Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau is by far the largest city in Aotearoa, NZ, with around 1.7 million people. It is a fascinating and diverse destination primarily surrounded by water, hence the “city of sails.” It has an attractive and walkable Downtown, over 70 beaches, 4,000 parks, extinct volcanoes, accessible islands, and the outstanding ancient forest-clad Waitākere and Hunua Ranges. There are also numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes. If you are looking for the comforts of a city with an outstanding outdoor experience, Auckland is for you!
Much of the city sits on the Tāmaki Isthmus, a volcanic field between the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours. There are 53 volcanoes, ranging from a few hundred years old in the case of Rangitoto to around 200,000 years old. Around 40 have survived city development reasonably intact, including most of the significant maunga (mountains). The larger surviving maunga were pā sites and today show signs of man-made terraces.
All of the maunga are public parks. The best view is from Mt Eden Maungawhau, and we advise visitors that walking to the top is the first thing they should do in Auckland. Other terrific options include Auckland Domain Pukekawa, Mt Victoria Takarunga in Devonport, Cornwall Park Maungakiekie, and Owairaka Mt Albert. Even if you have done Maungawhau, try it in a storm or at sunrise and sunset. It rarely disappoints. Other significant city parks include Albert Park, North Head Maungauika, the Botanic Gardens, Western Springs and Orakei Basin.
In addition to the many prominent city parks, there are 28 larger regional parks. These are located on the coast and in the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges. Most have self-contained campsites. Many combine walking tracks with regenerating forests, working farms and beautiful beaches.
Waitakere Regional Park is the largest and truly outstanding. It offers Pacific coast black sand surf beaches, including Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells Beach, and Muriwai. Others are lesser known and require a walk, such as Whites Beach, Anawhata and O’Neill Bay. The walking in the Waitakere Ranges is also superb, with many tracks to choose from. Our favourites are the Omanawanui Track along the north side of the Manukau Heads, the Comans Track and the Mercer Bay Loop between Karekare and Piha. You should also do at least one of the forest tracks. We recommend the Cascade Loop with 800-year-old kauri trees, the Karamatura Loop near Huia, and the Kitekite Falls from Piha.
But these are not the only options. You can walk the North Shore Coastal Walk (also part of Te Araroa) from Devonport to Long Bay, which has 22 km of beaches, rocky shorelines, and cliffs. It is right next to the city and has easy access to public transport. Even more leisurely is the walk, or bike ride, from Downtown around the southeast coast along Tamaki Drive to Achilles Point and Ladies Bay. You can also walk or ride around the northwest side of Mangere along the Manukau Harbour.
Numerous waterfalls surround Auckland. The 5-metre Oakley Falls is not far from Western Springs and can be accessed on the Oakley Creek Te Auaunga Walkway in Waterview. Several waterfalls in the Waitakere Ranges are accessible, including Karekare Falls, Kitekite Falls, and the 85-metre Waitakere Falls. Hunua Falls in the Hunua Ranges is also a popular location, and from there, you may like to check out the fabulous Cossey Massey Loop track.
Another option is to visit several islands in the Hauraki Gulf. These include the fabulous Tiritiri Matangi bird sanctuary (an hour by ferry from Downtown) and Rangitoto, the youngest volcanic cone that separates the Waitemata Harbour from the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke Island (40 minutes by boat) and Aotea Great Barrier Island (30 minutes by plane or 4 hours by boat) provide contrasting experiences. Waiheke is a beachy suburb of Auckland with great food, wineries, and a beautiful coast walk - Te Ara Hura. Great Barrier Island is a step back in time, with remote surf beaches, the multi-day Aotea Track, and a regenerating kauri forest.
Downtown is not the only option for eating and hanging out at day's end. The inner city suburbs, such as Parnell, Mt Eden, Grey Lynn and Ponsonby, have many cafes and eateries. Beach suburbs such as Mission Bay, Devonport, and Takapuna are also options.
