Walking is one of the best things to do while out east. Luckily, in East Auckland, the walks are plentiful. You will be rewarded with some of the best views that the region has to offer. Whether you want a relaxing walk with a rewarding view, or you want a bit of a challenge, then you need to add these walks to your itinerary.
1. Mangemangeroa Reserve
Kicking off the list of the Best East Auckland Walks is the Mangemangeroa Reserve. This 5-km walk can be completed in approximately 2 hours. This walk features a mix of farmland, estuary, and native bush. The site itself has a long Maori history that dates back to the 14th century. It serves as a bridge between suburbia and rural area.
You can find the main entrance to this walk at 108 Somerville Road in Howick. There are various pathways that make up this walk and each one offers equally stunning views and a blend of fauna and flora. There are also beautiful lookouts which relay local history to the walker. Some parts of the walk also involve coastal hill climbing. During your walk, you will find that the native trees are labeled so you can identify them.
This walk is best for those with a good level of fitness. Make sure you wear proper shoes, too, as some areas of the walk are steep.
2. Pakuranga Rotary Walkway
This is another local favourite in East Auckland. The Pakuranga Rotary Walkway takes about 3 hours to complete one way. It is a 25-minute drive from the city centre and has various entry/exit points. It is a scenic walkway (or cycle way) that runs parallel to the Tamaki Estuary starting from Panmure Bridge and goes all the way to Wakaaranga Creek.
If you start your walk early, you can witness the local rowing team’s practice session. You can also witness mangroves, mud flats, and a channel for boats and ferries. Depending on which path you choose to take (the paths are well sign-posted), you can see historical sights, a swing bridge, and what is left of an old cattle yard.
This walking route is also ideal for dogs on leashes, prams and buggies.
3. Beachlands to Maraetai Path
This is another walk and cycle path in East Auckland that is loved by locals and recommended for tourists. This route takes you along the gorgeous Pohutukawa Coast. It is suitable for a day time walk, especially if you want to escape the city. The views that await you include the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula, to name a few.
There are plenty of spots to take a stop if you want to get some drinks or food. The path takes you right through beautiful Omana Regional Park. . It is home to many gorgeous East Auckland beaches.
Maraetai Beach is featured in my Best East Auckland Beaches article if you would like to know more.
4. Waitawa Regional Park
The Waitawa Regional Park is one of the best Auckland walks that you can’t miss if you are after stunning views. It is located 50 km from Central Auckland and is comprised of a bunch of small peninsulas. The land was purchased by the Auckland Regional Council in 2004 and the regional park was officially opened in 2014.
There are plenty of recreational activities in this regional park, such as walking, horse riding, trail running, and mountain biking. The regional park fronts four bays so you have picturesque views to enjoy all the way. Inside the park are two choices of walking paths measuring 4km and 6km each.
5. Tepapakanga Coastal Park
Located 70 kms from Auckland or 30 kms from Clevedon, the Tepapakanga Coastal Park can be a half or full day walk. On average, this path takes about 2 hours to complete. It is made up of both walking and cycling tracks.
The coastal park is located in the Firth of Thames area, which is lined with beaches and plenty of amazing spots for a picnic. There are plenty of different walkways to explore here with some taking 20 minutes with others up to 2 hours to complete. Therefore, you can choose your walking route based on how much time you have and what kind of experience you seek. Some walks take you along the beaches and others along fields with grazing cows and sheep. You can also explore further to find the Tepapakanga stream and several other historic areas related to Maori culture.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, intermediate tracks are available. Or, if you want to have a relaxing time, you can find many gorgeous lunch spots. If you have more time, you can go for a leisurely swim, too.
6. Point View Bush Path
If you crave stunning bush walks, you need to add the Point View walking route to your list of the best East Auckland walks. This is a 29-acre heritage reserve that delivers panoramic views. There is also amazing bird life in this area. Therefore, it is recommended for bird watching.
This bush walk starts from the car park off of Point View Drive. The path includes several stairs with hand rails for your safety as it can get quite slippery in winter.
7. Omana Regional Park
The Omana Regional Park is located 40 kms from Auckland (or about a 50-minute drive). This is a great destination and one of the best East Auckland walks, especially for those looking to relax and explore. You can choose to take a quick stroll or spend more time – it’s up to you how you enjoy.
The park is situated in the middle of Beachlands and Maraetai Beach. It is a favourite destination for families looking for a place to relax. With that reason, it is perfect for family walks as you can enjoy spectacular views. You can opt for the longer walk – the Perimeter Walk – that circles the entire park. There is also a shorter walk – Farm Walk. Both of them are equally scenic.
You can also find plenty of coves in the park. These provide you with several options when you are looking for safe swimming spots for the kids. Other facilities available during your walk are picnic spots, camping sites and a kids playground.
8. Duder Regional Park
If you like to walk through a coastal parkland, then Duder Regional Park is the East Auckland walk for you. Explore the Duder Farm Path to explore rolling farmlands and be treated to one of the best coastal views you’ve laid eyes on in Auckland. This walk makes you feel like you are on your own island as you can get a 360-degree view of all the surrounding islands.
I hope you enjoyed this list and found a few places to explore. If I missed any of your favourite East Auckland Walks, please let me know in the comments below. I always love trying out reader recommendations.
If you want more ideas on what to do while in Auckland, feel free to check out my TOP 45 THINGS TO DO IN AUCKLAND – A LOCAL’S GUIDE
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