9 Best Auckland Walks and Where to Treat Yourself After

A stunning walk through the Waitākere ranges, the Ōmanawanui Loop takes you from the bush to the waterfront over the course of around two and a half hours. Despite a few steep sections, it’s a fairly easy walk, as long as the weather is good (it can get a bit muddy after it’s been raining). Grab a breakfast at the iconic Alfred’s Huia Store before you set off, or head there once you’ve finished for a hearty burger and chips.

Mount Victoria in Devonport is an easy wander and gives you a stunning view back towards the city. Pick up a french pastry at Chateaubriant and eat it at the summit, and if you’ve really earned it, head down to Vondel in Devonport for a natural wine and a meal when you finish up.

Auckland’s most iconic maunga, Rangitoto is a must for a day trip on any visit to Auckland. Load up on pastries and sandwiches at Amano or Daily Bread in Britomart, make sure you’ve packed enough water, and catch the ferry over whenever the weather is good. That gives you a great treat once you’ve conquered the dormant volcano and enjoy a picnic overlooking the Hauraki or the crater.

Maungakiekie One Tree Hill is a great option to summit, and its location within the beautiful Cornwall Park makes it the perfect spot for a post-walk picnic. It’s a great mix of a park and farm, a way to immerse yourself in nature in the middle of the city. Stock up for your picnic at Cazador Deli and enjoy Auckland’s best deli goods in one of its best parks. 

Anawhata is one of the quieter beaches on the West Coast, because it’s accessible only on foot. You can take the scenic route along the coast, northward a few bays from Piha, or drive down Anawhata Road, park and take a short walk to the beach. There’s a beautiful lookout, and the beach is stunning once you get there. Make sure to load up on snacks before you head out, and on the way back into town, stop at Bar Martin for a celebratory wine.

Karekare might be Auckland’s most Instagrammed location, and with good reason: a stunning location within the Waitākere ranges bush. You’ll have to pay attention to the up to date information on Kauri dieback restrictions, but if the track is open, it’s worth the visit. The waterfalls are for looking, not swimming, so if you need a dip, head to the beach afterwards and see where ‘The Piano’ was filmed. There’s a great local café called The Watchman for your pre- or post- walk caffeine needs, and load up on your favourite picnic goods in town for a snack as you go.

The Milford to Takapuna walk takes you from Milford Reserve, along the coastline and to Takapuna beach over the course of about an hour and a half. It’s a beautiful way to experience the local marine life, have a swim along the way, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Hauraki gulf and Rangitoto. Finish up at Takapuna Beach Café for a coffee and an ice cream when you get to the end.

Maungawhau Mt Eden is as tall as the Sky Tower’s viewing platform, and the view is just as good, with the added bonus of fresh air. Meander to the top, take in the sights, and when you’re done, you’re in the heart of Mt Eden village. Grab a coffee and delicious bread at Olaf’s Artisan bakery, and head to Time Out bookstore if you want to replenish your body and mind in one day.

Take care when walking Te Henga Walkway, a cliffside walk from Bethell’s Road through to O’Neill Bay. It can be slippery if it’s been raining recently, and the beach, O’Neill Bay, at the end, is not safe for swimming. However, if you’re careful, you’ll get the payoff of stunning vistas of Auckland’s rugged West Coast. The local café, Bethells, might be just a food truck, but it’ll add a great coffee to have alongside your picnic once you finish up and head to the beach.