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Walks Out East, Howick, Auckland (2025)

24/09/2025

Macleans Park and Eastern Beach 4.5km

This walk from Eastern Beach and up through and around Macleans Park can be easily shortened or lengthened. Eastern Beach is a beautiful white sand safe swimming beach with Macleans Park backing onto the southern end.

Council Ranger Kara is leading a walk around the park Tuesday 30 September, 10am from the Eastern Beach entrance - to book, visit the East Auckland Tourism Walkfest website page, https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/ .

Macleans Park has long been a green lung for the eastern suburbs, 36 hectares and popular with walkers, runners, families and dog owners. Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki lived along these shores, the park takes it’s name from the Maclean family farm dating back to the 1850s. Later in the same century, the land was purchased by an Auckland lawyer John Bacot, and then by Sir William Goodfellow who in 1973 donated the land to Auckland City Council, and the adjoining land to Macleans College.

From the park there are sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf, with Rangitoto and Browns Island in the distance. From the ridge, tracks lead down into gullies of regenerating native bush, home to many tui, kereru and piwaka.

The walk route - from the southern end of Eastern Beach and behind the free bbqs and public toilets, head up the metalled path and veer left towards Bleakhouse Road. Follow the path to stay within the reserve, up to the flying fox and swings, then back down the valley towards the beach, and left again uphill towards the tennis courts. From there you can follow the path to behind the clifftops and exit down the beach steps.

At low tide you may continue north along the beach and around Musick Point, or south to Mellons Bay, Howick Beach, Cockle Bay and Mangemangeroa.

Dogs - off-leash Macleans Park, Eastern Beach prohibited summer 10am-5pm.
Pushchairs - yes, but metal uphill track from the beach.
Playgrounds - 200m along the beach from the carpark is a very popular playground, and toilets.
Cafes - an excellent cafe/restaurant Golden Sands near the playground, dairy and restaurants further along the beach.

Next review - Whitford.

For a 7km walking map including the above with waypoints, see https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/draft-macleans-park-167434f .

Like to enjoy free guided walks to explore further? The East Auckland Walkfest runs from 22 September to 5 October - 3km to 12km park walks, well organised, limited numbers, visit https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/

16/09/2025

🌿 Connect to Nature These School Holidays! 🌿

Looking for fun, family-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors these school holidays? 🌞🌳 Come along to one (or more!) of our Connect to Nature events happening in local parks across Tāmaki Makaurau.

There’s something for everyone – from traditional Māori games and hikoi, to creative workshops, nature adventures, and ranger-guided walks. Check out some of the awesome programmes on offer (most of which are free):

✨ Mahi Tākaro – Traditional Māori play with Harko Brown
🌱 Harmful Plants Workshop – In Mandarin, with Ben from Little Garden Ltd
🦁 Wild Thing (Family Edition) – With Craftlab NZ Ltd
👣 Mini Ranger Programme – With Barefooted NZ
🌿 Rongoā Māori Hikoi – With Emma Haslam
🚶‍♀️ Little Roamie – With Roam with Kids and Barefooted NZ
🌲 Adventure into Nature at Totara Park – With parks and Outdoor Experience
🎧 Immersive Nature Escape – Audio walk with Papaya Stories
👨‍🏞️ Ranger Guided Walks – At Macleans Park, Adah Platts-Mills Reserve & Mangemangeroa
🎨 Creative Nature WEAVE Workshop – With the Light Library
🌳 Traditional Uses of the Ngahere Hikoi – With Riki Bennett

📅 View events here: https://www.facebook.com/aucklandparks/events

📧 Questions? Email: mylocalpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Bring the whānau, connect with nature, and explore the magic of our local parks! 💚

11/09/2025

This is a great opportunity to explore East Auckland parks, regional parks and beaches during the upcoming school holidays. Free guided walks to suit all ages, other self-guided walks also featured. Do visit the East Auckland Tourism Walkfest website page now - very limited numbers for the guided walks - enjoy!

11/09/2025

Clevedon Scenic Reserve - Te Nikau Pa - Camp Sladdin - Stairway to Heaven. Tucked away only a ten minute 600m walk from Clevedon township is an 80 minute walk well worth exploring. Plenty of shade, lots of birdlife and song, some beautiful old kauri, rimu and totara.

Adjacent to the carpark is fitness equipment, a large grassed play area and toilets. The superbly maintained 3km loop track leads you to 360 degree views of the Hunua Ranges and the Hauraki Gulf. 997 stairs (yes we counted!) to the top.

From the walkway is a short extension to a pretty waterfall. You may meet runners circling two or often three loops, for the more adventurous the walk extends 2.3km from the lookout along Kimptons Track to Kimptons Road. Experienced trampers can find their way along a number of tracks right through to Maraetai.

