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Walks Out East, Howick, Auckland (2026)

09/10/2026

Sunday 8 November! We walked this last year, following a farm track up and down then up up up at the top, some through beautiful native bush. Is a great challenge for a family, some may tire still happy before reaching the awesome view at the top.
To encourage children, there are a couple of resting points on the way with lolly giveaways.
A fun outing, Sunday 8 November. Fundraising stalls at the start, great fun atmosphere. 😀

07/10/2026

Pixels and Pathways Wellfest walk

As part of the East Auckland Tourism WellFest month, the Howick Photographic Society led an excellent nature photographic stroll from Half Moon Bay to Bucklands Beach. A fun learning outing, hopefully this will become an annual event.

Paths fences and hedges to lead the eye, framing the subject naturally, clicking different viewpoints - over 30 guests attended and everyone greatly enjoyed. Experienced photographers lead groups of four around the marina, stopped for close-up photos of spring flowers along the walkway, challenged each other to make the most of the curves of the boardwalk, and some ventured up the 105 steps at the beach for panoramas. A big thank you to the Society members.

Later in the day Council ranger Tabitha led a very informative walk around Macleans Park. Exploring the recent excellent work by volunteers (see their page), learning about manuka, kanuka, kawakawa, flax and more, and discussing the challenges of controlling invasive plants like asparagus w**d, privet and willow. Again a great day out, Council Parks rangers lead regular similar free walks around Auckland, can be viewed from the Council website and on Facebook. I have walked on a number and can highly recommend.

On the same day, WellFest featured an Ayrlies Wetlands guided bird walk, Puppy Yoga, Puppy Cuddles with rescue pups, Soap Carving, Equine Assisted Therapy open day, and a Girls Day Out including brunch - and that was just one day of the festival. Watch for next year, and the WalkFest early 2027.

To be in the loop about future events, do check their website or follow on Facebook. www.meetup.com also features many weekend $2 walks, an excellent novices group is “Walk and Talk”. The page WalksOutEast is not monetised and now acts as a guide to all of the scenic park and beach walks in the East Auckland region.

It’s spring, time to visit the Auckland Botanic Gardens, Ayrlies, Cornwall Park, Eden Gardens and so many other superb Auckland venues. Concerned about the weather? Visit Metservice online, click on the rain radar map - at this time of the year even showery days usually have long spells of sunshine. Enjoy!

Below are a selection of photos from attendees at the photo walk - some superb creativity 😀

17/09/2026

Historical short walk Lloyd Elsmore Park to William Green Reserve.

This flat 3km “Walk and Learn” traces some local history of Pakuranga and Highland Park. A big thank you to Mr Alan La Roche MBE, Howick Historian, for providing much of the following historical content. See also much more content from Alan in the attached photos of walk guide notes from 2019.

Start from the Homestead cafe at Lloyd Elsmore Park. Turn right from the side gate and follow the picket fence at the back of the Howick Historical Village down to the Pakuranga Creek. Seaw**d can sometimes reach here, you will pass a raupo filled pond that used to be a bend in the creek full of frogs and guppies that were sold at the Village on Live Days.

The creek flows from Pigeon Mountain and used to be called Wharau Creek, later as Smith’s Creek and also Goodfellow’s Creek. Pre-European Maori grew crops along the banks. Sadly it is now polluted with rubbish and trolleys.

Cross the bridge and turn left to follow the concrete path. In 1882 this area was designated a landing and mooring for 20 ton vessels, Pakuranga was covered with farms growing crops of wheat, oats or hay and some had orchards. In 1985 tree-ferns and native bush and wetlands were removed to straighten the flow and reduce potential flooding. As we have recently seen in the MacDonald Walkway wetland at Mellons Bay, this then caused undercutting and erosion of the stream banks.

Highland Park farms were bought by Manukau City Council to hurry up developments which they rezoned and sold on to developers from 1973 to 1977. Some farm windbreak trees can be seen on Highland Park Drive and Aviemore Drive.

