Mangere Mountain Walk Circuit |walksinauckland.com

I have driven past Mangere Mountain many times without realising where it was. I knew of it, but hadn't seen it. I discovered it last year and found that it's a huge and unspoiled volcano with fabulous views across the Manukau Harbour.

Mangere Mountain has little exposure from the motorway to the airport, but on its western side it looms high (106 metres above sea level), from the Harbour shores. This volcano does not have paved paths and roads like Mt Eden or One Tree Hill. It erupted about 18,000 years ago and is in the most original condition.

Nearby Mangere Village has several cafes, and nearby attractions are
Otuataua Stonefields historic reserve and Ambury Park

To get this walk and more, go to the Walk Store

Three Kings | walksinauckland.com

Big King is all that remains of the Three Kings volcano cones after the others were quarried away. 15,000 years ago there used to be three scoria mounds.

The lava flow from this volcanic centre overflowed into a 10 kilometre 'river' that terminated at Meola Reef at the Waitemata Harbour.

This circular walk in Auckland takes us to the top of what remains of the  volcano, parks and playgrounds  with views of Mount Eden, One Tree Hill, Rangitoto, Manukau Harbour and the City skyline.

 Big King Reserve is a favourite place for dog lovers as there is an off-leash area available.

Orvieto Cafe is dog-friendly (and not far away is The Eiffel Cafe). Both cafes serve great coffee and tasty food.

Find this walk and others at the Walk Store

Dingle Dell and St Heliers circuit | walksinauckland.com

One of my favourite walks in Auckland is the Dingle Dell and St Heliers circuit.  

On a sunny day St Heliers village  has a holiday feel about it - with the harbour water sparkling, the golden sand and people enjoying the waterfront.  Contrasted with the quietness of the native bush in Dingle Dell.

This walk has an area for dogs off-leash and a children's playground.  Plus a picnic area in Dingle Dell Reserve.

Along Tamaki Drive there is a fine choice of cafes and restaurants.

Find this and other walks at the Walks Store

What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

 In this short fun video — A Doctor-Professor answers the old question:.  What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

We are on Facebook Walks in Auckland

Visit our blog ‘Short walks in Auckland’

7 Things to do and see when you walk in Auckland

There are many things to do and see in Auckland, and I would like to share with you one thing that won’t cost you too much money and won’t take up too much of your time – and that’s by going on one our short walks in Auckland!

When you go for a short walk in Auckland, you will not only feel energised from being outdoors in the fresh air, you will also be able to experience the beauty, uniqueness and diversity of Auckland. Life is such a rush these days, and a short walk gives you the chance to slow down, unwind and maybe discover something about Auckland that you weren’t aware of previously. Read more at Things to do in Auckland

Mt Albert and Meola Creek Circuit

Today I was shown an interesting waterway - Meola Creek.  

Meola Creek is the result of run-off from Mt Albert, Mt Eden and Three Kings and runs over and under ground (in pipes) out to Waitemata Harbour at Meola Reef.

This whole area can be seen from the summit of Mt Albert.

Read more at Walks in Auckland...Mt Albert and Meola Creek Circuit

See more photos on our Facebook Page

Waiheke Island walkways and vineyards

Discover the uniqueness that is Waiheke Island.
Unspoiled sandy beaches, lush native bush,
fabulous views, and the island's best walkways.

Just waiting to be explored.

Auckland City Council's vast network of walkways makes this a pleasure.

Catch the ferry and enjoy a day out, and prepare to swim on a summers day – if you decide on Walk One, take in refreshments at Cable Bay, Mudbrick or Jurassic Ridge

Brought to you by Walks in Auckland

Sculpture gardens on Kaipara Coast

Looking for something to do out of Auckland?

Visit a beautiful 1km sculpture and garden trail set in a tranquil rural oasis 40 minutes northwest of Auckland.

Over 60 works by contemporary artists.

