Walks Out East

24/02/2026

Beachlands - Motukaraka Island

Video link - https://www.relive.com/view/v36A9mY1oG6

500 metres off the Beachlands coastline sits a 5.7 hectare bush-clad island, connected by a low tide sandspit. Ideal for a fun family walk from Beachlands, or as a stop on a longer coastal walk from Pine Harbour towards Omana and Maraetai.

This is very much a low tide walk - check the low tide height via the Metservice or other app or website. 0.6m is awesome, 1.2m is still walkable, any higher then you will need to walk out and back right on low tide time.

For a 1.8km family walk, park at the end of Puriri Rd in Beachlands and follow the path that leads to Pine Harbour Park. From there directly access the sandspit.

For a 4km coastal there and back walk start from Pine Harbour. Maybe a coffee and morning tea at one of the cafe/restaurants. Then, supercharged, head across the grass to the gate at the marina side of the boat drystack. Cross, then follow the path and track along the coastline - a dry walkway through a coastal wetland, duck under a few pohutakawa trees, follow the foreshore, and after about ten minutes you will see Motukaraka ahead.

For an extendable 5km loop walk, continue the 4km route along the foreshore. The coastline around to Sunkist Bay has suffered severly from erosion and the route requires reasonable balance and footwear with good tread. There are ledges to negotiate, barnacles to be wary of. Return via the low-density original streets of the older Beachlands.

Always do the walk out to the island before the turn of the tide. Advisable to wear sturdy footwear and be wary of soft sand and slippery areas. Best to forego venturing onto the island, enjoy the view back to Beachlands, have a rest, then head back. It is a bit of a scramble up a clay path to get onto the island, there are not any views or clearly marked tracks.

Toilets - at Pine Harbour and at Sunkist Bay. Playground at Sunkist Bay. Unsuitable for prams. Dogs only allowed Sunkist Bay over summer in evenings and before 10am.

Photos - sunny days photos provided by Don Bruce.

11/02/2026

Easy East Auckland Walks

Here is a selection of walks that will hopefully suit anyone managing mobility limits for walking but still keen to get outdoors. East Auckland is fortunate to have many flat, well-formed walking paths. Beautiful settings - native bush reserves, wetlands, white sand beaches, parks, ponds - so much to see and do. Most parts of the following will suit wheelchairs and prams. All of the loops can be shortened to suit.

- Half Moon Bay, 1.2km path and raised walkway from the Half Moon Bay Marina cafes to Bucklands Beach. Views of the Tamaki Estuary, Rangitoto Island, and the marina. Seasoned walkers can continue to Musick Point, or the Rotary Walkway.
Musick Point, a 1km walk from the end of the road, back along the road (shared with traffic and golfers), expansive views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands.

Mellons Bay, up to 700 metres each way from the beach carpark and toilets, follow a concrete and boardwalk path through shady native bush including kauri, past wetlands and a beautiful fairy garden to Haseler Crescent.
Pakuranga, up to 7km one way, follow the excellent Rotary and Wakaaranga walkways, a gently undulating scenic route along an estuarine coastline and through wetlands. Be wary of cyclists on bends.

Cascade Walkway, 1.6km Botany Rd to Meadowlands - follows stream, gently up and down.
Golflands, 600 metres Corta Bella Place Reserve, Frank Nobilo Park, West Fairway Park, The Green Park - gentle slopes, through green spaces.
Burswood Walkway, up to 3.5 km loop starting from Burswood Drive.
Botany, a 2.5km loop around ponds within Logan Carr Park and Kellaway Reserve.
Barry Curtis Park, a 2.5km loop, superb playground and wetlands.

Whitford Village Green, a 500 metres loop, shaded grass picnic areas.
Ayrlie Wetlands, a 1.6km loop along a flat gravel and boardwalk path through wetlands. Many birds. Note is free, and separate to Ayrlies Gardens.
Beachlands to Omana, 4.5km one way. Parts of the Omana Regional Park and all of Omana Beach are flat.

Explore these, share with a friend, maybe try all over time, Enjoy the mental health benefits of being outdoors.

29/01/2026

Nestled between Bucklands Beach and Howick and in the heart of Half Moon Bay is Ohuiarangi Pigeon Mountain. The Tupuna Maunga Authority has recently undertaken an outstanding restoration of the mountain with a superb set of steps from top to bottom (excellent for Great Walk training), upgraded tracks and boardwalks, and planting 71,000 native seedlings.

From the carpark two optional paths weave through thriving new bush, around pohutakawa, and traverse a magnificent grove of large totara before stepping up to the lookout platforms. Maori pa terracing is still clearly visible, middens can be observed if you look closely, and even drainage channels from the original pa gardens.

