The chill of winter has well and truly arrived, but don’t let that slow you down. Right across the region, there are plenty of fun and engaging ways to stay active, embrace the season and discover new ways to move, connect and feel good.
From energising indoor workouts to peaceful outdoor adventures, there are countless ways to keep your body moving and your spirits high this winter. So gather your friends and whānau, lean into the season and move to your own beat this winter.
Find your flow at Auckland Council Pool and Leisure Centres
Winter is the perfect time to step inside your local pool and leisure centre and discover all that it has to offer. With locations available right across Auckland, these whānau-centric spaces cater to all, whether you’re looking to unwind, break a sweat or try something new.
Indoor pools, spas and workouts
Tepid Baths.
Warm up in the indoor pools or spas, challenge yourself in the gym, or join one of the many group fitness classes available each week.
Pickleball and more – indoor sports
If you’re after something social, why not try one of the many sports on offer? From badminton to volleyball and much more, it’s easier to get moving while you’re having fun. And if you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, now’s your chance to get a taste! This fast-growing sport blends elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, it’s easy to learn and accessible for all ages.
Health and fitness for seniors
For the more mature Aucklander, we have you covered. Choose from a range of low-impact, social activities that support physical and mental wellbeing, including options like table tennis or walking versions of ball games such as basketball, netball and pickleball. From gentle games to group sessions, staying active can be as relaxed or as energising as you choose.
Bring your community together indoors
Winter doesn’t mean putting your favourite activities on hold when you can bring them inside. Auckland Council’s network of community venues and leisure spaces makes it easy to stay active with others when you can hire everything from sports courts and recreation areas, perfect for group training, social games or even your own yoga or dance session with friends and whānau.
These welcoming areas are designed to bring people together, whether it's for movement, celebration or creativity. It’s a chance to create your own energy, stay connected and turn a cold winter day into something uplifting.
Step outside and rediscover the outdoors
This season brings its own kind of magic to the outdoors, with crisp air, quiet trails and sweeping landscapes that create the perfect backdrop for adventure, whether that’s a gentle coastal stroll or an overnight escape into the bush.
Coastal paths
Te Ara Manawa Walkway.
For a dose of salty air and scenic views, Auckland’s coastal paths deliver even in the cooler months. At Hobsonville Point, Te Ara Manawa, meaning the pathway among the mangroves, winds its way for 5km along the peninsula’s edge, providing an ideal spot for walkers and cyclists alike. Along the way, discover public art, historic remnants and thoughtfully designed rest spots for a peaceful stop.
On the eastern side of the city, the Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path is a must-visit scenic loop that takes you on a 3.3km journey from Mission Bay’s coastal boulevard to Takaparawhau / Bastion Point, weaving together epic harbour views, rich history and vibrant beachfront cafes.
Winter camping
Gibbons Track.
For the keen adventurers interested in a winter camping experience, pack your gear and get your Plan My Walk app ready for some epic overnight escapes.
Head west to Whatipū in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park for a journey that’s as memorable as the destination of Pararaha Valley campground. Choose from the two 2.5 hours walks to get there, from Gibbons and Muir tracks that take you through regenerating native bush, across ridgelines, dramatic dunes and wetlands, or take the route via Karekare Beach car park, for a scenic beach walk and sandy dunes.
For a different kind of overnight experience, head to the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park, Auckland’s largest native forest and a true natural playground of streams, waterfalls and towering bush. Here, a back-to-basics escape can offer the ultimate reward to those who make the journey to these unique and remote sites; for cyclists why not turn the Hūnua Traverse into an overnight experience at the Mangatangi Trig campground where you can take a short stroll to the top of the hill and watch the sunset over the ranges. For those looking to explore the bush by foot, there are no better views across the Dams than those along the Wairoa Loop where hikers can camp overnight at the Repeater Campground for a short walk out the next morning.
Or for a more challenging route, head out to the highest point in Auckland - Kohukokunui Trig. Not a trip for the faint hearted with undulating terrain, but once there the views across the whole of Auckland and into the Waikato make it well worth the effort. Stay overnight at Piggott's Campground to break up the long day, where kōkako are heard most mornings singing in the dawn.
What to know before you go
Remember to check if the bush area you're visiting has a kauri dieback station.
- Before you head into Auckland’s regional parks, here are some tips to keep you and others safe:
- Stay up-to-date with the weather forecast and dress for the elements– be willing to change plans as needed
- Be aware of track closures and parking restrictions – check the Kauri Dieback map and regional park alerts.
- Leave dogs at home unless you know they’re allowed – find out online.
Help to keep our ngahere (native forest) healthy by always using kauri dieback cleaning stations. Ensure tents and gear are clean of soil and organic material to keep these special places free of kauri dieback.
So don't let this season pass you by. Consider it an invitation to step out into the wild natural beauty of Tāmaki Makaurau, try something new, reconnect with your community and experience the crisp cool of winter in a whole new light.