Location - 75R Thorps Quarry Rd. Carpark, street parking. 100 hectares of native bush.
Opening times - summer 7am to 9pm, winter 7am to 7pm.
Dogs - now allowed off-leash, suggest on-leash when can be very busy on weekends.
Picnic tables scattered throughout the reserve.
Fitness equipment - monkey bars, balance beams, swing rope, and rope bridges.
History - Ngai Tai ki Tamaki are the original inhabitants, their last known chief at the Pa was Tara te Irirangi.

Clevedon - 30 minutes maximum from the Auckland CBD, the drive from Howick or Whitford through scenic rural farmland is a great way to forget about the stress of the City. Nearby Clevedon Village markets and the Farmers Market on Sunday mornings, great cafes, art shops, gift shops, Hallertau, strawberry farm, nearby Hunua Falls, Ardmore airport and Warbirds, Ayrlies Gardens, Riverhaven - so much to see.

Next walking column - Macleans Park and Eastern Beach, Pakuranga.

Like to enjoy free guided walks to explore further? The East Auckland Walkfest runs from 22 September to 5 October - 3km to 12km park walks, well organised, limited numbers, visit https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/

27/08/2025

PANMURE BASIN - A superb new pedestrian bridge has reopened the basin walking loop. A long-time favourite for walkers and joggers, this is a great outing for young families.

The sleek new bridge now links the two sides of the basin (once a volcanic crater), completing the circuit around the water’s edge with views of Mt Wellington. The path is wide and mostly sealed.

If you time your walk right, the much-loved miniature train rides by the Waipuna Rd entrance operate Sundays 1pm to 4pm. There is a playground adjacent, and a pond with miniature boats and sometimes small sleek radio controlled yachts. On Sunday mornings you can take the controls of one of the boats for $2 for 5 minutes.

At the western end of the bridge it is well worth a 200m detour for a great view of a s**g colony nesting in Pohutakawa trees - just follow the signs from the bridge.

Toilets - three blocks equidistant around the loop.
Fitness equipment, picnic tables and seating - yes!
Parking - end of Cleary Rd, 100 Ireland Rd, Peterson Rd (off Waipuna Rd).
Dogs - on-leash.
Pushchairs - yes, easy, some uphills.
The walk - 35 minutes, 4000 steps.

Make a Splash at Swimarama - �After your walk, maybe visit Swimarama - indoor and outdoor pools, spa pool, splash pad, and a well-equipped gym.

Scenic Extensions�Feeling energetic? You can keep the adventure going.
- Head north and up the slope to Maungarei / Mt Wellington, one of Auckland’s youngest volcanic cones, for panoramic views and a quiet moment with nature.
- Head East over the Panmure bridge to the Rotary Walkway, winding along the Pakuranga shoreline, eventually reaching Pigeon Mountain and Half Moon Bay.
- Or venture north-east to Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve, a peaceful bird sanctuary with tidal flats, bush tracks and boardwalks.

In two weeks I will post re the Clevedon Scenic Reserve, followed by the Macleans Reserve.

Note the East Auckland Walkfest is coming up late September. Embargoed for now, will hopefully post details 2 September.

26/07/2025

Bringing Back the Native Bush to Mellons Bay –

Tucked away behind the beach lies a beautiful 2km walking route that winds alongside a stream, through lush native bush. What many don’t realise is just how much behind-the-scenes work has gone into restoring this green corridor – volunteers have contributed more than 10,000 hours over the past six years, maintaining and improving the bush and walkways.

How did it all begin?
Back in 2020, Alison Anderson and I knocked on neighbours' doors to rally interest – and that small start grew into a dedicated local volunteer group. Once Auckland Council and Local Board saw the community’s commitment, support followed: funding for training, spraying equipment, and over 5,000 native plants. Our first planting day drew around 30 volunteers.

Since then, a small but mighty team of 4-6 locals has met on Thursdays for regular working bees, tackling invasive species, unblocking streams, and caring for new plantings. A few Saturday sessions each year have helped keep momentum going and welcomed new faces.

One of the biggest challenges? The valley was choked with massive willows and privet. Council contractors removed the most hazardous trees along the track, and many more were carefully poisoned. But that let sunlight in and weeds thrived – so we’ve been weeding and planting to reclaim those new glades for native bush.

The future - the location is perfect for school groups to experience and learn about native fauna - we are planting trees in groves and planting the three wetlands with native sedges. The walkways are popular with runners and dog walkers so another focus is on improving pathway drainage and keeping the paths wide and safe. Work has recently extended to plantings at Page Point and making the steep path much safer.

