One day, Grace, my walking companion, suggested we spice up our walks by turning them into adventures. We left the park and explored the areas we had seen in the distance.
We were captivated. We found pockets of native bush, coastal walkways, wetlands, streams, and, of course, more volcanoes. We discovered places and things we didn't know existed.
Grace and I walk for fun and recreation, and as a result of our adventures have become fitter and healthier.
Surprises happen frequently and unexpectedly, such as finding a giant kauri hidden in the bush of Bayview; hearing native birds in St Johns Bush; finding the grave in Hillsborough Cemetery of the first man to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel; coming across a wood-carving in progress in Botany and discovering Shelly Park Beach along the Mangemangeroa Walkway.
We are truly blessed to have so many walkways and cycleways in our "backyard". The Twin Streams project in Henderson, along Henderson Creek and Opanuku Stream, provides for recreation and commuting. Te Atatu Peninsula can be reached by bicycle from the city now the link at Grafton has been completed. These areas are off-road and suitable for all ages. They are just a few kilometres from the CBD yet when you get there you cannot hear cars, you see no other person and the sounds of the forest give you the illusion of remoteness.
We decided that we would share our discoveries with others and so Short Walks in Auckland was born. Not only do we tell you where these gems are located, we also give you detailed directions so that when you embark on your new adventures you are not worried about losing your way.
Like us, you will find that once you begin to explore, your appetite for adventure and discovery grows. A half-day break from the routine leaves you refreshed and looking forward to discovering another spot by foot or bicycle. There are plenty to choose from.
I still return to Cornwall Park. Its views now provide me with glimpses of the other places we have discovered and enjoyed, and as we walk we look for spots we have missed.
Even after all these years we are still finding Auckland's wonderful gems, and I appreciate them more than ever and delight in sharing them with you.
• Helen Wenley is an urban explorer who co-writes the Short Walks in Auckland series of books.