Exhibition runs from 19^th November 2011 to 20^th October 2012. Open 7 days 9am – 4pm

Find out more - Sculpture Gardens

Mini walking adventures in Auckland for the school holidays

School holidays begin this weekend.  What are your plans?

If you are staying in or visiting Auckland, why not go on a mini adventure walk in Auckland?

Download free self-guides at Walks in Auckland.

Or walk while the children ride on their bicycles and scooters – ideas here.

Then all you will need is a fine day to enjoy the fun!

Lose weight and improve heart health

(NaturalNews) Many people these days think they have to follow the latest fad diet in order to lose a lot of weight in a hurry. The hard truth is that there is actually no fast fix for weight loss. It is a gradual process that involves a will to change one's lifestyle and habits. Walking is one of the safest, most effective forms of exercise that will assist with successful weight loss and future weight, health and heart maintenance.

Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/033308_walking_weight_loss.html#ixzz1VJcucmEB

Make walking a fun part of your day!

From Helen Wenley Short Walks in Auckland

off leash dog walks

Our Short Walks in Auckland self-guides indicate if there are off-leash areas for dogs available.

The Herald on Sunday Living section edition dated August 7^th, 2011 listed in detail 8 areas, plus another 4 in brief.

In case you missed it – you can read the article here: Off-leash dog parks

The areas are:

1.       Meola Reef *

2.       Big King Reserve *

3.       Craig Avon Park

4.       Waiaturua Reserve

5.       Western Park *

6.       Kakamatua Inlet

7.       Takapuna Beach

8.       Macleans Park

9.       Churchill Park *

10.   Heron Park

11.   Kauri Point Domain

12.   Waikowhai Park

                Those marked with an * are currently included in a Short Walks in Auckland self-guides.

Other dog friendly sites:

Doogle – dog friendly exercise areas

FetchMag – Dog walks

Plan my Play – Dog Friendly Exercise areas/beaches

From Helen Wenley Short Walks in Auckland

Alternative Coast to Coast Auckland Walk

Have you walked the Auckland Coast to Coast walkway?

Walk NZ Coast to Coast in Four Hours?
The narrowest point between the east and west coasts of New Zealand happens to be in Auckland and there is a delightful walk that will take you as little as ...
gonewzealand.about.com/.../walk-nz-coast-to-coast-in-four-ho...

Soon I will have available an alternative coast to coast walk!!

We have created it in stages, so that at convenient points, if you need to return to the start we let you know where you can catch a bus or train.

The walk is full of variety from kauri trees, to the Parnell shops and cafes, churches and cathedrals, views of the harbours, volcanoes and Waitekere Ranges and an art collection.

It includes many playground areas for children which we hope is an incentive for them to do this walk.

This walk in Auckland shows off the diversity of this wonderful city. Read more...Coast to Coast Walk

Te Atatu Peninsula Walk

Another fine winters day in Auckland – and this time we headed out west to Te Atatu Peninsula to walk along the eastern shore line that has spectacular views of the harbour.

I read elsewhere that there is a long view plan to create a walkway completely around the peninsula!  I am looking forward to that.

From Helen Wenley @ Walks in Auckland – Te Atatu Peninsula walk

Things to do in Auckland - Coast to Coast Walk | walkinauckland.com

YouTube - Things to do in Auckland - Coast to Coast walk‏ Looking for things to do in Auckland? Walks in Auckland have put together an alternative Coast to Coast walk. It takes about 4 hours from ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA1nv6o1AM8

Visit Walks in Auckland to read about the new alternative Coast to Coast Auckland Walk

Walking builds muscle, closer ties | walksinauckland.com

Walking is one of the most common physical activities that parents and children do together, a recent survey found.

Read more at USA Today

Helen says: Find a fun walk in Auckland for you and your family. Download your free guide at Short Walks in Auckland,  ‘What to do and see in Auckland’.

