Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
10 Hiking Trails in Auckland That You Shouldn't Miss
The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau — a maiden desired by 100 lovers,
and a valuable territory fought over for centuries for its fertile land and
natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean (to the east) and Tasman Sea (to the
west). Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest city: A vibrant and diverse place
where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand, with 48 volcanic cones, more
than 50 islands, and 29,000 km of coastline and beaches just minutes away
from the arts and shopping of the central city.
Restaurants in Auckland
1. Eskdale Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Totara Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By JamesM780 - Auckland, New Zealand
My lovely wife and a friend of ours went to Totara Park for a picnic on the weekend. There are plenty of picnic tables next to the carpark in Wairere Avenue. The trails around the park and the adjacent Botanic Gardens are well maintained, and even after rain, are pretty dry. Some of the trails wind around the lovely creek and give the place an almost tropical rainforest feel. The paths higher up are over the fields and have views which are simply stunning. Well worth enjoying.
3. Milford Foreshore Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By steved333
I would not do this instead of a cruise, but it was a nice addition. We took a cruise when it was cloudy and couldn’t resist revisiting the next day when it was sunny. The short walk gives you views to Mitre Peak and the sound. We did not find the sand flies overwhelming, but I guess they can be bad.
4. Key Summit Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By mcmoscato - Annandale, United States
Key Summit is an outstanding easy excursion from the Milford Road or a quick side-trip from the Routeburn Track. The climb to Key Summit begins at The Divide trailhead, and starts on the Routeburn Track heading toward the Lake Howden and Lake Mackenzie Huts. The track is well graded and passes through pleasant forest with limited views. After a gradual climb a signed intersection points the way to the Key Summit Track, which veers above the Routeburn. The smooth track heads uphill via a series of moderate switchbacks. As the trail emerges from the forest, there are outstanding views down the Hollyford Valley as a taste of the more expansive views to come. Near the top of the climb the trail forks as part of a worthwhile nature loop. The route meanders on the high summit ridge, past beautiful tarns and with many outstanding viewpoints. The turnaround point is the Lake Marian Viewpoint, where you can just see Lake Marian perched in a high hanging valley in the Darran Mountains across the Hollyford Valley. After completing the summit nature loop, head back down the way you came. It's about 4-5 miles in total ~ 2 hours and while steep in some places not a hard hike and rewarding with magnificent views
5. Aotea Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By Rain464
I did a variation of the Aotea Track at the end of May 2020. Stayed at the Great Barrier Lodge (highly recommended) at the start and end of the track. I highly recommend bringing along your hiking poles. It was pretty wet when I went, but it is pretty slippery clay so probably good to have them any time of the year. Entered near Green Campsite and did the Whitey Track (lots of ups and downs). Then joined the Forest Road towards Port Fitzroy. Turned off onto the South Fork Track. There had been a lot of rainfall when I went and I had to walk across the river about 7 times getting my boots nice and wet. So if you want to keep your feet dry do not go this way! The markers are a bit hard to find when you are walking in the river. Took about two hours as stated to get to Mt Heale Hut (I used to be pretty fast). Total time on the track walking about 6 hours. Great views at Mt Heale Hut. Propane burners provided but NO stove for heat. Nice new hut. On the second day walked down to the hot springs which were fab and then out to the road where I successfully hitch hiked back to the lodge. Great trip! Will do it again!
6. Te Henga Walkway
7. Mt Hobson via Windy Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By kiwitreks - Masterton, New Zealand
Well worth the effort to see the amazing views. The tracks are very well done and built in steps make up a lot of the steeper parts. Some of these are narrow and a bit trickier to navigate coming down, may not be ideal for those with koi bad knees. Lots of opportunity for stunning photos. Recommend taking water and a backpack (potentially some snacks as well). Also going earlier or later in the day when it’s cooler as a large portion of the track is exposed with lower growing scrub so little to no shade.
8. Mercer Bay Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By thebackpacker2 - Auckland, New Zealand
Where do I start.. It was incredible! You wouldn't believe Auckland has views like that! The best part was, I had the whole place to myself! I couldnt find anyway to get there so I took the Piha bus with Trippy and asked the driver if he could drop me at the start of the track. It's well worth getting to if you have the time and love hiking! There is also a trail that leads down to Karekare beach and ofcourse from the road, you can walk down to Piha.
9. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 365 reviews
We showcase contemporary sculpture featuring some of the most exciting artists working in New Zealand today. Discover a dynamic exhibition of over 60 large-scale sculptures set in a sublime landscape of towering native trees - majestic palms, a precious kauri forest and established native bush alive with birdsong. The 2 km sculpture trail meanders past lakes, vineyard, forest and open pasture, and offers unexpected intimate views alongside stunning panoramas. Be challenged and delighted by the carefully curated selection of sculpture. Discover works that float, move with the wind or sunlight, or produce an unexpected sound experience – the trail will certainly appeal to all ages. Explore the annual Brick Bay Folly project which is inspired by a quirky interpretation of an architectural ‘structure’ and challenges young architects to stretch wide their imagination. All sculpture is for sale and The Glass House also hosts an indoor gallery with small works from leading NZ sculptors.
Reviewed By CaterinaCGuccio
We had our annual company Christmas lunch at Brick Bay! Wow! The setting is simply breathtaking. The sculpture trail was beautiful. Its an easy walk around the large lilly pond (with heaps of shade along the way ). Brick Bay is a Farm to Table vineyard. It is also a working farm and the majority of items on the menu are grown on the property. All our dishes were delicious and beautifully presented. Of note are their wines - made from grapes which have not been exposed to any chemical pesticides. They offer a great selection with some interesting blends. A wonderful venue to mark any special occasion. A short drive north of Auckland and well worth the travel.
10. Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By GaryBrazel - Brooklyn, United States
They have a large selection of plants on sale at the entrance. For the sculpture garden you pay the admission ($15 adults, $12 for seniors), pick up a map/brochure and they open the locked door that admits you into the garden. You then follow a path to view the sculptures (they are numbered) and plants. There is a sonic installation called “Time and Tide” that plays beautiful melodic tones as you walk over a boardwalk that I particularly enjoyed. If you have time, there is a side path Don's Conservation Track that is worth doing.
