Walking in Auckland's parks and reserves

One of our many criteria for helping you enjoy walking in Auckland, is to include as many parks and reserves into our circular walks.

Each green space is different – it may be on top of one of Auckland many volcanoes, or through urban native bush, or alongside the harbour...there are many choices.

We are very fortunate in Auckland that we do have so much green space.

Look at what is happening in New York!

Urban Parks are increasingly playing a vital role in the social, economic and physical well-being of America's cities and their residents.

Get a look inside NYC's premier open spaces by exploring legendary Central Park and the newly revitalized High Line.

Get your free guide: what to do and see in Auckland

5 new walks in Epsom/Mount Eden Auckland

The University of Auckland's Epsom Campus walks - assignment completed!

We have documented five new Short Walks in Auckland  brochures for you to download.

To find out more visit: University of Auckland walks – Epsom Campus

7 ideas for walks and picnics in December/January

December can be a very busy month for many of us.  Christmas and holidays to prepare for.  End of year events for work and school....

Sometimes life can become so hectic that we don’t take the time for a walk.

My suggestion is to make a walk part of a get-together with your friends and family. 

Take a picnic lunch, rugs, folding chairs and make the most of Auckland’s parks and reserves.

Here are seven ideas:

1. Tahuna Torea Reserve  

2. Cornwall Park

3. Dingle Dell

4. Henderson Opanuku Stream

5. Te Atatu Peninsula  

6. Auckland Botanic Gardens and Totara Park

7. http://walksinauckland.com/waiatarua-reserve-fun/

Get more ideas at our website Short Walks in Auckland

I wish you all a very Happy Holiday.

Stay connected with us on our Facebook page - where I post photos from our walks to provide inspiration.

We would appreciate your feedback - either at our website or on our Facebook page. Share your thoughts and ideas with fellow walkers.

Have fun!

Helen Wenley

Short Walks in Auckland - Mini Adventures for Maximum Enjoyment

Keep up-to date with the latest complete walk list.

We are made to move, so let's get walking!

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.

Read more: Health benefits of Walking

This video below explains how walking helps us to stay young.  We are made to keep moving!

Our Auckland  walks self-guide brochures that include a map and directions, are available to download from our website Short Walks in Auckland

Two walks from Greenwoods Corner, Epsom

These two FREE self-guide Auckland  walks brochures are available to download from our website Short Walks in Auckland

1.      Pah Homestead Loop
This central Auckland walk starts from Greenwoods Corner, takes you through the streets of Epsom to the beautiful big park of Monte Cecilia where you can walk around and view the extraordinary TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre within the wonderfully restored Pah Homestead.

2.     Cornwall park/One Tree Hill Loop
Description: A mix of mainly level paths, and a few steep paths. Suitable for users of all ages and abilities, suitable for normal footwear and for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To see: City views, harbour views, trees, Volcano, farm animals, observatory. The Park is home to many birds ranging from Native Pigeon, Fantail to California Quail, White-faced Heron and Paradise Shelduck.

Greenwoods Corner is a small village in the Auckland suburb of Epsom, nestled under One Tree Hill. The village has a selection of small businesses; a great butcher, good cafes, restaurants, clothing and gift shops, and friendly people. Buses come and go regularly.

From Greenwoods Corner, you can visit  One Tree Hill/Cornwall Park to see the lambs and have a picnic, or visit the Stardome Observatory, then take a walk around the retail area, see heritage buildings, homes built in the early 1900’s with well-kept gardens, and local parks.

Other Auckland  walks self-guide brochures that include a map and directions, are available to download from our website Short Walks in Auckland

Walk Auckland's volcanoes and get fit for summer

Spring continues to tease us as we wait for the summer!  Let's make the most of those few warm, sunny, late spring days, and get fit for summer.

A pleasant way to step up our walking fitness, is to explore Auckland's many volcanoes – there are over 50!  When was the last time you enjoyed the view from the summits?  Each volcano is unique and here is a list of our self-guided walks brochures for you to choose from:  Volcano Walks in Auckland

Have you spotted the newly released book "Walking for Fitness, Pleasure and Health'? It is a complete guide for women of all ages. This book is designed to meet the needs of all women who want to know the basics of walking. Buy the book online Walking for Fitness  It can also be purchased as an eBook Walking for Fitness

We would appreciate your feedback - either at our website or on our Facebook page. Share your thoughts and ideas with fellow walkers.

We have a large collection of Auckland walks at our website Short Walks in Auckland

Three walks around Onehunga | Short walks in Auckland

Onehunga, the port town nestled on the edge of Manukau harbour is steeped in early settler history. It’s first European history dates back to 1835 read more... Onehunga’s History

Before then the Maori were well established on the fortified One Tree Hill.