Mangawhai: Outpost for the in-crowd | walksinauckland.com

New Zealand Herald
... with fishing in the harbour and ocean, rural and beach walks, a gorgeous golf ... is on the east coast, 90 minutes' drive north of central Auckland. ... Mangawhai:Outpost for the in-crowd

Helen says: if you fancy a day walking out of Auckland, then Mangawhai, north of Auckland is a great place to head. 

I like the sound of the food at Bennett’s Cafe!

If  Mangawhai is too far away for you to travel, then grab a mini adventure for maximum enjoyment- head to Walks in Auckland to pick out a free walk self-guide.

Waiheke Walking Festival 2011 | walksinauckland.com

The second annual Waiheke Walking Festival takes place Saturday 29 October to Sunday 6 November 2011.

Waiheke Walking Festival 2011
fourcorners.co.nz
Sandy beaches and beautiful native bush, the island is a paradise right on Auckland's doorstep. The Walking Festival is a great opportunity to enjoy the island's fine network of public walkways, to take advantage of feature walks across private land ...

Helen says: If you can’t wait until October to go walking in Auckland – choose a FREE self-guided walk from Walks in Auckland.

Exploring your own backyard | walksinauckland.com

In yesterdays NZ Herald Travel section, Liz French wrote an article about two New Zealand couples who call themselves the ‘Pink Hatters’.

The Pink Hatters have decided to explore their own backyard – travel within New Zealand living up to the slogan “Don’t leave home till you’ve seen the country”.

I have set up Short Walks in Auckland to help Auckland residents and visitors get to discover the uniqueness and diversity of Auckland.

I did set out to sell each walk, but now I am planning on making them free to encourage people to get walking for health, fitness and fun.

My goal is to create 52 circular walks of about 60 to 90 minutes in length.  Currently 16 are available.

From now until 31^st December 2011 you can download Walks in Auckland self-guides for FREE!  

Just enter your name and email address at Walks in Auckland - and choose your walk.

Orakei Basin Walkway nearly open | walksinauckland.com

At last! The walkway around the Orakei Basin is almost complete!

Workmen were busy today, pouring concrete onto a new pathway on the Macpherson Track.

Read more...Walks in Auckland Orakei Basin walkway

Walks in Auckland - St Heliers | walksinauckland.com

This walk in Auckland takes you along the waterfront at St Heliers with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Walking is good for health | walksinauckland.com

I have just come across a great blog called Ponder Mountain.  Hop on over and take a look...(and enjoy the photos too)

We hear from our doctors and in the news that we need to be healthier, but for many of us, adapting to a healthy lifestyle is a hard transition.  If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Ponder Mountain is for people who try.  Ponder Mountain is intended to be a community for people to share their successes on the road to wellness. Read more at  Ponder Mountain.

Helen says:  Walking solo or walking with company is a great way to get healthy.  Take the time to choose a good route and it can be fun too. 

From now until 31^st December 2011 you can download Walks in Auckland self-guides for FREE!  Just enter your name and email address  at Walks in Auckland - and choose your walk.

FREE Auckland walking guides | walksinauckland.com

Get inspired – watch video highlights at Walks in Auckland

And from now until 31^st December 2011 you can download Walks in Auckland self-guides for FREE!  

Just enter your name and email address  at Walks in Auckland - and choose your walk.

FREE walking self-guides available NOW |walksinauckland.com

From now until 31^st December 2011 you can download Walks in Auckland self-guides for FREE!  

Just enter your name and email address  at Walks in Auckland - and choose your walk.

Remuera Village and Mangroves | walksinauckland.com

I really enjoy the diversity of Auckland at large and it is also a pleasure to find a walk that contains diversity within a small area. This walk in Auckland, takes us from the ridge of Remuera Village down to the edge of Hobson Bay, onto a boardwalk amongst the mangroves via reserves and the Remuera mansions. Find out more... Remuera Village and Mangroves

Health Benefits of Walking | walksinauckland.com

We all know that walking is good for us but do we really know how good it is? Many studies have shown walking promotes longevity and other numerous health benefits.

