Popular Auckland Walks

Auckland is our country's largest city, constantly abuzz with locals and visitors enjoying its urban setting. But, did you know that it also boasts a great selection of walks for those who want to explore what else it has to offer further afield?

There are a multitude of trails from easy, scenic walks, to those more challenging, rugged hikes.

As we are a company that provides a wide range of naturally made outdoor clothing and accessories, we thought it’s only right to talk about the places and activities you can enjoy, while wearing our garments.

So, in this blog we are going to share a small handful of much-loved and well-trodden Auckland walks.

This popular rugged hiking trail is named after Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Mount Everest.

It has been an increasingly popular multi-day hike to undertake, and covers 75 km (46 miles). However, due to a bad case of kauri dieback destroying the native trees, much of the walk has been closed to protect the remaining healthy trees. (At the time of writing - April 2022.)

Below are the areas of the walk that can still be enjoyed:

• Karekare to Pararaha valley along the coast
• Mercer Bay Loop
• Lake Wainamu and the complete section 7 from Te Henga.

The trails will take you through some of Auckland's most beautiful scenery, including native forests, rivers, and coastal areas. You can stop and see a variety of coastal villages en route, and if you are planning ahead, look for places to rest those feet and enjoy a brew!

The trail can be walked year-round, but the best time to do so is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild.

The Hillary Trail is a challenging walk with varied and often muddy terrain. You will need to be confident in your ability to walk for long distances, and be prepared with the right equipment and clothing. Plus, check on where you need to get on/off the path due to the closures mentioned above.

You can learn more on the Auckland Council website.

Fancy hiking across Auckland? The Coast to Coast Walkway will take you from Waitematā Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, to Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea.

This 16 km (<10 miles) hike can be tackled in one day, if you are up for the challenge. However, if you would prefer to take it more casual, you can split it into three shorter walks which would take approx 50 mins to 1.5 hrs each.

Again, the best time to walk this trail is during the spring or autumn, when the temperatures are mild and the weather is generally cooperative. But of course, that’s just a suggestion - you attempt the walk at any time of year.

As mentioned above, there are different sections to the trail, each with its own unique charms and challenges. No matter which part you choose to walk, though, you're sure to be treated to some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand.

Learn more about this walk on the Auckland Council website.

Are you a lover of wildlife? An hour’s drive from Auckland centre lies Muriwai's gannet colony. It’s expected that around 1,200 pairs of gannets nest in this location from August to March every year.

If you are looking for an easier walk than the previously mentioned, this is a great option for you. The path is around 3.2 km (2 miles) long and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

The path is generally easy-going with a few small climbs to reach the beautiful panoramic views. The two lookout points will share views of Maukatia/Māori Bay, Muriwai Beach and Woodhill Forest.

There is a carpark at the beginning of the walk with public toilets and a children's playground. The best time to do the walk is during the spring or summer when the weather is warm and you are likely to spot the incredible gannets along the cliff. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the amazing views and wildlife!

Find out more on the Auckland Council website.

These stunning ranges stretch across a huge distance and take you through a variety of different landscapes, including forests, beaches, and waterfalls. Known locally as the ‘wild west’, you can reach the park within a mere 40 minutes from Auckland’s city centre.

It's a great place for a hike, and there are a number of trails, covering 250 km in total, to choose from depending on your experience level and how much time you have. The formerly mentioned Hillary Track is included in this, but we are going to share a few other options with you.

As mentioned, the case of kauri dieback is unfortunately impacting many of the walks in this area, so it’s best to check the Auckland walks information on the council website, before you plan your visit.

Top Waitakere Ranges Auckland Walks & Attractions

Arataki Visitor Centre

Stop here for useful information on the ranges and walks you can enjoy from the knowledgeable guides. And make sure to check out the short walk from the visitor centre to view an expanse of rainforest down below.

Piha Beach & Lion’s Rock

In West Auckland, Lion Rock is an iconic tourist attraction. Situated on Piha beach, the rock was aptly named by European settlers due to its formation - a resting lion. It is possible to climb the rock, as long as there hasn’t been a recent rock fall. So, if you are into beaches and a bit of climbing to access awesome views, this is for you.

Tasman Lookout

From Piha beach, if you are looking for a good leg stretch, the Tasman Lookout path should be on your list. Best at low tide, you can explore rocky outcrops, islands and inlets. It’s an easy walk, which you can do with children, just be aware there is a short steep climb at the start.

Kitekite Falls Track

This is a great walk which has been redesigned to ensure visits avoid harming the healthy kauri trees. Following gravel tracks and boardwalks on a gradual climb, with some more tricky falls crossings en route. It’s most suited to those who are moderately fit and steady on foot. Expect to see beautiful waterfalls and forests as you go.

Mercer Bay Loop Path

Walking to the Te Ahua headland, high above Piha, this walk is great for a little family adventure. There is a short cut along the route if you are low on time, just be sure to follow the markers and stick to the path. This area is important to Te Kawerau a Maki, the Māori iwi that has authority over the land.

Karekare Beach & Waterfall

An easy walk with some must-see scenery, including one of New Zealand's most-loved waterfalls. You can head to the waterfall from the beach carpark in just 5 minutes. If you are looking for a more relaxing stop, to enjoy a picnic or soak up some sunshine, this is the spot.

If you're looking for Auckland walks which are a bit closer to the city centre, there are a number of options to choose from. The Wynyard Quarter Walk is a great choice for those who want to see the city's waterfront. And, the One Tree Hill Walk is a short but steep hike that offers lovely views of the cityscape and surroundings.

This easy breezy walk is about just 1 km long, and takes you through the Wynyard Quarter, a lively and vibrant district full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Many think the best time to walk the Wynyard Quarter is in the morning or evening, when the area is a bit quieter and you can enjoy views across the harbour - including a beautiful sunrise if you time it well.

Read more about Wynyard Quarter on the Auckland Council website.

The One Tree Hill walk is a great way to spend half a day in Auckland. The walk takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the city, and offers stunning views of the skyline. It requires you to be a fairly confident walker due to the steepness along certain parts. There’s a lot of history and cultural meaning to this area, so keep an eye out for information as you go.

You can learn more about this walk on the Auckland Council website.

If you're visiting Auckland during the winter months, it's a good idea to pack some warm clothes as temperatures can drop quite a bit. In summer, on the other hand, it's a good idea to pack a hat and sunscreen as the sun can be quite strong. But, we don’t need to tell you that ;)

If you would like some more information, we’ve got a post that will help you ace your packing for walking in and around New Zealand - check it out Tramping: Your ultimate guide

When hiking in Auckland, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, always check the weather forecast before heading out as conditions can change quickly. Secondly, make sure you wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions. And finally, always follow the signs and markers on the trails.

So get out there and explore some of the most popular Auckland walks!