Hiking Trails in Auckland

THE 10 BEST Auckland Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails in Auckland

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What travelers are saying

  • samlmm
    Boynton Beach, FL85 contributions
    The trail is beautiful, the artwork is magnificent and it all comes together in perfect harmony. We only had about 50 minutes to do the trail, when we had planned for 1.5 hours. I’d say definitely give yourself 1.5 hours and 2 hours would be easy to spend there.
    Written July 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alexisgracelim
    Singapore, Singapore48 contributions
    Breath taking and beautiful views after an easy and short day hike where you will go through very diverse flora and fauna.
    Written July 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SA0000001
    Turangi, New Zealand11 contributions
    A fantastic 2 or 3-day tramp (hike) for the reasonably fit. We've just done this, mid-Winter, as a fairly out-of-shape 54-yr-old with an 11-yr-old novice (though very fit!) tramper, and had an amazing time. We did it "in reverse", which seems to be what most people do: start at Whangaparapara Rd, along Tramline Track and Forest Road to Kaiaraara Hut (day 1); then up 627m Hirakimata (Mt Hobson) and down to Mt Heale Hut (day 2); then out via Kaitoke hot pools (day 3).

    Some key points that you won't find on the Department of Conservation website (if I'm allowed to mention their name by TripAdvisor), which the experienced won't need, but those unfamiliar with NZ tramping/this track might:
    1. You probably don't need a map, because it's all so well signposted, but I would *always* take one, not least so you can see where you are and also what you're looking at: you can buy them in NZ -- it's hard to find out where, but unfortunately TripAdvisor won't let me share that info. (the map you want is in the series "Topo50", called "Claris"). (You can't rely on having signal to look at online maps, of course.) Also make sure to take water purification tablets with you: you're better to boil the water, but if you can't, these are sadly necessary -- Giardia is everywhere, it seems. And hand sanitiser is a good idea, both for the huts and as you'll be using the handrails on the stairs up and down Hirakimata. (Other commonsense things, like an emergency reflective blanket, toilet paper, etc. are listed on the DOC web pages.)
    2. Parts of the track are incredibly well maintained (almost at "walk in the park" level), especially Kaiaraara Hut to Hirakimata (Mt Hobson) and Kaitoke Hot Springs to the road. For these parts, you could do the walk in cross trainers at any time of the year, even in the wet. Bear in mind, however, that there are *a lot* of stairs (especially up and down Hirakimata -- from the Upper Dam on the Kaiaraara Stream to the saddle between Hirakimata & Mt Heale), so it requires a good deal of stamina -- not for the unfit. The steepest stairs do mostly have handrails, which will save your knees quite a bit! The rest of the track is a little more weather-dependent: there are quite a few slippery bits coming down the Peach Tree Track from Mt Heale Hut, and one (small) stream crossing. This part of the track is also more exposed: I wouldn't choose to do it in heavy rain/strong wind if I could avoid it. Trainers are still okay in dry weather; otherwise, hiking shoes will be more likely to save your dignity. The same goes for some bits of the Tramline Track and Forest Road -- a metalled (stony) road with exposed clay in parts. Overall though, this felt like a "Great Walks" track in terms of the level of maintenance/ease of the paths and the excellent signposting. The one thing I really would take is a walking pole or two!
    3. The time estimates on the DOC pages either don't take account of breaks or are drawn up for fit 20-50-year olds. We added an hour or so to each leg of the journey with detours and breaks for snacks, lunch, etc. In Winter in particular, I would advise allowing at least an extra hour in your calculations -- and bear in mind that it gets dark in the forest far earlier than it does in the open.
    4. Both huts (which you need to book in advance, esp. in Summer) are well equipped with pots and pans, and both have gas burners -- you don't need to bring a portable stove or pots. You *will* need a torch/torches, as electric light is very limited -- head torch is best. Each hut has two sleeping cabins off the main kitchen/dining room, with an upper and lower platform and 5-7 vinyl-covered mattresses on each. As ever, if you want choice of "beds", arrive early. (We didn't need to worry, as mid-Winter during the week there was very low demand.)
    4. I see other people complain about the Forest Road as not a "proper" hike. We liked it because of all the bits off to the side to look at: the Aotea Falls (with a nice pool for a quick dip); Maungapiko, with its views of the Hogs Back; the magnificent stand of large-ish kauris (see photo); and the clear view in the distance of the route down from Hirakimata to Mt Heale Hut (we could even see the hut).
    5. For anyone taking kids: you might want to forewarn them that the toilets are all long drops... On the plus side (and again, very unusual for NZ tramping tracks), there are toilets (with toilet paper!) at various points not connected to huts: e.g. near the hot springs, and at the intersection of Kaiaraara Track and Coopers Castle Track.
    6. If you don't want to do overnight stays, can move fairly fast, and can manage more than 4-5 hours comfortably, there are various alternative routes that take you from road to road, and still over Hirakimata -- check the Topo map that is freely available online for routes: https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-36.212889,175.401964&z=14
    Written June 30, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiwi
    116 contributions
    Hidden away behind a garden centre this is a little treasure. Such a great trail with giant outdoor games all along the trail.
    With art changing every year it is a place to keep visiting.
    Written April 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • samwayne
    New Zealand30 contributions
    Lovely challenging short ish walk. (I was in snd out in 2.5 hours) Beautifully maintained track , fabulous views along the way and at the top. Bush was alive with birdlife close to the summit . Quite a few stairs to contend with .
    Written December 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Meredith
    34 contributions
    Not too arduous but a few culverts to negotiate and quite a few stairs at the top. A nice view of bush, the actual volcano crater is a bush-covered indent at the lookout prior to the stairs. A detour to the Lava Caves half way up was worthy, not well signed so ensure you end up at the tunnel cave (don’t give up at the first open caves).
    Our 2.20 return ferry was cancelled without notice. We had to call Fuller’s to ask why the ferry hadn’t arrived and no reason was given. Forty of us were stranded until the next 4.20 ferry, no water or supplies on the island. Fuller’s is well known for its poor service and lack of communication (due to its monopoly of certain routes).
    Written November 26, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NorthStar151209
    5 contributions
    Loved this trail, the stream walk was fun but def don't do if the water levels are raised. Really good work out too!
    Written March 2, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • youke_worldwide
    Singapore4,793 contributions
    So This one seemed nicer than the nature walk. However it’s not for the faint hearted because the trail is very long. We only did part of the trail - there was a look out area which is only 5 minutes walk: then we go all the way downhill and the natural vegetation was a bit like the rainforest but no sweat!!
    Written December 26, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yvonne W
    Auckland, New Zealand190 contributions
    A lovely playground for the kids, or a romantic spot for a picnic, The beach is not suitable for long walks, by the reserve next door is.
    Written November 10, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James M
    Auckland, New Zealand454 contributions
    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.
    Written July 5, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stu T
    Tauranga, New Zealand163 contributions
    A great little walk and well worth the time.