There are many other reserves and walkways across East Auckland that need this kind of TLC. Barry Wood and his team are actively making huge improvements to reserves in Cockle Bay. If you’re keen to assist or to restore a local green space, we’re happy to share our experience – just get in touch: mellonsbay@xtra.co.nz. A few hours a week from a committed group can transform a neglected reserve into a treasured community taonga.

13/05/2025

Spring and autumn are great times to walk and to hike - not too hot, not too wet or cold. So I am now posting a few suggestions in the next day or two - enjoy and I hope you make the time to get out there!

Waitawa Regional Park,

at the western side of Kawakawa Bay

Four walking loops, four sheltered beaches, mountain biking, disc golf, fishing, kayaking, swimming, picnicking, horse riding - so much to do! Just 10 minutes from Clevedon, Waitawa Regional Park is an awesome coastal recreational reserve.

There are well signposted 4, 6, 8 and 12km loops.

The track from the loop to Mataitai Bay is well worth the effort, you can also drive to the bay but it is much more enjoyable to walk it and focus on the views. At the beach there are three free bbqs, outdoor shower, excellent toilet facilities, and lots of parking. A short walk leads behind a headland to the Waitawa Wharf, an unusual T-shaped wharf very busy with anglers on a Sunday morning.

The walk to the immense well preserved PAWHETAU PA was the highlight of our day. Impressive fortifications, (try and visualise with defensive pallisades), views of Kawakawa Bay and of many islands, each often perfectly framed by huge Pohutakawa. To me, this is a bucket list must do walk - an easy hike across a flat paddock until you reach the fortifications then a bit of a scramble. Access by parking at the park entrance, track gate is to the right, only 1km each way.

Dogs - Prohibited in campground, facilities areas, and mountainbike tracks all year round. Prohibited in the park 1 July to 1 December, on-leash other times.

Here is an aerial view one minute video of from our recent visit - www.relive.com/view/vWqBdJMkyQO

13/05/2025

POINT VIEW RESERVE

Spring and autumn are great times to walk and to hike - not too hot, not too wet or cold. So I am now posting a few suggestions in the next day or two - enjoy and I hope you get out there!

Minutes from Botany Town Centre, a beautiful 39 hectares of native bush, forest and grasslands ascending from Gracechurch Drive up to the CALDWELLS ROAD CARPARK. There are interesting panoramic views to rural Clevedon, Auckland City, and new homes around Flatbush and Manukau.

The six very well made and maintained walking loops meander up and down and around the hillsides. Be prepared for a lot of steps on the side tracks, superb for cardio workouts. There is also a pushchair and cycle friendly one kilometre circuit from the Gracechurch Drive entrance - stroll up to the impressive concrete water reservoir, around and back down again through native forest.

Toilets - none at Point View.
Dogs - on leash at all times.

Here is an aerial view one minute video of our recent walk starting from near Mission Heights School then through part of Flatbush to Point View - www.relive.com/view/v36AVR7oYZq

10/05/2025

How about a Sunday picnic at the beautiful Cockle Bay beach, followed by a family walk?

Cockle Bay Walkway volunteers organised an excellent “Discovery Day” recently to encourage families to explore the area where they have carried out extensive planting over 5 years. Along their 2.2km walking loop you will find wooden plinths with signage recounting interesting historical events.

Like to walk further? At the beach at low tide you can follow the coastline to the right to the Mangemangeroa Walkway, or left to Howick Beach and Mellons Bay beach.

The walk begins at the path behind the Windross Restaurant and follows a stream up through native bush. See the attached maps.
I have also made a one minute video of the walk today, starting from the playground but following the same route - enjoy!! -
www.relive.com/view/vKv2d3LRpo6

Changing rooms, toilets and showers - on the Cockle Bay beachfront.
Pushchairs - yes, some hills but good paths and tracks.

23/04/2025

Tawhitokino! A hidden gem of a beach.

Tawhitokino Beach is maybe the most beautiful of many picturesque bays in East Auckland. Fringed with pohutakawas, a crescent of pristine sand, safe swimming, and often no-one there. Great views of Ponui Island, the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula. A one kilometre each way walk to Tawhitokino, then 1.5km of beach.

Drive 2.5km east past the boat ramp from Kawakawa Bay to Waiti Bay. The sealed road is a very scenic wide winding single lane with adequate passing areas. Parking for about 20 vehicles can be busy on a nice day, a lovely vista from the carpark and from the beach.

Access around the point is limited to one to two hours either side of low tide - walk to the southern end of Waiti Bay, an easy rock scramble around the point to the pretty and fairly secluded Tuturau Bay. Then to stretch your legs, 200 well made wooden steps, awesome views.