Grade - moderate, some effort and stability needed, 115 steps up via the western track,157 steps with a number of landings from the southern entrance, 1.2km of path. Like a longer walk - Pigeon Mountain is a perfect start and finish location - across the road behind an impressive palisade fence is the start of the Pakuranga Rotary Walkway, a well maintained wide gentle path with some undulations, can continue for 7km to the Panmure basin. Crosses a beautiful wetland then follows the coastline and estuaries, toilets en route.

The Tupuna Maunga Authority have installed attractive wooden fencing around the perimeter of the mountain. Half of the north side of the 58 metre high mountain was quarried between 1913 and the 1970s, steep cliffs so this is now securely fenced off to regenerate. The surrounding original crater and tuff ring was about 500 metres wide.

This is a wonderful place to bring family, and to enjoy and admire the renewal of this Tupuna Maunga. Shade - near the top and under trees on the western side. Best to wear enclosed footwear.

Gates open 7am to 8.30pm over summer, close earlier at 7pm over winter. Parking area for the main entrance is at 64 Pigeon Mountain Rd, also street parking and alternative gates on Gills Rd. Back entrance from next to 64 Glennandrew Drive.

Toilets and change rooms near the parking area. Dogs - must be under control and on-leash. Mountain biking restricted to preserve the sensitive archaelogical features. Mobile coverage excellent.

800 metres to the Half Moon Bay marina and excellent cafes, restaurants, and a bar and live music venue.

25/01/2026

While out walking, maybe think about what you can plant at home -

The bird life in New Zealand is a fraction of what it used to be and native birds have disappeared or dwindled in numbers in a lot of areas, both rural and urban. A lot can be done to reverse this situation, and it is mainly about providing safe habitat and natural food sources, that are similar to....

25/01/2026

🌿 51 Things to Do in Your Regional Parks 🌊

From forest trails to coastal escapes, there’s something for everyone:
🌳 Nature & Bush Adventures
🏖️ Beach & Coastal Fun
🧺 Food & Picnic Fun
🚴 Adventure & Sports
⛺ Camping & Staying Over
📚 Heritage & Learning

Get out there and start ticking them off - your next adventure is closer than you think!

14/01/2026

Our East Auckland Regional Parks -

We have beautiful green open spaces such as Eastern Beach, Bucklands Beach, Musick Point, Pigeon Mountain, Howick Beach, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Cockle Bay, Mangemangeroa, Point View - we are even more fortunate to have many easily accessed regional parks at our doorstep - Omana, Duder, Waitawa, Tawhitokino, Orere Point, Tapapakanga, the Hunua Ranges. Nearby also Waharau and Whakatiwai. See earlier posts for walks at each of these.

So how about a school holiday or a personal challenge exploring Regional Park coastal forests, discovering hidden beaches, or walking to trig points for superb views? Visit all in a month, or in a year?

Omana - family friendly, many camp sites, bbqs, safe swimming beaches, farm park.
Duder - rolling farmland, breathtaking views from a significant pa site, salt marshes.
Waitawa - multiuse park, an extraordinary pa site with commanding views, fishing, bush walks, farmland.
Tawhitokino - a stunningly beautiful secluded safe swimming 1km long white sand beach.
Orere Point - a small bush park with tracks to sand and pebble beaches.
Tapapakanga - native forest, farmland and beach, many campsites, peaceful.
Hunua Ranges - native forest, rugged hills and river valleys, tramping and mountain biking.

To extend the challenge, consider -
Clevedon Scenic Reserve (Te Nikau Pa) - 998 steps up, many kauri trees, great views.
Waharau - uphill track through awesome mature native forest, 829 steps, many campsites.
Whakatiwai - unusual geology, quiet, shelly sand foreshore, bird watching.
Motukorea - Browns Island; Whakanewha - Waiheke Island, and 18 other Auckland Regional Parks.

Most of these regional parks have significant pa sites, Waitawa has three! - another challenge, visit as many pa sites as possible, or volcanoes. Children may learn to identify kauri, rimu, totara and other native trees.

Enjoy, spread the word.

Remember to stay well hydrated over summer, pack spare food, sunscreen, and rubbish bags.

All of these walks and parks are featured in earlier posts on this page.

Visit the https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/parks-recreation/find-park-beach.html or https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/ websites for information including where you can walk dogs.





East Auckland Tourism

18/12/2025

About to visit here, Auckland Parks has got the jump on me so do enjoy their review.

18/12/2025

The Ayrlies Wetlands, Whitford.

Enjoy an easy 2km one hour wander along the boardwalk and metalled paths lined with native trees and plants including giant grasses. The wetlands have been generously provided free to visit, and maintained by the Ayrlies team. 14 hectares of peace and serenity, aside from the noisy Paradise Shellducks. Note that this area is separate to the Ayrlies GARDENS.

