Goals aren’t just for lofty ambitions – they can also be fun! If you’re looking for a weekend adventure you can embark on with whānau, friends or even on your own, why not plan a bucket list of places to explore and things to do across the region. Here are some ideas for cool challenges to check off.
Climb every maunga
Once you’ve had a Sound of Music moment, set yourself a goal to explore our 14 tūpuna maunga (ancestral mountains). These historically significant areas of settlement are closely interwoven with the spiritual, ancestral and cultural identity of the 13 iwi and hapū of Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori tribes of Auckland) and they are cared for by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
Mark your route on Google Maps or get yourself a map (a real paper one) and put a drawing pin on each maunga after you’ve checked it out. They’re all special, but if you want to climb the highest, head to Maungawhau/Mt Eden. For one of the best views of Tāmaki Estuary and Waitematā Harbour, go to Maungarei/Mt Wellington.
Part of your wero (challenge) is to respect these special places as ancient taonga of great archaeological significance to all, and especially mana whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau. Make sure you stay on the sign-posted tracks and keep dogs on leads. For more information, visit the Tūpuna Maunga Authority website.
Go library hopping
Auckland Council has 56 libraries across the region – that’s more than one for every week of the year. Sure, you can reserve books and other items to be sent to your local library, but if you visit different ones you have a chance to experience the unique personality and community vibe of each of these important, inspiring places.
Marvel at rare and special books, including New Zealand’s only copy of William Shakespeare's first folio at the Central City Library, or take advantage of all the facilities that Te Manawa has to offer, including creative spaces, a recording studio, a commercial kitchen and even a sewing machine.
Pedal all the paths
Get on your bike. There are at least 100 cycle paths across the region to explore. Get the whole family active on the path from Narrow Neck Beach to Devonport - a route that takes you past beaches and reserves and has excellent views of Rangitoto Island and Maungauika (North Head).
Or check out Wattle Downs, the perfect peninsula for pedalling alongside Papakura Creek and beyond. With 8km of undulating but never-steep paths, you’ll skirt wetlands, mangroves and ponds that make sanctuaries for birds.
Head to the AKL Paths section on Auckland Council’s website, then tick the “cycling” check box to see a selection of paths suitable for riding your bike. You can also refine your search to include specific features on a path such as beaches or playgrounds, to narrow down the area you want to explore.
Visit 10 playgrounds
Let your tamariki take the lead with this one. Get them to research playgrounds on Auckland Council’s website, then help them make a list of 10 they’d like to visit. Two new playgrounds to check out are Hobsonville War Memorial Playground, which features an aeroplane rocker and an airport tower as a nod to the suburb’s aviation history, and the māra hupara (traditional Māori playground) at the whānau atea (family recreational space) on Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain, which has traditional play equipment as well as a basketball court.
Swim every pool
With 27 pools across the region, this one could keep you going for a while. You can hit the indoor pools in winter and cross those off your list, then embark on the outdoor pools when they open in summer. There are plenty of free or discounted-entry pools for children under 16, so they’re a great way to have thrifty, splashy fun.
Walk to a waterfall
Just as the iconic song says, ‘Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls’ - hike to them instead! Hunua Falls is just a 15-minute walk through lush bush from the Hunua Ranges Regional Park car park, and there’s a scenic lookout where you can take photos to remember your adventure. While we all love a waterfall, don’t dive in. Observe these awe-inspiring cascading water features from a safe distance.
