Thursday, November 29, 2012

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.

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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.

Monday, November 12, 2012

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

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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

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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.

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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.

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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.

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These Auckland walks brought to you by Short Walks in Auckland

Saturday, November 10, 2012

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)

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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

Friday, November 9, 2012

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.

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1.       Mt Eden Loop

2.       Hobson Bay Walkway Loop

3.       Mount St John Loop

4.       Auckland Museum loop

5.       Parnell Loop