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A hiker’s paradise, Auckland offers a range of top walks and hikes. Enjoy exploring these diverse landscapes and discovering the natural beauty and history of this stunning region.
I am an absolute fan of Alltrails.com - they have mapped routes and provided information and photos with reviews and doggy trails. You can also benefit from the local Auckland City Council information and free brochures with trails, track and area information!
Location: 16 km from city centre
Transport Options: Accessible by bus, train, or car
Level of Experience: Easy to Intermediate
About the Walk: This 16 km walk takes you from Waitematā Harbour to Manukau Harbour, traversing parks, volcanic cones, and historic sites with over 600 years of Māori occupation. More information from Auckland Regional Council
Local Tips
This walkway is a combination of urban street and park walks.
There isn't great signage at every step so we provided the link to the AllTrails map but you can also use Google where you will see more photos.
Location: 25 km from city centre
Transport Options: Ferry from Auckland CBD Here is the link to book your ferry!
Level of Experience: Intermediate
About the Hike: A 7 km return hike on Auckland’s youngest volcano, offering spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf. Add to your experience - book an Auckland Sea Kayak to Ragitoto and back - this is the BEST experience.
Local Tips
Auckland experiences sub-tropical weather conditions. Check weather and ferry information before you book.
Wear comfortable walking gear and layer clothing you can peel off e.g. single, t-shirt, sweatshirt.
Pack a light waterproof jacket - even if the weather forecast says no rain, it might just rain ;)
Wear sneakers or hiking shoes with a grip on the sole - not everyday footwear.
Take a small first aid kit just in case you or the kids trip - the ground is volcanic rock.
Pack a lunch and hiking snacks for the kids. Each member should have a drink bottle.
Wear sunscreen and apply during the day.
Wear a sunhat.
Make sure you are early for your ferries! In Auckland they run on time and it pays to time your walk, set yourself an alarm to be at the terminal's 10-15 mins earlier than departure.
Check out the caves!! They are amazing - which is why we added them to this walk ;)
Location: 35 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Easy
About the Walk: A short 1 km return walk leading to the picturesque Karekare Falls in the Waitakere Ranges. More information from Auckland Regional Council
Location: 50 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Easy to Intermediate
About the Walk: A 2 km loop track in the Hunua Ranges leading to the impressive Hunua Falls. More information from Auckland Regional Council Download the free brochure with map of tracks
Location: 30 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Intermediate to Advanced
About the Hike: A 10 km coastal track offering stunning views of the rugged west coast.
Local Tips
Must see Bethells Beach Cave with black sand and where Taylor Swift's song "Out of the Woods" was filmed.
There is a small cafe located at the carpark.
If you are swimming, follow the Water Safety Code; Be Prepared, Look Out For Yourself and Others, Be Mindful of The Dangers, and Know Your Limits.
Make sure you take the Lake Wainamu path so you can see the volcanic sand dunes!
If you like surfing nearby O’Neill Bay is the best spot!
Location: 4 km from city centre
Transport Options: Bus, car, or walk
Level of Experience: Easy
About the Walk: A short walk to the summit of Auckland’s highest volcanic cone, offering panoramic views of the city. It is an easy walk with epic views of the city.
Location: 2 km from city centre
Transport Options: Bus, bike, or walk
Level of Experience: Easy
About the Walk: A scenic walk along Auckland’s waterfront, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Local Tips
If you love rollerblading or skateboarding, venture out early and start from Ferg's Kayaks to St Heliers - if you love kayaking you can hire one and add this experience to your walk.
Make a day of it! Pack beach clothing and picnic food in Summer - the beaches are awesome and if you have little ones, you must visit Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium.
Mission Bay and St Heliers have amazing eateries and shopping experiences to add to your day.
Location: 40 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Easy to Intermediate
About the Walk: A 2 km walk leading to the beautiful Kitekite Falls in the Piha region.
Local Tips
As family photographers, we loved every part of this walk during the day so make sure the batteries are charged!
There are some new tracks in place but walking along the river and over rocks is slippery so tread with care ;)
There are a few steps but my 6 year old at the time handled them find, just not the best for strollers.
Location: 20 km from city centre (ferry ride)
Transport Options: Ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island then bus around the island. Here's the link to book your ferry!
Level of Experience: Easy to Intermediate
About the Walk: This walk leads you through public artworks on the island.
Local Tips
Check the weather and ferry information the night before and on the day of travel and if possible, book an early ferry to make the most of your day! Auckland to Waiheke ferry bookings Arrange your bus transfer on Waiheke here There could be a combo ferry and bus option with Fullers.co.nz
Wear sneakers, comfortable walking gear and layer clothing you can peel off e.g. single, t-shirt, sweatshirt.