Walking around the township of Onehunga, you are rewarded by its unique shops mingled with old cottages and the remains of its history.

We have documented three walks around Onehunga:

1.     Onehunga to Pah Homestead - The Onehunga Railway station is a great spot to arrive in Onehunga at the southern end of the mall.   From here you can either amble slowly and enjoy the curious collection of shops or just push on up the hill. Take a break at Pah Homestead – enjoy the TSB Wallace Arts Collection and refreshments at the cafe.

2.     Onehunga Foreshore - The walk follows the edge of the Onehunga Bay Reserve and then the edge of Manukau Harbour. In summer, I would expect to see more shore birds. Even though the walk passes through part of the industrial area of Onehunga, it is still interesting.

3.     Mangere Bridge to Onehunga Loop - This walk takes in views of Mangere Mountain and Manukau Harbour from the old Mangere Bridge, the harbour shore birds, mangrove swamp area, Onehunga Wharf, Onehunga Mall, a dog off-leash area in Onehunga Bay Reserve, Jellicoe Park (with its historical houses, picnic tables, children’s playground and public swimming pool). With a distance of 7.5kms, it is a bit longer than our usual walks.

Both Onehunga and Mangere Bridge Village have a good collection of cafes to drop into.

These Auckland walks brought to you by Short Walks in Auckland

Five Short circular walks in Auckland from Symonds Street

Short Walks in Auckland have complied 5 free walks from the University of Auckland’s Symonds Street campus, to enable staff and students to enjoy a walk in their day.

Each walk is circular and takes 40 to 45 minutes.

1.      Auckland Domain Loop.
Description: A mix of level paths, steps and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see: Auckland Domain, Kauri Trees, Historical Buildings, Auckland High Court
Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.94 kms)

2.      Karangahape Road Loop.
Description: A mix of level paths, steps and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see: Symonds Street Cemetery, Historical Buildings, Albert Park, Auckland Art gallery, Khartoum Place, Myers Park
Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.67 kms)

3.      Parnell Loop
Description: A mix of level paths, steps and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see: Auckland Domain, Kauri Trees, Historical Buildings, Auckland High Court, Parnell Cottages
Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.65 kms)

4.      Britomart Loop
Description: A mix of level paths, steps and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. To see: Historical Buildings, Auckland High Court, Albert Park, Auckland Art Gallery, Britomart

Time: approx. 40 minutes. (about 3.72 kms)

5.      Quay Street Loop
Description: A mix of level paths, steps and slightly inclined paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Historical Buildings, Ferry Building, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Old NZ parliament building site
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.19 kms)

Short Walks in Auckland

University Of Auckland Walks - from Grafton campus

Stage Two of the University of Auckland short walks project, with five walking circuits starting and ending from the Grafton campus in Park Road.

These five walks take about 40 to 45 minutes, are circular and are all different:

1.      Mount Eden Loop
This walk takes you to the foot of Mount Eden and returns via the Grafton Bridge.  There are minimal traffic light controls, which gives you the opportunity for a steady workout.
Time:Approx.45 minutes (about 4kms)

2.     Auckland Domain Loop
This walk will help you forget that you live and/or work in a city – it takes you into the native bush of the Auckland Domain for a refreshing break, where you can get off the concrete and hear the birds.
Time:Approx.45 minutes (about 3.86kms)

3.     Auckland Town Hall Loop
This diverse walk explores the busy city streets of Karangahape Road and Symonds Street, and gives you a refreshing break in Myers and  Albert Parks.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.36 kms)

4.     Newmarket Loop
This diverse walk explores the back streets of Newmarket, and gives you a refreshing short break in the Auckland Domain.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 3.93 kms)

5.     Parnell Loop
This walk takes in Auckland Domain, a brief visit to Parnell’s Scarborough Reserve and returns along Auckland Domain’s bush track.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. (about 4.26 kms)

You can download these free University Of Auckland walks when you enter your contact details here
Stay on track…get other detailed guides with maps from our Walks Store

Take your pick from 5 walks around Newmarket

Looking for a weekend urban walk in Auckland?  Head down to Newmarket and take your pick from 5 walks

Newmarket is a lively area with a wide choice of shops, cafes, cinemas and restaurants.

For people who live or work in or near Newmarket, these five walks in Auckland take you through the back streets starting from Newmarket Railway Station.

It is very easy for visitors to Auckland to catch a train or bus from Britomart. Or if you are travelling by car, then you could start from a place where parking is easy along the loop.

1.       Mt Eden Loop

2.       Hobson Bay Walkway Loop

3.       Mount St John Loop

4.       Auckland Museum loop

5.       Parnell Loop

New! Seats in Auckland Video armchair adventure

New video!