Studies show that walking can:

Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Lower blood pressure. Reduce high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profile. Reduce body fat Enhance mental well-being.

Increase bone density: helping to prevent osteoporosis. Reduce the risk of various cancers. Reduce the risk of diabetes. Help osteoarthritis Help flexibility and co-ordination: reducing the risk of falls. Improves circulation.

Read more at Walk Well

Helen says:  At Walks in Auckland, we believe that walking can be healthy and FUN! 

Discover the uniqueness and diversity of Auckland, download your FREE guide ‘What to See and Do in Auckland’–

Get walking in Auckland today!!!

Auckland Domain and Museum | walksinauckland.com

Time for a relaxing walk in Auckland Domain, the home of the Auckland War Memorial Museum. 

A Mothers Day treat!

Head on over to Walks in Auckland to find out more about our walk in the Auckland Domain and visit to the Museum

Hillsborough cemetery to the bays | walksinauckland.com

The Hillsborough Cemetery to Bays walk is one of the few walks in Auckland that does not have a nearby cafe. However, we feel that it deserves to be in our collection because it is quite magical - from the peacefulness of the cemetery, to the rustling of the bush and then the lapping of the water at the edge of Manukau Harbour. Visit Walks in Auckland to read more.... from Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays

Benefits of walking for the mind & body |walksinauckland.com

Do you know any exercise easier to perform than walking? It requires no skill, it is inexpensive, can be done virtually any time of day, has no age restriction and can even be done indoors if the person has a treadmill. For someone who does not practice any kind of sport, walking 10 minutes a day is enough to cause noticeable effects on the body, within just one week. Besides the improvement in physical fitness, the benefits of walking for health, body and mind are many and proven by science. Here are 11 benefits that this habit will result in for you. Check it out here and move to improve your health: Benefits of walking for the mind and body

Helen says: Auckland is city with a unique and diverse geography.  So not only is it fun to explore but as you have read above, there are 11 benefits when you go walking.

Get inspired, download your FREE guide ‘What to do and see in Auckland’

photogenic spots in Auckland | walksinauckland.com

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is often associated with shopping, sailing and its busy skyline – but there are some stunning natural wonders in and around the city to explore.  We asked Shereen Moloney  –  Auckland resident and writer, director and producer in the New Zealand film industry for more than 20 years – to nominate her five most photogenic spots around Auckland.  Find her favourite photos here: Five photogenic spots in Auckland

Helen says:  I have been able to take amazing photos when I go walking in Auckland.  Taking a camera along with you can help you to notice things that haven’t been apparent before.

Get inspired, download your FREE guide ‘What to do and see in Auckland’

walking motivation and inspriation | walksinauckland.com

Walking is a great way to get in shape, lose weight and feel great. Yet as good as it is for you, it can be challenging to walk every day. It can be challenging to reach your health and fitness goals. The good news is there are a number of tools you can use to find strength and motivation. Read more... http://easygohealthy.com/tag/walking-motivation/

Helen says...walking with friends and family makes exercise fun and enjoyable. 

Walking and talking is a great way to catch up with each other’s news.

Get inspired, download your FREE guide ‘What to do and see in Auckland’

Walks in Auckland - Parks and Markets | walksinauckland.com

How do you recover after last night’s fabulous TV screening of the wedding of Prince William and Catherine?  Go for a walk in Auckland of course!

Todays walk started at Victoria Park Market  and then up through Western Park to Ponsonby Road.

Cornwall Park video | walksinauckland.com

Have you ever wondered what there is to see in Cornwall Park, Auckland?

Brought to you by Walks in Auckland

Walks in Auckland highlights vol 2 | walksinauckland.com

New video- Walks in Auckland Highlights Volume Two.  A collection of photos out and about in Auckland.