Enjoy the beach, it is swimable even at low tide. The pohutakawas are great for some shade, the kayaking campsite midway along the beach has a picnic table and information posters. It is a lovely walk to the far end of the beach and the rocky headland.

I have made an aerial view one minute video with photos, see the QR code below. www.relive.com/view/vE6J5d5ByxO

Toilets - excellent facilities at Waiti Bay, composting toilet at Tawhitokino.
Dogs - offleash permitted at all times but no dogs in or near the campground.

A short drive further south past Orere Point are the Tapapakanga and Waharau Regional Parks, many camping sites at each, Tapakanga features pretty beaches and coastline, Waharau is on the Hunua Ranges side of the road and accesses some great forest walks with views. The next Eastern Times edition will feature the Waitawa Regional Park, at the western end of Kawakawa Bay.

Like to walk with others? Visit the www.meetup.com website, search for walking or hiking. Auckland Outdoors is a friendly group who welcome new walkers. Hikes are usually in Regional Parks, three to 4 hours at a moderate pace.

09/04/2025

The Mangemangeroa Reserve walkway.

Autumn is a perfect time to visit or revisit the deservedly very popular Mangemangeroa Reserve. Stroll through shaded groves of mature kanuka, puriri, nikau, taraire, pohutakawa and many other natives then follow the estuary to Shelly Park beach.

5km, one to two hours return from the carpark at 108 Somerville Rd, well maintained wide tracks lead to the sandspit at Shelly Park Beach. You may also access from Sandspit Rd, Pohutakawa Ave, Hayley’s Lane, and Point View Drive. Enjoy the forest and bush, superb views, and wander along excellent boardwalks across the tidal mudflats. Can make for great photos at low tide, at full tide the setting can be incredibly tranquil.

Within one to two hours of low tide you may continue 1km to Cockle Bay. Or return up the steps at Shelly Park to Sandspit Rd then back by road. Feeling energetic? Start at Hayley’s Lane off Point View Drive, (limited parking), head down the steep roadway, follow the track for 2km passing under the Whitford bridge and onwards to join the main trail.

Lots of forest and estuarine birdlife so please keep dogs on-leash at all times. There are quite a few stairs, the views are well worth the effort as the track drops down from the entrance to the estuary and back up and down again. Tracks may be a little muddy after rain. For a peaceful outing, consider walking early or late in the day or during the week, weekends can be very busy,

Toilets - a portaloo at the main entrance, NO toilets at Shelly Park Beach or at Hayley’s Lane.

Volunteers? - visit the Mangemangeroa website or page. A great team organising and carrying out awesome maintenance, pest control, and extensive replanting.

Like to walk with others? The Howick Picton Walkers meet Monday and Thursday mornings 9.15am in the carpark behind Wild Wheat, at the Picton Centre entrance. $2 to walk includes use of the upstairs lounge, and tea and coffee. 100+ routes.

28/03/2025

Coastline walk Eastern Beach to Howick Beach

Great views of the Waitemata, mostly sheltered from SW winds, and very few people around. 5km one way including 1.8km along Eastern Beach. The coastline from Eastern Beach to Mellons Bay to Howick Beach features a couple of headlands with some low tide rock hopping, otherwise reasonably easy at low tide.

Check MetService for low tide times and tide heights. Ten minutes of careful rock-hopping around the southern point of Eastern Beach leads to an easy walk along the cliffs below Macleans Park and Bleakhouse Rd.

Mellons Bay is a great little beach, mostly well away from the road, popular for exercising dogs early and late in the day. Detour to the back of the carpark and there is a beautiful well maintained wide 1.6km walkway following a stream through a kauri grove and native bush to Cheriton Rd and on to Haseler Crescent. From there the path narrows a little through the McLeay Reserve and continues up to Montressor Place and beyond. Volunteers having been working hard in these reserves for 5 years to eradicate invasive trees and weeds and planting over 5000 natives.

The coastline from Mellons Bay to Howick includes a few minutes of fairly easy rock-hopping, 10 minutes crossing a hard surface flat reef. Approaching Howick Beach, there is another 5 minutes of quite easy rock hopping.

Roads from Howick to Eastern Beach are set back from and follow the coast, beautiful views from Marine Parade, return to Mellons Bay, up Page Point then down through Macleans Park back to the start.

Footwear - highly recommend runners with good tread or hiking boots.
Low tides - best when about 0.3m to 0.4m.
Playground - Eastern Beach.
Toilets - Eastern Beach, Mellons Bay, Howick Beach.

Walks Out East

24/09/2025

16/09/2025

11/09/2025

11/09/2025

27/08/2025

26/07/2025

13/05/2025

13/05/2025

10/05/2025

23/04/2025

09/04/2025

28/03/2025

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