Get your headset on, sit back and enjoy 'Seats in Auckland' – an inspiring mini walking tour of Auckland...without leaving home

Brought to you by Short Walks in Auckland

Lost in the city and the technology

One of the things that is a major challenge when we go hunting for a new walk in Auckland, is the lack of signs.

Even though we have smart phones and Goggle maps, the walkways are not shown.

Which is why our self-guides provide clear directions to keep you on track along with a map. 

Hopefully, you won’t get lost like this recent visitor to Auckland!

The Wynyard Quarter has nice walks, but getting around them can be ... On a recent visit to Auckland, I saw the future - and it was scary.

Read more: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10816709

<<<<<< Nice arrows, but where are they pointing to?????

Brought to you by Helen Wenley at Short Walks in Auckland

Arthritis: Walking for Healthy Joints

Meet Mikayla Minning (on YouTube), a teen who raises awareness about Juvenile Arthritis and explains how walking has helped her cope with a life of arthritis.
Arthritis is the nation's most common cause of disability. Approximately 50 million men, women and children are doctor-diagnosed with arthritis. Walking strengthens your muscles and helps maintain joint flexibility. For people with arthritis, muscle and joint benefits are important because joints become stiffer and muscles weaken with inactivity. As a weight-bearing exercise, walking reduces the risk of osteoporosis; this is especially important if you're taking glucocorticoids for your arthritis, which can weaken bones. In addition to all the physical benefits, walking can play an important part in combating the depression, fatigue and stress that accompany your arthritis.

Brought to you by Helen Wenley at Short Walks in Auckland

Is walking good for our health?

What are the health benefits of walking?

This post Health Benefits of Walking provides a list of benefits and a cool video to watch.

After looking at that, hopefully you will be inspired to take a Short walk in Auckland!!

New beginnings at Hobsonville Point

You may want to get out and explore Hobsonville Point this weekend.

There is a big vision for this area and it is starting to happen.

The developers are planning an area that blends the Auckland Viaduct scene (waterfront bars and restaurants) with historic Devonport (renovated heritage homes)and fun Mission Bay (a coastal reserve). 

Sounds intriguing?

From October there will be a new ferry service operating from downtown Auckland.

Already there are Sunday markets, a fun children’s playground and a terrific cafe (called The Catalina).

Be part of the exciting big change. Experience the beginnings this weekend.

Keep up to date with Hobsonville Point news by registering your interest here

Discover Hobsonville Point by foot, take the Hobsonville Point circuit (this walk can be downloaded for free when you enter your name and email at our site).

Enjoy!

Helen Wenley Short Walks in Auckland

Cornwall Park Autumn Guided Walks Series - Auckland

Autumn is a great time to walk around Cornwall Park to enjoy seeing the oak trees exchange their green leaves for gold.

Walks in Auckland has a free self-guide you can download when you enter your name and email address at our website Walks in Auckland

Or you can wait for the guided walks in May/June.

Cornwall Park Autumn Guided Walks - Auckland - NZ Herald Events
Powered by eventfinder.co.nz: Cornwall Park Autumn Guided Walk Series, May- June 2012. Walks take place in the morning between 10am-12pm. ..., Cornwall ...
events.nzherald.co.nz/2012/cornwall-park-autumn.../epsom

See the full gallery on Posterous

Busy weekend in Auckland, or plan to escape!

Auckland will be jumping this weekend – the Volvo yacht race is set to depart and the Round the Bays run is on.

So you could a) join in the fun or b) go for a peaceful walk in Auckland...

If you choose b) how about checking out Te Atatu Peninsula? 

You can view the skyline of Auckland City from a distance while you explore the wetlands.

Discover where ‘Michelle’ from the 2011 TV series ‘Nothing Trivial’ hangs out.

brought to you by Walks in Auckland - Te Atatu Peninsula Walk

Walk across Macleans Park to Eastern Beach | walksinauckland.com

Macleans Park has fabulous views of Tamaki Strait to Rangitoto Island.  As well as bush and streams.  It is a great place to take your  dog – it is a dog friendly walk and the park is an off-leash area.

Our walk takes you down through the park to Eastern Beach where you may be tempted to go for a swim on a warm summers day.  There are two playgrounds for the children.

And you can always take a picnic to enjoy down along The Esplanade.

What a wonderful walk in Auckland!

Brought to you by Helen Wenley @ Walks in Auckland

Walk in Titirangi 8am Sunday 19th Feb

Sport Waitakere’s “Walk It series” begins this Sunday 19^th February 2012 at 8am. 

Meet at Titirangi Community House.

Brought to you by Walks in Auckland