Walks Out East

23/04/2026

Duder Regional Park with the Howick Tramping Club

My wife was rather reticent about walking with a tramping club - too fast, too far, too keen! Far from it - Pam and John from the Howick Tramping Club led a relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable walk at Duder Regional Park for the East Auckland Tourism Walkfest. And Merilyn not only kept up - she genuinely enjoyed it.

The club offers regular Sunday walks catering to a range of abilities, and for those with a bit more appetite for adventure, there are weekend hikes, and even trips across the Tasman. Pam and John were well equipped with first aid kits, maps and spare wet weather gear. And the route was very well planned and communicated in advance, so everyone knew what they were in for.

With Cyclone Vaianu looming offshore, we were on weather watch - Metservice radar showed perhaps the odd light shower, a bit breezy. 9am and the weather played it’s part perfectly.

And what a walk it was. The route offered a little bit of everything: open farmland with sweeping views, a peaceful path through coastal wetlands, and a gentle climb into a beautifully sheltered, forested valley. A couple of modest hills near the top reminded us we were, in fact, exercising, before we reached the highlight - the spectacular headland pā site, rich in history and blessed with expansive sea views.

From there, we descended through another lush valley lined with ferns, passing another quiet pond and wetland alive with birdlife. The final leg traced the southern beaches back toward the carpark and amenities - all up 7.1km over 2.5 hours, enough to feel virtuous, not enough to require a recovery day, and we all had a great time.

It was a perfect day out: well-paced, well-led, and full of variety. Many thanks to Pam Rowe, John Spiller, the Howick Tramping Club and East Auckland Tourism - you have more converts!

www.sporty.co.nz/howicktramping

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-433a47e

27/03/2026

SHADED WALKS FOR HOT DAYS Before you read this review, please note that the East Auckland Tourism Walkfest starts 1 April 2026, guided walks are mostly free, bookings open 28 March.
See https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/

Here is a summary of some of my favourite shaded walks to explore as the weather transitions:

- Mangemangeroa Walkway. Progress downhill through kanuka forest to a canopy of large native trees then open wetland.
- Logan Carr and Kilkenny Parks, across the road from the Botany Town Centre, a flat easy relaxing outing.
- Murvale Reserve, off Bleakhouse Rd. Impressive mature oak and native trees on a large hillside, nearly all shaded and great for exploring.
- Cockle Bay, excellent paths behind Windross House, also at the northern end of the beach.
- Macleans Park, a network of paths from Eastern Beach to Macleans Rd.
- Whitford bridle trail, very pretty during autumn, and the Whitford Village Green.
- Omana Beach to Maraetai Beach, a short walk. Across the road from Maraetai Park, explore the Adah Platts Reserve.
- Duder Regional Park, explore and discover a couple of popular native bush walks.
- Point View Reserve, lots of up and down hills through native bush.
- Waitawa Regional Park, from the Tikapa Moana carpark to Mataitai Bay.
- Waiti Bay to Tawhitokino Beach - a low tide short coast walk then a shaded track up and over a headland.
- Tahuna Torea nature reserve, native bush and wetland, a quiet place to unwind.

- Mellons Bay, the MacDonald Walkway and McLeay Reserve
link the beach to Haseler Crescent and beyond, start from the back of the beach carpark. 2km of paths and tracks through native bush and wetlands, very protected from strong winds. I will lead several walks here April 12 and 13 as part of the East Auckland Walkfest, another with John Spiller leading at Mangemangeroa 14 April. https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/

11/03/2026

Highbrook walking loops.

Ever wondered about the parkland adjacent to Highbrook Drive. It is a beautifully planted 42 hectares of green space along the shores of the Tamaki River. As you venture into the Pukewairiki crater and beyond, traffic noise becomes muted and it becomes a pleasant relaxing stroll. There are two shared walking and cycling loops that can be joined to one of 10.4km.

Parking is limited, there is an excellent carpark on Highbrook Drive eastbound. To access heading west on Highbrook Drive, enter the right (U-turn) lane at the traffic lights just beyond the Z service station. Park gates open 7am to 9pm 1 October to 31 March, rest of year 7am to 7pm.

Standing at the carpark facing the estuary, turn right and follow the coastline as it meanders behind the impressive industrial estate, return via Business Park North, 5.3km. Or turn left and follow the coastline until you reach a traffic light controlled crossing, then venture into the 500 metre wide crater and beyond. Return via El Kobar Drive, 5.6km. On both routes you will have a short walk through the impressive industrial estate - wide streets and huge commercial premises.

High powered model aircraft are often being flown from the base of the crater - during our visit on a Sunday morning there were eight aircraft looping the loop and twisting and turning above. The paths are lined with native tree plantings, will provide shade in the future. Sadly nearly all of the actual coastline is lined with gorse, with patches of privet, woolly nightshade, blackberry, wattle and moth plants. Still a pleasant walk.

