Wild Adventures New Zealand is a tourism operator specialising in hiking tours in Auckland. The company’s director, Joe Keenan, shares his recommendations for the best walks to experience all that the City of Sails has to offer.
Duder Regional Park
A great walk with some epic views of the Hauraki Gulf that’s just challenging enough to feel like you have achieved something. This place has a great mix of farmland, native forest and coastal views.
Suspension Bridge Track, Hunua Ranges Regional Park
A nice walk through native forest that heads up to Wairoa Dam – a good spot for a picnic.
Ambury Regional Park
This is a perfect spot for a family walk. There are lots of different farm animals and native bird viewing points with plenty of space to roam freely.
Āwhitu Regional Park, Manukau Heads Lighthouse and Karioitahi Beach
Combining these three spots makes for a great day with a range of things to see, from the tranquil walks of Āwhitu Regional Park, fantastic views from the lighthouse and the rugged and wild Karioitahi Beach.
Kitekite Falls Path
Walk through classic Waitakere forest to reach an epic waterfall and finish off the day with a stop at Piha Beach.
Lake Wainamu Loop Track
An awesome trip with a walk to the lake via sand dunes, and on the way back you can walk in the stream. After the walk, it’s just a short drive to Te Henga (Bethells beach).
Mangemangeroa Walkway
This track in East Auckland is another great walk along the water’s edge and through native forest that takes a couple of hours.
Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve
A completely different walk where you can explore the old military tunnels while experiencing amazing views out to Auckland CBD and Rangitoto.