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Walks Out East, Howick, Auckland (2026)

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
🐴⛔ No horse riding in the park until 1 January 2026. 🐴⛔

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

22/10/2025

“parkrun” and Barry Curtis Park, Botany.

“parkrun is also a family walking social event! I joined the group recently as part of the East Auckland Walkfest - expected runners and joggers but not so many walkers, from ages 4 to 90. For many locals, parkrun has become more than a fitness routine - it’s a social ritual - a place to meet up with old friends, bring the dog, or enjoy a family morning outdoors.

Every Saturday morning at 7.45am the park comes alive with the sound of footsteps and friendly chatter. This is part of a global walk or jog or run movement - free, timed, and managed by an enthusiastic group of happy volunteers.

Participants register online, you then receive a barcode. The walk/run begins with a slow mass start with runners at the front, two laps of the 2.5km circuit at your own pace, and at the end you flash your barcode to record your time. The same day you receive an email with your time, your placing, your placing in your age category, and a website link for more information.

Barry Curtis Park has wide pathways and gentle rises meandering around grasslands, wetlands, native plantings, and striking sculptures making for an impressive 94 hectare urban green space. Designed for relaxing and recreation - sports fields, picnic areas, basketball court, skate ramp, drinking fountains, and a superb playground - and adjacent to the Ormiston Town Centre.

After your walk or run, volunteers extend an invitation to join everyone for a coffee at a nearby cafe. Truly a great way to start the day. For the 600th parkrun on 29 November, many will dress as superheroes - should be a great morning to visit, even if just to spectate and support.

“parkrun” meeting place by the playground, Stancombe Road.

Toilets - a number of new very clean toilets near the start.

Dogs - on a short handheld leash.

Pushchairs - you are welcome to walk or run with a pushchair or a dog on-leash, but not both!

Cyclists - are permitted in the park so do watch for.

08/10/2025

Discover Whitford’s Quiet Corners

Whitford is known for its rolling farmland and boutique cafés. The Whitford Village Green, Turanga Reserve and Wade’s Walkway offer an easily accessible semi-rural outing.

A 4km mainly flat walk - from the Lime Tree Cafe, wander down Whitford Wharf Road to a parking area, across the stream to the Village Green, check out the old jetty on the left that used to service ferries from Auckland. The Green is small but inviting, a grassy rectangle with picnic tables shaded by mature trees. Follow the path around and back up to the roundabout.

To access Wade’s Walkway, (the Wade family has farmed in the area since 1852), from the roundabout walk 50 metres along the bridle path on the right side of the road towards Howick. The path follows the tidal Turanga (means anchorage) Creek. You will almost certainly see herons and kingfishers in the shallows and mangroves.

This area was historically important to local Māori, particularly Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, who used the creek for fishing and as a travel route. The walkway’s quiet paths and natural setting offer a sense of connection to this long-standing history.

On the way back, maybe stop in to the excellent Quay Art Gallery (Thursdays to Sundays), to the Whitford Merchants, or the gift shops opposite the BP. Maybe relax at the Stables bar and restaurant.

The Village Green and Wade’s Walkway offer a glimpse of Whitford’s character – part rural, part coastal, and proudly local.

4km. Dogs now allowed off-leash.
Picnic tables and grassy spots for resting.
Pushchairs - the track is easy going and slightly undulating, wide and metalled.
Parking at the end of Whitford Wharf Rd, at the Village Green, or at the end of Wades Rd.
Like to make a day of it? Maybe visit the Whitford Bird Garden, Ayrlies Garden, Mangemangeroa Reserve, Point View Reserve, Whitford Bridle Trail.

For a one minute aerial view video of the walk, https://www.relive.com/view/v7O9ZMm7jL6
- enjoy!

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/

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.

Walks Out East

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

03/12/2025

27/11/2025

20/11/2025

05/11/2025

22/10/2025

08/10/2025

24/09/2025

11/09/2025

27/08/2025

26/07/2025

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