Pukewairiki was once a majestic volcano that erupted 130,000 years ago. The southwestern side has eroded away leaving the hillside that is clearly visible from Highbrook Drive.

Other parking options - some street parking on Underwood St, Waiouru Rd, and at the carpark for the under construction watersports centre on Lady Fisher Place. Olea cafe has a large carpark for guests, an optional start point, finish with a coffee.

Dogs on-leash only, no public toilets, suitable for trail pushchairs . Fine metal path one to two metres wide, some gentle uphill if you choose the crater walk.

See photos for printable maps.

For a one minute aerial view video
https://www.relive.com/view/vYvExJkK3wq

24/02/2026

Beachlands - Motukaraka Island

Video link - https://www.relive.com/view/v36A9mY1oG6

500 metres off the Beachlands coastline sits a 5.7 hectare bush-clad island, connected by a low tide sandspit. Ideal for a fun family walk from Beachlands, or as a stop on a longer coastal walk from Pine Harbour towards Omana and Maraetai.

This is very much a low tide walk - check the low tide height via the Metservice or other app or website. 0.6m is awesome, 1.2m is still walkable, any higher then you will need to walk out and back right on low tide time.

For a 1.8km family walk, park at the end of Puriri Rd in Beachlands and follow the path that leads to Pine Harbour Park. From there directly access the sandspit.

For a 4km coastal there and back walk start from Pine Harbour. Maybe a coffee and morning tea at one of the cafe/restaurants. Then, supercharged, head across the grass to the gate at the marina side of the boat drystack. Cross, then follow the path and track along the coastline - a dry walkway through a coastal wetland, duck under a few pohutakawa trees, follow the foreshore, and after about ten minutes you will see Motukaraka ahead.

For an extendable 5km loop walk, continue the 4km route along the foreshore. The coastline around to Sunkist Bay has suffered severly from erosion and the route requires reasonable balance and footwear with good tread. There are ledges to negotiate, barnacles to be wary of. Return via the low-density original streets of the older Beachlands.

Always do the walk out to the island before the turn of the tide. Advisable to wear sturdy footwear and be wary of soft sand and slippery areas. Best to forego venturing onto the island, enjoy the view back to Beachlands, have a rest, then head back. It is a bit of a scramble up a clay path to get onto the island, there are not any views or clearly marked tracks.

Toilets - at Pine Harbour and at Sunkist Bay. Playground at Sunkist Bay. Unsuitable for prams. Dogs only allowed Sunkist Bay over summer in evenings and before 10am.

Photos - sunny days photos provided by Don Bruce.

11/02/2026

Easy East Auckland Walks

Here is a selection of walks that will hopefully suit anyone managing mobility limits for walking but still keen to get outdoors. East Auckland is fortunate to have many flat, well-formed walking paths. Beautiful settings - native bush reserves, wetlands, white sand beaches, parks, ponds - so much to see and do. Most parts of the following will suit wheelchairs and prams. All of the loops can be shortened to suit.

- Half Moon Bay, 1.2km path and raised walkway from the Half Moon Bay Marina cafes to Bucklands Beach. Views of the Tamaki Estuary, Rangitoto Island, and the marina. Seasoned walkers can continue to Musick Point, or the Rotary Walkway.
Musick Point, a 1km walk from the end of the road, back along the road (shared with traffic and golfers), expansive views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands.

Mellons Bay, up to 700 metres each way from the beach carpark and toilets, follow a concrete and boardwalk path through shady native bush including kauri, past wetlands and a beautiful fairy garden to Haseler Crescent.
Pakuranga, up to 7km one way, follow the excellent Rotary and Wakaaranga walkways, a gently undulating scenic route along an estuarine coastline and through wetlands. Be wary of cyclists on bends.

Cascade Walkway, 1.6km Botany Rd to Meadowlands - follows stream, gently up and down.
Golflands, 600 metres Corta Bella Place Reserve, Frank Nobilo Park, West Fairway Park, The Green Park - gentle slopes, through green spaces.
Burswood Walkway, up to 3.5 km loop starting from Burswood Drive.
Botany, a 2.5km loop around ponds within Logan Carr Park and Kellaway Reserve.
Barry Curtis Park, a 2.5km loop, superb playground and wetlands.

Whitford Village Green, a 500 metres loop, shaded grass picnic areas.
Ayrlie Wetlands, a 1.6km loop along a flat gravel and boardwalk path through wetlands. Many birds. Note is free, and separate to Ayrlies Gardens.
Beachlands to Omana, 4.5km one way. Parts of the Omana Regional Park and all of Omana Beach are flat.

Explore these, share with a friend, maybe try all over time, Enjoy the mental health benefits of being outdoors.