What are the health benefits of walking? | walksinauckland.com

Do you know any exercise easier to perform than walking? It requires no skill, it is inexpensive, can be done virtually any time of day, has no age restriction and can even be done indoors if the person has a treadmill. For someone who does not practice any kind of sport, walking 10 minutes a day is enough to cause noticeable effects on the body, within just one week. Besides the improvement in physical fitness, the benefits of walking for health, body and mind are many and proven by science. Here are 11 benefits that this habit will result in for you. Check it out here and move to improve your health: Benefits of Walking

Helen says: If you live in Auckland, or are visiting Auckland check out Walks in Auckland to find a short circular walk for your health fitness and fun.

Walks in Auckland with children

Here are some tips to help you decide where to take children for walks in Auckland: Walks in Auckland with children

Too Young to get Old | walksinauckland.com

Christine Webber  writer, broadcaster and psychotherapist,  has written a new book ‘Too Young to get old’ – the baby boomers guide to living life to the full.

Fabafterfifty asked Christine about her own experience of life after 50, and her inspiration behind the book. 

Christine says “A lot of women are not as fit as they perhaps ought to be. I was appalled when I found out that baby boomers are the most out-of-shape of all generations. I thought there must be some error in the statistics! After all, we weren’t reared on junk food, and we learned to cook properly – and take-aways when we were young were limited to the occasional treat of fish and chips. But unfortunately, the stats were correct: 69% of female baby boomers are overweight. Clearly this is a worry. Being heavy can lead to the sort of illnesses (diabetes, some cancers, heart disease, joint problems) we all want to avoid if we are to live long and prosper. The other thing I learned – and I am by no means a financial expert – was that far too many of us haven’t really saved enough. And I think I’m probably one of them.” Read the full interview at Fabafterfifty .

Helen says – if live in Auckland or are visiting Auckland, and you want to get inspired to get in-shape by  walking, visit Walks in Auckland and choose a short walk!

to see: Trams, planes and birds on walksinauckland.com

It is another beautiful Autumn day – perfect for a walk around Western Springs and Meola Reef.

NOW Available FREE eGuide Plus Special Bonus

I have been working on getting this up and running for you all today.

And now the free eGuide is available for you to claim from Short Walks in Auckland

FREE report 'What to do and see in Auckland' Coming soon

Coming soon... a FREE 20 page report “What to Do and See in Auckland” with a surprise bonus, to help you get started on Short Walks in Auckland!

Walking Slows Progression of Alzheimer's

"We found that walking five miles per week protects the brain structure over 10 years in people with Alzheimer's and MCI, especially in areas of the brain's key memory and learning centers," said Cyrus Raji, Ph.D., from the Department of Radiology at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. "We also found that these people had a slower decline in memory loss over five years."

Read more at Science Daily.

No matter what age we are, walking keeps us fit and healthy.  Discover fun walks at Short Walks in Auckland.

Walks in Auckland - roses, trains and cranes

There is so much to discover in Parnell!  One moment you can be in the solitude of a reserve and the next looking at large cranes moving shipping containers with a helicopter nearby warming up to take off, and a train swiftly moving along the tracks.  Find out what else we saw on our  walk in Parnell Auckland. Brought to you by Short Walks in Auckland.

Benefits of Fitness Walking

This routine will assist the brain to function properly. Fitness walking can also help to keep your heart in shape, as well as help you lose extra weight. We all know that to enjoy life we must have a healthy heart and a healthy mind. Read more here... Benefits of Fitness Walking | Fitness Walking Tips 

Enjoy the benefits of a variety of short walks in Auckland.

