No trip to Auckland would be complete without conquering one of its many walking trails. Residents of Auckland like myself consider ourselves lucky that paradise is right on our doorstep. There are endless possibilities for those who want to head out for a walk and escape the bustling city life even for a few hours. Whether you’re into bush walks or exploring the coastal trails, you will be spoilt for options. Here are the Top 10 Best Auckland walks that you need to explore at least once.
1. The Coast to Coast Walk
The iconic one
The Coast to Coast Walk is exactly that – it lets you traverse the entire width of the city of Auckland. The geographical shape of Auckland is unique in that it is an isthmus. It is narrow in shape with access to water on either side. It is one of the most iconic walks in Auckland because it allows you to marvel at the gorgeous breadth of Auckland’s cityscape.
The walking trail is 16 kilometres long. It starts from Waitemata Harbour and ends in Manukau Harbour (or vice versa). This trail offers some of the best collections of attractions like the Viaduct Harbour, One Tree Hill, Auckland Domain, and Mount Eden.
It is the perfect walk for urban travellers and takes about 4-5 hours to complete. Along the walking trail, you’ll have plenty of places to stop by for food and drinks. You can also rest along the way as you’ll find numerous parks and recreational places. When you’re done, you can find public transportation or a taxi to take you back to the city.
2. Rangitoto Island Summit Track
The one with the volcano
Do you have a day to spare in Auckland? Add the Rangitoto Island Summit Track to your list of things to do.
Rangitoto Island is the biggest & youngest volcano in the Auckland region. Aside from its mega volcanic cone, the island also earned notoriety for its native pohutukawa forest. The island itself offers plenty of stunning views but the best ones can be enjoyed on the summit walk.
This easy to moderate walk is 4.6 kilometres in length (one way). You ascend the volcano until you reach the 295-metre high summit. Once at the top, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
On your way down, you can explore various routes where you can see more interesting attractions like the Lava Caves. Stick to the designated tracks and always carry your rubbish with you.
To get there, take a ferry from Queens Wharf terminal located in downtown Auckland. You are not permitted to camp or stay overnight on the island.
3. North Shore Coastal Walk
The long one
Want to see the entirety of Auckland during your walk? Then you need to explore this walking trail. The entire trail will take you 6 to 7 hours to complete (depending on your pace) and is 23 kilometres long. It is the longest of the top 10 best Auckland walks. It starts in Long Bay and ends in Devonport.
You will have multiple stops along the way so you can tailor this walk according to which sights you want to see. One stop you can’t afford to miss is the North Shore City cliff tops so you can be in awe of the Hauraki Gulf. You’ll also get a stunning view of the Auckland city skyline. Keep a close eye out forthose dolphins in the gulf.
Take note – you will need to time the walk with the low tide.
4. Long Bay Regional Park Coastal Walk
The one with all the beaches
Number 4 on the Top 10 best Auckland walks comes with a coastal view. If you want to focus your adventures on the North Shore area, this trail is for you. It is shorter than the entire North Shore coastal walk but has plenty for you to see.
The walking trail is 5.8 kilometres in length and runs along pristine beaches and farmland. It is one of the easiest coastal hikes in Auckland so it is recommended for hikers of all ages. The trail is mostly flat and properly maintained, too. This entire trail takes about 2 and a half hours to complete.
5. Cornwall Park
The one tree hill
Cornwall Park is one of the prettiest Auckland walks. This walk takes 2 hours to complete round-trip and will take you through cherry-blossomed lanes and lush green fields. You can also climb the infamous One Tree Hill to get a 360-degree view of Auckland.
As you make your way down, you can head to the paddocks and see a collection of farm animals along the way. From gorgeous flora, interesting fauna, and awe-inspiring hilltop scenes, there are many reasons why this is one of the best Auckland walks.
6. Lake Wainamu Trail
The one with the giant sand dunes
If you’re headed to the Bethells/Te Henga area, make sure to explore the Lake Wainamu Trail. This is one of my favourites on this Top 10 Best Auckland walks list. It’s a great opportunity to explore a rugged portion of the Waitakere Ranges. You will be walking along the steam for about 30 minutes before you reach a lagoon and the unique sand dunes near Lake Wainamu.
Continue on your walk for another hour around the lake. This walk will take you through native bush. At the end of your walk, you can either take a swim at the lake or explore more of the sand dunes (or do both!).
For more information on Lake Wainamu and how to get there, jump to my guide HERE
7. Shakespear Regional Park
The one with the cows
Known as the Heritage Trail, this regional park is about 40 minutes away from downtown Auckland. It is located at the edge of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and is a haven for walking and running enthusiasts. Among the highlights of this walk are numerous WWII historical sites, native bush, and grazing farm animals.
The entire loop stretches to about 9 kilometres, but you can shorten the route by walking through the farmland or past a waterfall, which offers a relaxing break.
8. Rotoroa Island
The one with all the birds
You can find this island just a few kilometres to the east of Waiheke Island. It is a popular day trip destination from Auckland, known for its idyllic landscapes and is a testament to the government’s efforts to conserve the natural features.
The best way to see the island is through the North Tower Loop Track that takes about 45 minutes to explore. This track features numerous historic buildings, such as a school, jail house, and chapel.
You can get here by catching the ferry from Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal in Central Auckland.
9. Te Henga Walkway
The one with the wild coast
This walking trail in Auckland represents a 10 kilometre section of the Hillary Trail. It is one of the best Auckland walks if you want to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Waitakere Ranges. A widely popular trail for a reason – it starts from Bethells Beach and then takes you north to Muriwai Beach (or the other way round).
This 8-kilometre walking trail has you tackling rugged coastlines and towering cliff tops. From end to end, this walk talks about 3-4 hours.
10. Tamaki Drive Walk
The one with the giant fountain
Last but not least, this walking trail is one of the best options if you want to experience the beauty of Auckland’s harbour front city centre. This trail begins from the Quay Street and ends in St. Heliers – an upscale suburb.
It is a popular trail for walkers, joggers, and bikers because it lets you enjoy the urban seaside charm of Auckland. It is 10 kilometres long and runs parallel to the roadway that the trail is named after. There are popular of stops along the way if you want to grab some food and drinks.
Which of these Top 10 best Auckland walks have you tried? Be sure to add some of these in your must-do list to see the best that the city can offer. Also, let me know in the comments below if I’ve missed any of your favourite walks.
If its raining outside and not the best day for an outdoor walk, check out my list of Auckland Rainy Day Activities
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