    Spectacular views of Mitre Peak and all the rest. Best to time it for high tide if you can IMO.

    A well formed path and flat for kids and older folks.

    Without the international tourists, it was blissfully quiet, which made it even better. I dread the day that the floodgates open and it gets overwhelmed again.
    Written October 26, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LouiseTheKiwi
    Pukekohe, New Zealand64 contributions
    From Bombay side this goes through private sheep farmland (closed during lambing), wonderful views at the trig station at the top, can be very windy and cold. Lovely bush track from SH2 side is steep and can be very muddy and slippery.
    Written July 29, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Annaliese62
    Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand248 contributions
    We enjoy this park for a bit of exercise on Sunday afternoons with the added bonus we can take our dog on a leash. There is a good choice of short to medium length walks through peaceful groves of Nikau and native bush. The paths are well maintained and the place feels cared for
    Written February 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 422iana
    Dunedin, New Zealand3,102 contributions
    Finally, I got to do this walk, it has been on my list for a long time. I took the dog for a walk. You must keep dogs on a leash and are not allowed to swim at the beaches to not upset wildlife. The paths are really good, and I walked to Cockle Bay and back. Took about 1 1/2 hours, taking the long route, which is to the right of the main car park. The car park is small, so parked further along the road.
    Written December 30, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HMKaren
    Los Angeles, CA841 contributions
    We took the approximately 1-hour drive from Auckland to explore the Whatipu Caves Track and had a great hike. The drive out was even interesting, taking you through some winding, hilly neighborhoods and giving you some nice beach views. Note that the last couple of miles of road are hard-packed, but not actually paved. That might get dodgy if it's been raining.

    The track is pretty well marked and easy to follow, and you get to see a handful of caves. Expect to get your feet wet if you go in, there were at least a few inches of water when we were inside. And bring a flashlight. The caves were fun.

    The one downside, and this was probably just my own misunderstanding, is that the caves are not right by the beach. You see the beach at a distance, and you certainly could hike to it---but we didn't have time to do the caves and do the beach. Also, another guy who was hiking ahead of us turned back because he didn't have the right shoes for some climbing that was necessary to continue on the track. Anyway, if you have the time and you are properly outfitted, this is a fun and very pretty hike.
    Written January 9, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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