the Hunua Falls car park is a rewarding walk-through mature bush. The track is metalled but is steep in places.
We recommend walking anti-clockwise and whilst you catch your breath, immerse yourself in the birdsong. There is a lookout over the Cosseys Dam, and picnic tables and toilets at the dam visitor area. Dogs are permitted on a leash.
For a trail run
Check out the Shakespear Heritage Path at Shakespear Regional Park. The trail begins at the Waterfall Gully car park and takes you past historic sites, a World War II gun emplacement, through native forest, over farmland and offers spectacular views of Tāmaki Makaurau. The trail is 4km and signposted with yellow markers.
For orienteering
Put your navigational skills to the test at Duder Regional Park and make your way around 148ha of coastal parkland. Duder is located on the pōhutukawa-fringed Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, which cuts out into the Tāmaki Strait. You may 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.
For black sand
Journey down south to Karioitahi Beach; this wild west coast gem is worth the drive. On your way there or back, make sure you check out Āwhitu Regional Park, located on the inner Manukau Harbour, where you can finish the day with a cool, relaxing swim at Kauritūtahi Beach. You can even camp the night at the Brook Campground.
For a coastal walk
Take in the spectacular views across the Waitemata Harbour towards the city centre along Te Atatū Peninsula Harbourside walkway. The walkway is an easy 3km stroll that gives you plenty of opportunities to spot native birds like dotterel, pūkeko and tōrea (oystercatchers) along the way.
Make sure to take care around wildlife, including leopard seals.
For the ultimate family day out
Round up the kids and head to Waitawa Regional Park between Clevedon and Kawakawa Bay. Waitawa has a focus on recreation with walking, trail running, horse riding and mountain biking tracks throughout the park.
Take the short walk to the Pāwhetau headland for spectacular vistas towards Pakihi and Ponui Islands. Bring your own discs for a round of disc golf or try to catch lunch off the Waitawa Wharf.
For a mountain bike and camping adventure
Did you know that the Upper Mangatawhiri Campground is a great spot to stay and enjoy the mountain bike tracks in the Hunua Ranges? Situated right next the skills park, there are a range of tracks to be explored. On clear nights, you will also experience some beautiful night sky views.