There are more than 82 species of aquatic life and wetland birds living in or visiting the 3.3 hectare lake, including Spoonbills and the New Zealand Scaup and Dabchicks. Over 15,000 native seedlings planted since 2001. We visit several times a year and combine with a longer stroll around the Whitford Bridle Trail (see earlier column or Facebook WalksOutEast).

While in the area, maybe also visit Ayrlies Gardens, Lily’s Garden, or take a short stroll around the Whitford Village Green or along Wade’s Walkway. In Whitford visit the Lime Tree Cafe, the Forest Cafe, Quay gallery, Whitford Merchants, The Stables restaurant, No5 Design Store. 20 minutes drive to Clevedon township, or 15 to Maraetai Beach.

Bring - binoculars, hat, sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes, water.

Open 7 days. All dogs on leads, no bikes, no toilets, children must be supervised, stroller friendly.

Drive times from - Botany 15 minutes, Howick 20, airport 30, CBD 45. Parking area near 201 Potts Rd, or at the carpark at the end of Clifton Rd close to the Potts Rd intersection (also the start of the Bridle Trail).

The Ayrlies wetlands link the Ayrlies Gardens to the sea. Ayrlies is one of New Zealand’s best known gardens featuring sweeping lawns, mature trees, ponds, waterfalls, textured plantings and beautiful informal borders. To book, phone 09-5308706, visit their website, or email garden@ayrlies.co.nz . 6 hectares, entrance 125 Potts Rd about 1km from the wetlands entrance.

Please share this page to anyone who may be interested. These walk suggestions and the writing of the Eastern Times newspaper column are not monetised in any way - hopefully they will encourage more Kiwis to get out and about and explore the beauty of East Auckland.

03/12/2025

The Dr Adah Platts-Mills Reserve in Maraetai

- a beautiful tranquil and scenic eleven hectare native forest reserve in Maraetai - awesome for a not too rugged family adventure, and includes an excellent 400m boardwalk for a short stroll. Many tui, kereru and piwakawaka. 10 minutes drive from Whitford, 25 minutes from Howick.

A 2km loop walk initially flat then up along tramping style tracks winding through tall native forest to a short length of roadway then a 50m descent on well made and maintained steps past large kauri and rimu. Two easy stream crossings, this can be a leisurely stroll or an invigorating trail run, slippery in places if wet.

Suggest park across the road near the boating club and next to the playground and public toilets. Two very good cafes just along the beach. Be careful crossing what can be a busy road.

Finding your way - address 209 Maraetai Drive. For the loop, follow the boardwalk and take the left fork. Up the track, cross the Waipara Stream on your left, cross back 20m further up, at the top do not take the dead end road to your right. Straight ahead 20m then right along Maraetai Heights Drive for a few minutes - great views - at the cul-de-sac the walkway is signposted and descend back to the beach.

This rejuvenating retreat is named after Dr Adah Platts-Mills - resident from 1956 and a local GP for 30 years, much-loved and respected by the community.

To extend your walk, follow the coastline to Omana and Beachlands, or east to Duder Regional Park.

Dogs - welcome, on-leash. Strollers - yes, for the boardwalk only. The hill - you do need a reasonable level of fitness and mobility, recommend sturdy footwear. Lots of shade.

Share this to let more people know, a great asset that more should enjoy

27/11/2025

🔔 Hunua Ranges Reopened!

Auckland Council’s 1080 programme in the Hunua Ranges has reached an important milestone, with Hunua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatiwai Regional Parks reopening. 🌿

⚠️ Important safety reminders:
🐶🚫 No dogs for six months
🐴 Update: 7 Jan 2025 - Horse riding in the park now open.

The operation, which began in August and finished in late October, has gone well, with early monitoring results looking promising.

📊 A full post-operation monitoring programme will now assess how effectively possum and rat numbers have been reduced. Reducing predators is crucial to protecting the native species that call the Hunua Ranges home. 🌱🐦

The work was completed just in time for the start of the bird breeding season, with our first kōkako pairs already beginning to build their nests. 🪺 We’re optimistic for a strong season ahead. 💙

20/11/2025

Murvale Reserve, Howick, 1.5km from Howick township.

The Murvale Reserve in Howick is a beautiful park with many walkways meandering through tall stands of exotic and native bush, and some open grassed areas for picnics and playing. Many options to walk your own route, exercise your dog, some mountain biking. The Murvale Drive entrance is only 200 metres from the expansive Macleans Park which leads to Eastern Beach and then Musick Point, the Bleakhouse Rd entrance just 300 metres from the McLeay Reserve and bush and wetland paths that lead to Mellons Bay Beach.