Choosing The Right Safety Equipment For Walking

When walking you need shoes to protect your feet, heel, ankles, and knees. The shoes you wear makes a difference, since if the shoes are not comfortable and do not provide you support it will cause you distress. Distress could lead to inactivity, since you will feel reluctant to continue walking to fitness. Read more here... Choosing The Right Safety Equipment For Walking | Fitness Walking Tips

Once you have chosen your walking equipment then you can head out on one of the many short walks in Auckland

Taking your first walking steps

Everyone needs to exercise and a little bit will go a long way. One step leads to another and that leads into more energy and better health. Starting a walking exercising program is like any other exercise... read more here Taking Your First Baby Steps | Fitness Walking Tips 

You can continue to build your fitness, get better health and have fun  when you go on short walk in Auckland

Choosing the right exercise for you

The type of exercise you do all depends on you and what you like to do and what you hate doing.....read more here Choosing The Right Exercise For You | Blog 

And if you decide to go out walking choose a short walk in Auckland to get going.

Senior fitness walking tips

Why should I walk? Walking is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay physically fit. It's also a versatile form of exercise that can be done indoors or outdoors, and you can tailor the intensity of your exercise based upon ...read more here Life Coaching With Maureen - Senior Fitness Walking 

You can build your walking fitness when you go on short walks in Auckland

Short walks in Auckland Video Highlights

When we head out for a walk we take our camera and we now have a great collection of photos.  I have just learnt how to turn them into a movie. Enjoy Short Walks in Auckland – The Movie.

Another fine day for walking in Auckland

Today we went on a short walk in Auckland to see the Parnell farmers markets. 

The walk is one of contrast from the busy markets to the peace of reserves of native palms and ferns.

Walks in Auckland - shop now open

Dear Walking buddies.  Short Walks in Auckland is excited to announce that we now have products available for you to buy over at our website.  Looking forward to introducing you to the diversity and uniqueness of Auckland walks.

Walking is good for brain health

“Professor Winston Byblow, a brain researcher and sport and exercise scientist at the University of Auckland, has found regular exercise significantly increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, nourishing cells and helping thought.” He says that walking for 45 minutes, five times a week reduces our brain’s age by 10 years.  If strength training is added to the mix, it provides more benefits.  Here at Short Walks in Auckland, we encourage you to walk daily and by adding variety to your walks, you are stimulating your brains cells which helps to reverse the effects of ageing. So get your shoes on and head outside!

Enjoying Churchill Park in Auckland , New Zealand

Churchill Park is one of the few walks in Auckland that has little shelter and today was the perfect day for being there.

Get fundraising by walking

Do you want to help with fundraising efforts for the Christchurch earthquake by sponsoring walkers?  Find other walks in Auckland for fundraising ideas.

Walk to lose weight

Here’s a lady who has incorporated walking into her life and found it has helped her to lose weight.  If you are looking for variety when you go out walking pick a new walk from Walks in Auckland.

Walks in Auckland - walking with children

What age do you start taking children on short walks in Auckland? 

My general advice is from ages 5 or 6. 

But it does depend on your child, their attention span and how much energy they have.

Think carefully when choosing the walk. 

Does it have something that will interest your child and keep them motivated? 

Are they happy to wait until the end for a playground? 

Or would they like a playground at mid-point? 

Would they like to play in the sand at the beach so that they can have a rest? 

Or are they adventurous and would enjoy exploring tunnels with torches? 

Perhaps they would like to go with a friend or they are happy to keep company with your pet dog. 

There are many options and as they get older they will enjoy more.

When I lived in England, I went walking with my husband-to-be and his friend Tony and Tony’s daughter Joanna. 

Joanna must have been about 3 or 4 years old.  It was May and the bluebells were out and it was a beautiful spring day.  Joanna walked about 10kms that day and only asked to be carried for a short while.  I was amazed at the stamina of the wee girl.

Make the walk a fun adventure and your children will have many happy memories. 

Pack a picnic or carry snacks and water with you to keep the “hungries” away, and be sure to have hats and sun block handy on sunny days.

Choose a walk for you and your children at the Short Walks in Auckland Store.