It’s not widely known, but the Hauraki Gulf is home to some stunning walking tracks. Although the Waitakere Ranges have closed to help prevent kauri dieback, there are some great alternative trails to explore. Walk the Hauraki Gulf and help support the regeneration of our precious native forests.
Take the scenic route, and explore the Hauraki Gulf by foot. Scattered across the emerald islands, there are endless trails through native bush and coastal forest. Many offer stunning views of Auckland, neighbouring islands and beyond. Embark on a day-long urban coast-to-coast adventure, follow rugged terrain to the summit of a volcanic island, or take a short track through lush forest to a pristine beach.
FeaturedWalking Tracks
Walking Track Rangitoto Island
- Rangitoto Summit Track
- The most popular of the walks on Rangitoto Island
- Begins at the wharf and climbs through lava fields
- Stand 259 metres above sea level at the summit
- Panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland
- Time: 1 hr one way from Rangitoto Wharf
- Distance 3.1 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Track Tiritiri Matangi Island
- Kawerau Track Loop
- Spot rare birdlife in a regenerating forest
- Look out for the kororā (little blue penguin) nesting boxes along the trail
- Relax on Hobbs Beach
- Visit the oldest operating lighthouse in New Zealand
- Beautiful views across the Hauraki Gulf to the Coromandel Peninsula
- Time: 3 hours to complete a loop from the Wharf
- Difficulty: Easy
Walking Track Rotoroa Island
- Southern Loop Track
- A popular walk beginning from the Exhibition Centre, and a 10-minute walk from the wharf
- Take a detour to Men’s Bay, before looping around the South Tower
- View the Chris Booth Sculpture and Ruthe Point Lookout
- Time: 1.25 hours return from the Exhibition Centre
- Difficulty: Easy
Walking Track Waiheke Island
- Southern Walk Track
- Traverse Waiheke’s southern coastal headland
- Walk the Church Bay track with stunning views back to Auckland City and Rangitoto
- Visit wineries along the way or a café in Oneroa Village on your return
- Time: Approximately 2.25 hours
- Distance: 8.3 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Track Devonport Waterfront & Twin Peaks Walk
- Waterfront & Twin Peaks
- Summit track to North Head to explore the network of North Head tunnels
- Mount Victoria Summit walk and explore the bunker and gun emplacements
- Take in amazing 360-degree views of Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf from North Head
- Stroll along the historic waterfront street of King Edward Parade
- Time: Approximately 2 hours return from Devonport Wharf (depending on stops & detours)
- Distance: 6.2 km
- Difficulty: Easy
Walking Track Devonport to Takapuna Green Route
- Devonport-Takapuna Green Route
- Walk from the Devonport Wharf to stunning Takapuna Beach
- Cross platform boardwalks over Shoal Bay’s mangrove wetlands
- Take in beautiful views of the city and Harbour Bridge
- Plenty of opportunities to stop in cafés along the way
- Time: 2 hours one way
- Distance: 9.5 km
- Difficulty: Easy
Walking Track Coromandel Town
- Kauri Block Track
- Take in views of the Coromandel coastline
- Walk among the mighty native Kauri trees
- Spectacular 360-degree views of the Coromandel Ranges, islands and township
- Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
- Distance: 1.7 km one way
- Difficulty: Easy
Walking Track Motutapu Island
- Rangitoto Island to Home Bay Wharf
- Walk from the volcanic Rangitoto Island to Motutapu’s lush, green landscape
- Steeped in Maori history
- Follow the coastal track
- Time: 3.5 hours one-way
- Distance: 9.8 km one-way
- Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Track Coast to Coast Walk
- Walk across the Auckland isthmus in just one day
- See landscapes shaped by 600 years of Maori settlement
- Stunning views of the city
- Pass through historic suburbs, five volcanic sites to woodland settings, hills, parks, gardens and more
- Time: Full day
- Distance: 16 km one way
- Difficulty: Easy