Zoe RocheAuckland is a bustling city, but if you want to escape the noise and explore the area’s natural beauty, there are some fantastic hikes to discover.
In this guide, we’ve listed 14 must-try hikes near Auckland that will take you through stunning coastlines, lush forests, and volcanic peaks. So, let’s immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery that Auckland has to offer!
1. Cossey Massey Loop Track
Address: 203 Falls Road, Hunua 2583, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 hours and 41 minutes
Distance: 8 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Cossey Massey Loop Track is an 8-kilometer loop trail in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. It’s considered a moderately challenging hike that winds through native bush, a sparkling stream and stunning views of the Hunua Ranges and Cossey Dam.
The trail starts at the beautiful Hunua Falls, a 30-meter cascade surrounded by lush greenery and comes with metal sections, boardwalks, and natural trails. Just keep your ears peeled for native birds like tui, kakapo, and kereru.
| Pro tip: You can start with the Massey Track since it’s easier as the climb is more gradual. Then, take a break at the lookout point near the top of the Cossey Track for panoramic views of the dam and surrounding ranges. |
2. Duder Regional Park Loop
Address: Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, Kawakawa Bay, Auckland 2013, New Zealand
Time to complete: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Distance: 6.3 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Duder Regional Park Loop is a moderately challenging trail near Kawakawa Bay. The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, showcasing the beauty of Auckland’s coastline.
The trail passes through Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, a significant site for the Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki people, offering a glimpse into the area’s history. You’ll also walk through rolling farmland, passing grazing sheep and cows, adding a rural charm to the experience.
| Pro tip: Stop at the Trig Station, the highest point on the loop, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit Whakakaiwhara Pā to see remnants of a fortified Maori settlement and learn about the region’s history and culture. |
3. Mercer Bay Loop Track
Address: 300 Scenic Drive, Nihotupu, Auckland 0604, New Zealand
Time to complete: 54 minutes
Distance: 2.1 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Mercer Bay Loop Track is a moderately challenging trail that takes about 54 minutes to complete and is famous for hiking and walking in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park near Piha.
The trail offers panoramic views of the rugged west coast, including Mercer Bay, Te Henga, and the Tasman Sea. It also passes the site of a former Maori pā and includes interpretive signs that explain the area’s history.
| Pro tip: Go clockwise, as it allows you to enjoy the uphill sections gradually and save the best views for the end. Watch for native birds such as kakas, tui, and fantails, as well as pohutukawa trees and other coastal plant life. |
4. Mt. Eden Path
Address: Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
Time to complete: 37 minutes
Distance: 2.1 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Mt. Eden Path, also known as the Maungawhau Path, is an easy trail, making it perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels. The trail’s highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic views of Auckland city and its harbors, Waitemata and Manukau.
Mt. Eden, or Maungawhau, is one of Auckland’s 14 ancestral mountains and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous Māori people. Hiking the trail allows you to appreciate the natural beauty and the area’s cultural heritage.
| Pro tip: Be mindful of the importance of Maungawhau to the Māori people, avoid climbing on ponga logs (tree ferns), and adhere to any posted signs or restrictions. Watch for pohutukawa trees, native birds like tui and fantails, and even the Gekko. |
5. Karamatura to Mt. Donald McLean Track
Address: 300 Scenic Drive, Nihotupu, Auckland 0604, New Zealand
Time to complete: 4 hours and 9 minutes
Distance: 11.6 kilometers
Difficulty level: Difficult
The Karamatura to Mount Donald McLean hike is an 11.6-kilometer loop trail in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. It’s considered a challenging route with a steep climb and many stairs, but the rewarding views from the summit make it worthwhile.
From the summit of Mount Donald McLean, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Waitakere Ranges, Manukau Harbour, and even the Auckland cityscape on a clear day. The area is steeped in Maori history, with several cultural sites and landmarks along the trail.
| Pro tip: The trail can be slippery and uneven, so wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. There’s also an optional side track to the beautiful Karamatura Falls, a great spot to cool off after the hike. |
6. Long Bay to Okura Track
Address: Beach Road, Long Bay, Auckland 0792, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 hours and 19 minutes
Distance: 8.2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Long Bay to Okura Track at the Long Bay Regional Park is a moderately challenging trail popular for hiking, running, and birdwatching. The trail winds along the cliffs, offering stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and the Auckland city skyline.
The trail passes through native bush, wetlands, and farmland, providing a variety of scenery to enjoy. The park is also home to various native birds, including tui, fantails, and kereru.
| Pro tip: Check the tide times beforehand if you want to cross the Okura Estuary at low tide. The trail is exposed to the sun most of the way, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. |
7. Omanawanui Track to Signal House Track
Address: Huia, Auckland 0604, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 hours and 4 minutes
Distance: 4.8 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Omanawanui Track to Signal House Track is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail near Huia in Auckland. This trail is open year-round and is famous for birdwatching, camping, and hiking.
