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Auckland is one of New Zealand’s busiest cities, where you’re greeted by the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists wherever you go. Because of this, it makes for a great place to settle down for a while to work, make friends or treat yourself to an extended shopping and entertainment trip.
However, while busy can be good, there are also times when you want to slow things down and see more of the scenic side of Auckland. Contrary to popular belief, this city offers a variety of walking routes which showcase a different side to this energetic hub – from towering volcanoes to stunning beaches.
In this article, we’ll show you the best walks in Auckland, which will not only give you a new perspective on the city but also gives you plenty of free activities where you can spend time in the New Zealand sunshine.
Most of these walks cater for do-it-yourself style travellers. If you’re looking for something a little more structured, I highly recommend this dedicated nature tour of Auckland.
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Rangitoto Island Routes
lRangitoto Island is a must-visit for hikers and sightseers in general. In fact, we rank Rangitoto as one of our ‘best day trips from Auckland’. You’ll find plenty of routes which are among the best walks in Auckland to suit all fitness levels and fit around any time constraints.
The island is a short ferry ride from Auckland CBD, and tickets can be booked online via the Fullers360 website. Reminder: Check the timetable before you leave to avoid being stranded!
Rangitoto Summit
For example, the main walk is to the Rangitoto Volcano Summit, which takes around 1 hour each way with a gentle incline all the way to the top. On a hot day, it can be a tiring climb, however, the 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf, the Auckland skyline, and the surrounding islands are totally worth it.
At the top is the perfect spot to catch your breath, snap some Instagram-worthy photos and take in the incredible volcanic landscape.
If you’d rather have someone else handle the logistics, I absolutely love this tour which combines the summit hike with some kayaking around the volcano.
Lava caves detour
For an extra bit of sightseeing, I love the famous ‘lava caves’ on the descent. Formed by ancient lava flows, these caves offer a unique opportunity to walk through tunnels of cooled magma.
If you’re planning on going to the caves, I strongly recommend taking a head-torch, rather than a phone torch, so your hands are free to explore the passageways.
Mackenzie Bay and Lighthouse
If you have more time, the coastal path to Mackenzie Bay and the lighthouse is a beautiful track which gives you a different perspective of the impressive volcano. As you walk across the volcanic terrain, you’ll be able to spot some of New Zealand’s most illustrious birds, as well as crystal clear swimming spots that you’re likely to have all to yourself.
Motutapu Island Connection
The longest hiking option is to walk east until you reach Motutapu Island, where you can explore new trails, have private picnics and see historic World War II sites. Yes, World War II even reached New Zealand!
As the treks to this island can leave you a little short on time for catching the ferry back to Auckland, you also have the option to stay the night at Home Bay Campsite. Right by the beach, it’s the perfect place to get away from the noise of the city and spend the night listening to the sounds of nature.
Auckland city volcano hunting
If you haven’t had enough of New Zealand’s magnificent volcanoes, then Auckland is the city for you. With 48 volcanic cones across the landscape, you can easily spend a day (or even a week) claiming the summit of each one. To avoid making this article around 40,000 words long, I have included a couple of my favorite treks below. I consider these to be the best of Auckland, combining magnificent views with a good workout in the process.
Mount Eden (Maungawhau)
Easily accessible from the city center, Mount Eden is the highest natural point in Auckland, at 196 meters. The site is of historical and cultural significance, having been home to Māori settlements for centuries. Changes made to the cone are still visible today, with evidence of terracing, food storage pits, and house sites etched into the land.
The summit is also a very popular spot for both locals and tourists to see panoramic views of Auckland’s skyline and harbor. My recommendation is that it’s definitely worth making the trip to the summit during sunset to watch the city slowly light up in the distance.
One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
One Tree Hill, also known as Maungakiekie, was home to one of the largest Māori settlement structures in New Zealand, with remains of earthwork terraces, food storage pits, and defensive structures still visible on its slopes.
Now, it provides a great day out with plenty of viewpoints, scenic picnic spots, and walking tracks through paddocks of very friendly sheep. Even though this spot is still quite central in the city, it transports you into a completely different rural landscape away from the buzz. For fellow runners, every Saturday, the parkrun takes you through Cornwall Park, offering a free, timed 5-kilometer event which winds through the park’s scenic paths.
Coast to coast trail
For the ultimate day out, the Coast to Coast trail takes you on a 16km journey across Auckland, starting at Waitemata Harbor in the east and finishing at Manukau Harbor in the west – taking you across the width of the country.
The walk lets you see Auckland through a variety of different lenses, from the lush greenery of its parks, such as Auckland Domain, to the less explored areas of quiet suburbs and interesting historic sites. Plan for a four to five-hour hike, bring plenty of water (and snacks) and reward yourself with dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants afterwards.
Rotoroa Island
Not to be mistaken with Rotorua, the city further south, Rotoroa Island is a beautiful, remote island located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. Previously a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, it was completely closed off to the public for over a century. However, it has recently opened its doors to visitors, welcoming them to explore heritage buildings, unique walks, and barely-touched beaches.
The area is heavily focused on conservation efforts, making it the ideal place to spot the beloved kiwi and other endangered species. You have the choice of different walking tracks, such as the Southern Loop track which takes 75 minutes and showcases most of the island’s key highlights.
If you have time, I recommend adding a visit to Rotoroa Island to your bucket list and giving yourself a taste of ‘off-the-beaten-track’ Auckland. Tickets cost NZD $95 via the Explore Group website.
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