29/01/2026

Nestled between Bucklands Beach and Howick and in the heart of Half Moon Bay is Ohuiarangi Pigeon Mountain. The Tupuna Maunga Authority has recently undertaken an outstanding restoration of the mountain with a superb set of steps from top to bottom (excellent for Great Walk training), upgraded tracks and boardwalks, and planting 71,000 native seedlings.

From the carpark two optional paths weave through thriving new bush, around pohutakawa, and traverse a magnificent grove of large totara before stepping up to the lookout platforms. Maori pa terracing is still clearly visible, middens can be observed if you look closely, and even drainage channels from the original pa gardens.

Grade - moderate, some effort and stability needed, 115 steps up via the western track,157 steps with a number of landings from the southern entrance, 1.2km of path. Like a longer walk - Pigeon Mountain is a perfect start and finish location - across the road behind an impressive palisade fence is the start of the Pakuranga Rotary Walkway, a well maintained wide gentle path with some undulations, can continue for 7km to the Panmure basin. Crosses a beautiful wetland then follows the coastline and estuaries, toilets en route.

The Tupuna Maunga Authority have installed attractive wooden fencing around the perimeter of the mountain. Half of the north side of the 58 metre high mountain was quarried between 1913 and the 1970s, steep cliffs so this is now securely fenced off to regenerate. The surrounding original crater and tuff ring was about 500 metres wide.

This is a wonderful place to bring family, and to enjoy and admire the renewal of this Tupuna Maunga. Shade - near the top and under trees on the western side. Best to wear enclosed footwear.

Gates open 7am to 8.30pm over summer, close earlier at 7pm over winter. Parking area for the main entrance is at 64 Pigeon Mountain Rd, also street parking and alternative gates on Gills Rd. Back entrance from next to 64 Glennandrew Drive.

Toilets and change rooms near the parking area. Dogs - must be under control and on-leash. Mountain biking restricted to preserve the sensitive archaelogical features. Mobile coverage excellent.

800 metres to the Half Moon Bay marina and excellent cafes, restaurants, and a bar and live music venue.

25/01/2026

While out walking, maybe think about what you can plant at home -

The bird life in New Zealand is a fraction of what it used to be and native birds have disappeared or dwindled in numbers in a lot of areas, both rural and urban. A lot can be done to reverse this situation, and it is mainly about providing safe habitat and natural food sources, that are similar to....

25/01/2026

🌿 51 Things to Do in Your Regional Parks 🌊

From forest trails to coastal escapes, there’s something for everyone:
🌳 Nature & Bush Adventures
🏖️ Beach & Coastal Fun
🧺 Food & Picnic Fun
🚴 Adventure & Sports
⛺ Camping & Staying Over
📚 Heritage & Learning

Get out there and start ticking them off - your next adventure is closer than you think!

14/01/2026

Our East Auckland Regional Parks -

We have beautiful green open spaces such as Eastern Beach, Bucklands Beach, Musick Point, Pigeon Mountain, Howick Beach, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Cockle Bay, Mangemangeroa, Point View - we are even more fortunate to have many easily accessed regional parks at our doorstep - Omana, Duder, Waitawa, Tawhitokino, Orere Point, Tapapakanga, the Hunua Ranges. Nearby also Waharau and Whakatiwai. See earlier posts for walks at each of these.

So how about a school holiday or a personal challenge exploring Regional Park coastal forests, discovering hidden beaches, or walking to trig points for superb views? Visit all in a month, or in a year?

Omana - family friendly, many camp sites, bbqs, safe swimming beaches, farm park.
Duder - rolling farmland, breathtaking views from a significant pa site, salt marshes.
Waitawa - multiuse park, an extraordinary pa site with commanding views, fishing, bush walks, farmland.
Tawhitokino - a stunningly beautiful secluded safe swimming 1km long white sand beach.
Orere Point - a small bush park with tracks to sand and pebble beaches.
Tapapakanga - native forest, farmland and beach, many campsites, peaceful.
Hunua Ranges - native forest, rugged hills and river valleys, tramping and mountain biking.

To extend the challenge, consider -
Clevedon Scenic Reserve (Te Nikau Pa) - 998 steps up, many kauri trees, great views.
Waharau - uphill track through awesome mature native forest, 829 steps, many campsites.
Whakatiwai - unusual geology, quiet, shelly sand foreshore, bird watching.
Motukorea - Browns Island; Whakanewha - Waiheke Island, and 18 other Auckland Regional Parks.

Most of these regional parks have significant pa sites, Waitawa has three! - another challenge, visit as many pa sites as possible, or volcanoes. Children may learn to identify kauri, rimu, totara and other native trees.

Enjoy, spread the word.

Remember to stay well hydrated over summer, pack spare food, sunscreen, and rubbish bags.

All of these walks and parks are featured in earlier posts on this page.

Visit the https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/parks-recreation/find-park-beach.html or https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/ websites for information including where you can walk dogs.





East Auckland Tourism

18/12/2025

About to visit here, Auckland Parks has got the jump on me so do enjoy their review.