The trail takes you along a rugged coastline with stunning views of the Tasman Sea, Whatipu Beach, and the Waitakere Ranges. You can also see some of Auckland’s iconic landmarks, such as the Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island.
| Pro tip: The Signal House is a historic building used to communicate with ships at sea. It’s a short detour from the main trail, but the views from the top are worth it. |
8. Comans Track and Mercer Bay Loop
Address: Karekare 0772, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 hours and 46 minutes
Distance: 7.2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Difficult
The Comans Track and Mercer Bay Loop are challenging routes with an elevation gain of around 400 meters in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The trail highlights the panoramic views of the rugged coastline, black sand beaches, and the Tasman Sea.
You’ll also get glimpses of iconic landmarks like Karekare Falls and the Lion Rock. The trail also incorporates remnants of pā sites (fortified settlements) of the historic Te Henga Walkway, used by Maori people for centuries.
| Pro tip: If you’re up for an extra challenge, you can extend your hike by taking the Ahu Ahu Track to Karekare Beach. This adds another 1.5 kilometers to your loop but offers even more stunning coastal scenery and a chance to explore the black sand beach. |
9. Slip, Pipeline and Beveridge Track Loop
Address: 300 Scenic Drive, Nihotupu, Auckland 0604, New Zealand
Time to complete: 1 hour and 48 minutes
Distance: 6.1 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Slip, Pipeline and Beveridge Track Loop is a moderately challenging trail in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Its diverse scenery ranges from native bush and kauri trees to stunning views of the Manukau Harbour and Lower Nihotupu Reservoir.
The trail takes you through different terrains, from the lush and green bush of the Slip Track to the open farmland and waterworks of the Pipeline Track. You’ll also see the historic kauri trees and enjoy panoramic views from the Beveridge Track.
| Pro tip: The trail has no facilities, so pack enough water and snacks to keep you fueled. Look out for wildlife, as you might see native birds, lizards, and even the occasional kiwi. |
10. Shakespear Regional Park Loop
Address: 1501 Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay, Auckland 0930, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 hours and 3 minutes
Distance: 8.2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Shakespear Regional Park Loop is a moderately challenging trail popular for hiking, running, and walking. The trail offers panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, the islands, and the Auckland city skyline.
Several historical sites along the trail include the remains of a Maori pa (fortress) and a World War II gun emplacement. You can also see Little Manly Beach, a popular swimming spot.
| Pro tip: The trail has little shade, so protect yourself from the sun. Be respectful of the environment, leave no trace and respect the wildlife. |
11. Rangitoto Summit Track
Address: Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 hours
Distance: 7 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Rangitoto Summit Track is a well-formed track that takes you through ancient lava fields and the world’s largest pohutukawa forest to the summit of Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland.
The summit is 259 meters above sea level, and the views from the top are spectacular, taking in the city of Auckland, the Waitemata Harbour, and the surrounding islands. The Pohutukawa forest is beautiful, and the flowers bloom, especially in summer.
| Pro tip: Have a picnic lunch at the summit and dip in the ocean at one of the island’s beaches. You can also explore the lava caves at the base of the island. |
12. Coast to Coast Walk
Address: Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand
Time to complete: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 16 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Coast to Coast Walkway takes you across Auckland, from the Waitematā Harbour on the east coast to the Manukau Harbour on the west. It’s a moderately challenging route, but it is very popular for hiking, mountain biking, and road biking.
The trail starts at the Waitematā Harbour and takes you through the city center, Western Springs Park, and Manukau Harbour. The trail passes historical sites, including the Auckland Domain and One Tree Hill.
| Pro tip: Visit the Auckland Domain and the Wintergardens and have a picnic lunch in Cornwall Park. You can also take a dip in the Manukau Harbour. |
13. Te Henga Walkway
Address: 301 Bethells Road, Waitākere, Muriwai 0781, New Zealand
Time to complete: 3 hours
Distance: 8 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Te Henga Walkway is a coastal track in the Waitākere Ranges, offering stunning views of the Tasman Sea and black sand beaches. It’s part of the Hillary Trail network, known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes.
The hike typically takes 3.5 hours one way, making it a full-day adventure if you plan to return the same way. An optional 2-kilometer detour leads to the picturesque O’Neill’s Bay.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for native wildlife, especially the gannet colony at Muriwai Beach. If the O’Neill’s Bay detour opens, take advantage of its secluded beauty and unique rock formations. |
14. Rotoroa Island North Loop Track
Address: Rotoroa Island, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Time to complete: 40 minutes
Distance: 2.5 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Rotoroa Island North Loop Track takes you through various landscapes, including coastal cliffs, forests, wetlands, and beaches. The trail’s highlight is the stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, which you can enjoy from several points.
The island is home to several native New Zealand birds, such as kiwi, takahē, and saddleback, so you may be lucky enough to spot some of these birds on your hike. You can also see Waiheke Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, and the Firth of Thames.
| Pro tip: The trail can be muddy in some places, so wearing good shoes with good traction is essential. No water is available on the trail, so bring enough water for your hike. |