The Auckland region has a sub-tropical climate so always prepare for rain with a waterproof, light jacket.
Wear sunscreen and a hat.
Pack snacks and drinks - although there are fantastic eateries on the island.
Bring a back-pack - not only for your gear but to carry anything you buy from the boutique artisan and wine shops.
Make sure you are early for your ferries! In Auckland they run on time and it pays to time your walk, set yourself an alarm to be at the terminal's 10-15 mins earlier than departure.
Location: 50 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Advanced
About the Hike: A challenging 10 km track with steep climbs and stunning 360 coastal views.
Local Tips
If you would like to get the hardest part of the track out of the way first - Whatipu. Park a car at each entrance if you are not doing the track back - and arrive early to get a park!
Quite a few stairs so not stroller-friendly.
Location: 45 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Intermediate
About the Walk: 8.2-km loop trail near Whangaparaoa, Auckland, approx. 2-3hrs. You will experience a mis of farmland, cliffs, beaches and forest.
Local Tips
Most of this walk is not protected by the sun so wear a hat and sunscreen.
Take a picnic lunch.
Location: 20 km from city centre
Transport Options: Bus or car
Level of Experience: Easy
About the Walk: A 5 km walkway along the waterfront with playgrounds, cafes, and historical sites.
Local Tips
Some travellers have enjoyed cycling but check that all areas of the path are accessible before you go
Dog-friendly and great for families.
Location: 42 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Easy to Intermediate
About the Walk: A coastal walk to see the spectacular gannet colony and black sand beach. Update: Sadly the Gannet Colony is closed due to cyclone damage but we are leaving this awesome walk up here for you to check out at a later date :)
Location: 2 km from city centre
Transport Options: Bus or walk
Level of Experience: Easy
About the Walk: A leisurely walk through Auckland’s oldest park with beautiful gardens and historic features.
Local Tips
If part of the track is closed, make a detour and allow time to visit the Museum.
Make a day of it in Summer with a picnic as there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the view across Auckland.
If you are taking a car - leave early!
Location: 48 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Intermediate
About the Walk: 4.2k. There are a few tracks to check out through native forest and along the Puhoi River.
Local Tips
Awesome track but not ideal for smaller children
No dogs allowed
There are stairs on this track and muddy sections so wear sensible shoes and take care.
Location: 80 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Intermediate
About the Walk: Coastal and bush walks with stunning beaches and wildlife.
Local Tips
Parts of the track are exposed so wear sunblock and a hat.
Allow more time at the end for an amazing view!
Location: 10 km from city centre
Transport Options: Bus, car or ferry
Level of Experience: Easy to Intermediate
About the Walk: A scenic around Devonport, offering beautiful beaches and views.
Local Tips
Catch a ferry from Auckland City to Devonport.
Enjoy breakfast and your favourite coffee in the township. Corelli's is good ;)
If you have kids there is a library and park close to the ferry terminal.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along King Edward parade with stunning harbour views.
Along the way you can visit art galleries and do a detour to Torpedo Bay cafe.
Add to your walk with the North Head Historical Walk
Visit Cheltenham Beach for a swim in Summer and picnic
Enjoy the best French baked food from Chateaubriant - we usually grab a coffee and croissant and sit on the beach.
Add the Mount Victoria Historical Walk
Walk along the beach to Takapuna if the tides are out - they have amazing Sunday Markets!
Location: 30 km from city centre
Transport Options: Car recommended
Level of Experience: Intermediate
About the Walk: Explore this 3.4-km loop trail near Manurewa, Auckland. A moderately challenging route, it takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete. Popular for birding, camping, and hiking, expect to meet other explorers. Open year-round and dog-friendly (leash required).
Walk & Hike Tips for Auckland
Check the weather conditions and ground conditions before you plan your day and book any ferries.
Be early for bus and ferry transfers and set alarms on your phones to give you time to get to the terminals to ensure you do not miss them!
Let someone know where you are going - mobile phone coverage is not that great in some locations.
Wear/pack clothing for the conditions - Auckland's weather is changeable, so make sure you wear clothing for the conditions - sensible footwear, hats, waterproof jackets and comfortable gear to walk in. Peelable clothing layers e.g. singlet, tshirt, sweatshirt, waterproof jacket. That way you can add and remove depending on the weather and type of hike.
Always wear sunscreen and take a hat!
Always take a drink bottle and pack snacks just in case!
Check if you can take your dog as some areas are protected.
Mosquitoes bite - so if you are sensitive, pack creams and environmentally friendly sprays.
Wearable headlights - are a bonus if you are hiking through caves on Rangitoto Island
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