As the warmer weather works in our favour, take advantage of the opportunity to unplug and venture out this weekend with one of these great Auckland walks.
Cascade Falls Loop Track
Distance: 1.5 km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy - Moderate Access: 35km from Auckland CBD - Falls Road, Waitakere
If you've been wanting to get to know the Waitakere Ranges a little better this is a great place to start. The easy grade track is ideal for all ages and easily accessible. There's huge kauri and totara trees, and a waterfall with its own majestic swimming spot.
The loop begins in the same spot as it ends and there are signs posted with directions to the Cascade Falls. Don't forget something to swim in and a towel for a refreshing dip in the cool water.
Rangitoto Island Summit
Distance: 4.6km Time: 1 hour each way Difficulty: Moderate Access: 25minute ferry from Auckland CBD
If you're a long-time Auckland city dweller this is one walk that must be ticked off the list. As Auckland's largest volcano Rangitoto is also home to the world's largest p[ohutukawa forest. The island offers stunning views of Auckland city and the harbour and what's better than an adventure that includes a boat ride?
Rangitoto Summit. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Walking directly to the summit grants a particularly pretty 360-degree view across the Hauraki Gulf, Waitakere Ranges in the west and Hunua Ranges in the east. The ferry runs three times through weekdays and five times daily over the weekend. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Hunua Falls. Photo / Michael Craig
Mokoroa Stream Track
Distance: 4.5km one way Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy Access: 45km west of Auckland
The Mokoroa Stream Track is an advanced loop walk which comes off the Goldie Bush Walkway which is found between Muriwai and Waitakere on the west coast of Auckland.
Goldie Bush Walkway is in Te Henga area. Photo / Natalie Slade
The track leaves the Goldie Bush Walkway at a junction before the swing bridge and follows the Mokoroa Stream. A lookout is located at the top of the Makoroa Falls Track and has striking views.
Upper Nihotupu Walk
Distance: 2.6km Time: 1.5hours to dam and back Difficulty: Moderate Access: 25km from Auckland CBD
With fantastic views of the beautiful native bush, the walk to the Nihotupu Dam also includes epic waterfalls to marvel at along the way. At over 100ft tall and packed with 530 million gallons of water, the Nihotupu Dam is an impressive sight.
Great for a family day out or a simple escape from the hustle and bustle within the city. Apart from some steep stairs at the end of the picnic area loop — which isn't an essential part of the walk, this walk is ideal for all fitness abilities.
Coast to Coast Walkway
Distance: 16km from one side to the other Time: 4-5hours Difficulty: Moderate Access: Waitemata Harbour, Auckland CBD
The Coast to Coast walk in a great way to get to know Auckland city better. The 16km hike across Auckland from Waitemata to Manukau takes you through the city's historic landscape, shaped by 600 years of Maori occupation.
Travelling across five volcanoes, all which offer independently remarkable views of Auckland, the walk is ideal to stop for coffee, lunch or at one of the many attractions.
Relish the opportunity to see some of New Zealand's finest natural and built heritage with outstanding panoramic views throughout the journey.
