These are the Best spots for hiking in Auckland!
1) Rangitoto Summit Track
Location of the youngest and the largest volcano in the vicinity, Rangitoto Island is one of the most popular landmarks in Auckland. The island’s peak at two hundred and fifty nine meters above sea level has three sixty degree views of Auckland and Hauraki Gulf. Passing through lava fields and the world’s largest pohutukawa forest, the Rangitoto summit track is the most recommended route to the summit. The soothing track begins at Rangitoto wharf and has a total length of seven kilometers.Catch the ferry from Downtown Auckland that routinely heads to the Rangitoto Island and arrive at the destination in less than thirty minutes. If you are an experienced kayaker on the lookout for adventure, you can also try kayaking from Takapuna Beach. It is a one-hour walk from the wharf to reach the summit through the Rangitoto summit track.
Try to bring a torch to explore the fascinating lava caves and tunnels on the Lava Caves Track while returning from the summit to the wharf.
Location: Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Timings: Open 24 hours
2) Coast to Coast Walk
A hike across Auckland, Coast to Coast Walk from Waitemata to Manukau allows you to explore the culture and history of the region and discover some major landmarks. The sixteen-kilometer meshed trail for hiking in Auckland passes through the landscape highly influenced by the six-century old Maori settlement. Auckland Domain, Albert Park, Mount Eden/Maunga whau and Maungakiekie (One tree hill) are the major volcanic sites in the path.Panoramic views of Downtown Auckland, Hauraki Gulf and the harbor can be enjoyed by climbing up to the summit of Mount Eden, the highest volcanic peak in the mainland. It takes just six to eight hours to complete the Coast to Coast Walk which begins at the Waitemata harbor and leads to the Manukau Harbour. You can also experience the commotion at Downtown Auckland along the path.
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Timings: Mon - Sun 7.00am - 6.00pm
3) Te Henga Walkway
Having spectacular coastal views, Te Henga Walkway is a clifftop walk starting at Bethells Beach and ending at the south of Muriwai beach. Located near Henderson, the track is partly steep and turns slippery after rainfall. It takes approximately three hours and thirty minutes to complete the ten-kilometer walk one way.Located thirty seven kilometers away from Downtown Auckland, Te Henga Walkway begins at a point near the Bethells Road opposite the Lake Wainamu carpark. It passes over the Waitakere River by footbridge where stunning views of Bethells beach and dunes uncover as the walk progresses. A popular spot for surfing and fishing in the West Coast region, O Neills Bay will be reached shortly.
A classic track for hiking in Auckland, Ta Henge Walkway becomes steeper on the clifftop close to the farmland. Enjoy the stunning cliff-faces and flying gannets on the rest of the path and be cautious while climbing the marshy and rough regions on the exit route to Constable Road.
Location: 301 Bethells Road, Waitakere, Muriwai 0781, New Zealand
Timings: Open 24 hours
4) Rotoroa Island North Tower Loop Track
A one-hour ferry ride away from Auckland Central, Rotoroa Island is a chain of several walking tracks. The North Tower Loop Track is an outstanding walk which begins at the Exhibition Centre and takes almost forty minutes to complete. It passes through friendly beaches, wetlands and native forests.Apt for a calm picnic, Ladies Bay is a safe and fabulous swimming beach along the track. There are also many points in the track with amazing views of the Hauraki Gulf. To understand the history of the island, consider visiting any of the heritage buildings like the schoolhouse, jailhouse or chapel.
Currently dedicated to preserving the history of the island, the museum and exhibition centre used to be an alcohol and drug addiction treatment facility for a long period of time. The abundant birdlife in Rotoroa Island includes weka, tui, fentail, etc.
Location: Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Timings: Mon - Sun 7.00am - 5.00pm
5) Shakespear Regional Park
Perhaps one of the most popular open sanctuaries in New Zealand that shelters a variety of threatened wildlife, Shakespear Regional Park has astounding views of the Hauraki Gulf. Located near Whangaparaoa in Auckland, the park has a number of tracks for hiking in Auckland. With a total length of 3.9 kilometers, Heritage Trail is one of the prominent tracks in Shakespear Regional Park.The path passes through native forest, wetlands and farmlands. Cliff tops, view points and a World War II gun placement is also along the way. Named after the legendary New Zealander mountaineer Edmund Hillary, Heritage Trail spreads over seventy kilometers. A period of four days is generally needed for covering the track. There are two more major walkways in Shakespear Regional Park, Lookout Track and Tiri Tiri Track.
Having exceptional views at the Tiri Tiri Matangi Island and mildly taxing hills, Tiri Tiri Track is a fascinating track that begins at the Te Haruhi Bay popular for kitesurfing. The five-kilometer long track takes approximately two hours to complete.
Location: 1501 Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay, Auckland 0930, New Zealand
Timings: Mon - Sun 6.00am - 9.00pm
6) Mercer Bay loop path
Having the highest cliff top views, Mercer Bay loop path begins above Piha beach and has a total length of 2.2 kilometers. The track is suitable for hikers of all skill levels and presents a splendid amount of photographic opportunities. Passing through a beautiful forest setting and a historic Maori-occupied region, Mercer Bay loop path has enough benches for relaxing.Location: Log Race Road, Piha 0722, New ZealandDid we miss out any of the incredible paths for hiking in Auckland? Please tell us in the comments.
Timings: Open 24 hours