Perfect for young families to walk and for children to explore. Two paths circle the reserve, with four tracks criss-crossing a large hillside. Expect some well made steps with handrails, gravel paths, and boardwalks. In all about 3km of paths and tracks mostly through mature forest. Quiet and calming, clean and tidy, lots of shade, lots of birdsong, views of the Sky Tower and Rangitoto.

My favourite parts of the park - the awesome stand of old oak trees as your enter from Murvale Drive, following the mountainbike track through a large mature grove of ferns and palms, and the open grassed areas at the top.

History - part of what was a farm that in 1854 was given as a Crown Grant to Surgeon J.T.W. Bacot. The name Murvale was given by a later landowner who ran a stud farm and pedigree Friesian cattle. Subdivision in the 1960’s saw transfer of the property to Council as a reserve.

Access - 16R Murvale Drive, 82 Bleakhouse Rd, next to 125 Macleans Rd, or from the end of Etherege Place.

Dogs - off-leash, under control. Toilets - none. Seats - only two that we noted. Prams - suited to the first 200m from the Murvale and Bleakhouse entrances.

Nearby - 1.2km via Macleans Park to cafes and toilets at Eastern Beach, 1.4km via the McLeay Reserve and MacDonald Walkway to toilets at Mellons Bay beach, 1km to Stockade Hill and Howick township - maybe consider a walk that encompasses all of these!

https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/82+Bleakhouse+Road,+Howick,+Auckland+2014/@-36.8872894,174.9181071,677m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x6d0d4adf95b30f35:0x6b93adb9bd7e6f97!8m2!3d-36.8880059!4d174.9208489!16s%2Fg%2F11c5bws3rp?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

05/11/2025

Omana Regional Park to Duder Regional Park

Location - Omana Regional Park, https://new.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/parks-recreation/find-park-beach/park-detail/222.html . A 10 minute drive NE from Whitford.

This is an absolutely beautiful and varied walk between two popular regional parks. You decide the distance, up to 8km each way. Amble along six sheltered white sand beaches and three rocky bays before arriving at Umupaia Beach. Nothing too challenging, not overly slippery, very little clambering.

The coastline is paralleled by an exceptionally scenic road winding along above the fringe of pohutakawas (will be awesome soon in their red Christmas foliage). If you can’t walk the beaches, do consider a driving loop including Clevedon and maybe extending to Waitawa Regional Park and Kawakawa Bay.

I did walk the return via the road but would absolutely not recommend - it is narrow and winding and in many parts there is no room for pedestrians.

So choose a nice day, walk Omana to Waiomanu anytime, avoid high tide times between Waiomanu and Umupaia. There are two very good cafes at Maraetai Beach, I highly recommend the ANZAC biscuits at the Beach Cafe, the Wharf Cafe is also very popular.

Swimming - Omana, Maraetai, Waiomanu (Magazine Bay), Umupaia (Duder) - all are perfect for young families, Maraetai is also great for deeper water swimming. All beaches have good shade under Pohutakawa trees.

Playgrounds - Omana Regional Park, Omana Beach, Maraetai Beach.

Toilets - Omana Regional Park, Omana Beach, two blocks at Maraetai Beach, Waiomanu Reserve, Umupaia Beach, Duder Regional Park.

Dogs - Omana Regional Park, Omana Esplanade and Maraetai vary with location and dogs are not allowed at the playgrounds, Waiomanu prohibited 10-5 during summer, not permitted at Duder Regional Park.

Motorhomes overnight - book with council on-line for regional parks, limited freedom camping at Maraetai.

Walk extensions - the Dr Adah Platts Mills hillside bush path at Maraetai, both Regional Parks, Omana to Beachlands path, Motukaraka Island.

Walk surface - moderately firm sand, track between Omana and Maraetai earthern but popular and in good condition, once past Waiomanu you will need protective footwear for the occasional oyster shell .. .

Uphills - none!

Best direction - in case you decide to walk part of the distance, suggest start at Omana.

Best time to visit - pohutakawa trees are poised to blossom, one or two starting already. When they do, will be awesome.

Photography - great photo,ops all along, notably Omana and Maraetai.

Mobile reception - reasonable.

Directions - https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/Omana+Regional+Park/@-36.8794009,175.0230584,1301m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x6d72b5d87103d699:0xf00ef62249ccdb0!8m2!3d-36.8794052!4d175.0256333!16s%2Fm%2F03mhtvt?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTEwMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Be safe - sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, shoes with side protection, water bottle, snack bar.

First aid kit - what I always carry - sugar sachets, aspirin tablets, antihistamine tablets, band-aids, antiseptic swabs, contact details.

You are very welcome to share this post, my motivation is to encourage more people to enjoy our great outdoors