The straight path that you are following used to be a bridle trail leading from the Cascade Walkway waterfall to Pigeon Mountain. The Pakuranga Road bridge over the “bridle” track was known as Moony’s Bridge after a local blacksmith. There used to be a pool of cool clear water near the bridge called Nellies Hole. On the other side of Pakuranga Road is William Green Domain, named after a very popular teacher at Pakuranga School 1893 to 1914.

To return, maybe follow the Lloyd Elsmore Park side of the stream and the network of quality tree lined paths. To extend your walk, you may continue following the stream cross country (see photos, can be muddy) and a short road-walk to Pigeon Mountain, perhaps back via the Wakaaranga Creek Reserve.

Restrooms at the cafe and Village at the start, dogs allowed on-leash, the paths are flat and suitable for pushchairs.

19/08/2026

East Auckland 50km loop path !!!

How about an individual or family walking challenge! Progressively explore this awesome walk, enjoy our beautiful city.

The landscape of East Auckland from the Tamaki Estuary to Mangemangeroa and Point View is much much more than an urban area, beaches and shopping centres - there are many excellent interconnected walkways linking beaches, estuaries, bush reserves, volcanic features, and superb parks.

From the western side of the Tamaki Estuary, the Rotary Walkway and then the Wakaaranga Creek Path follow the coastline from Panmure to Pigeon Mountain towards Half Moon Bay - an easy mainly flat route with views across tidal flats and mangroves. Walking routes continue along Bucklands Beach, around or up Musick Point, along Eastern Beach, then a choice of up through Macleans Park to Murvale Reserve, or around the coastline to Mellons Bay.

Mellons Bay has 1.6km of superb shaded wide walkway from the beach following a stream planted by volunteers on both sides with native grasses, bushes and trees. At low tide continue along the foreshore to Howick Beach, enjoy the shade under the fringe of pohutakawa, continue along the coast to the beautiful Cockle Bay and recently restored and replanted pathway network. Ready for more on another day, continue to Shelly Park Beach and on along the boardwalks and up through the regenerating forest of the Mangemangeroa Reserve, under the Whitford bridge and maybe rest at Point View Drive.

Or, continue south to enjoy hill-climbs through the mature forest of the Point View Reserve. Then seek out the paths that lead through the Kellaway Reserve, Kilkenny Park and Logan Carr Park to the Botany Town Centre. There are green spaces and paths from there that follow behind The Hub retail centre. Cross Ti Rakau Drive and from Burswood Drive explore the Burswood Walkway loop. Venture back to Golflands to Lloyd Elsmore Park. Not finished there, you can follow the Cascades Walkway to Meadowlands as a diagonal across the circuit, or complete the adventure via a few streets back to the Rotary Walkway.

Coastal walking - check tide times and low tide height - the lower the better. Try to walk on dry surfaces - sunny days are best, early morning can be slippery. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip. You can probably keep feet dry on low tides of 0.3 to 0.4m, higher tides may get shoes wet, maybe knees if 0.6 or higher - notably southern ends of Eastern Beach and Howick Beach

The maps in the posted photos should give you a clear picture of the route - for more detailed information visit my link below on the AllTrails website or app - enjoy, please do post here about your progress!

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/draft-50km-circuit-012f6ca

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30/07/2026

Lloyd Elsmore Park walking loops - link with the Cascade Walkway 😀.

Lloyd Elsmore Park is an impressive sports and community hub featuring many sport facilities, playgrounds, quiet shaded pathways, native plantings, ponds and so much more. The scale of the park means you can choose a short loop or extend a walk into a longer exploration of the park and the Cascade Walkway.

Early morning walkers share paths with runners, dog owners, and people simply out for some fresh air. A great starting point is from the Homestead Cafe next to the Howick Historical Village, open daily 9am-3pm.

On our last visit we also wandered around the Bell House Village Farmer’s Market (first Sunday of each month). It has an almost village-like feel: art and craft makers, local growers, and food producers - a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful heritage setting. After a cold drink at the impressive hockey clubrooms, we wandered a little more then returned for lunch at the cafe, a perfect family outing.

Have you visited the ponds opposite the swimming complex? It’s a quietly absorbing spot where you can sit and watch the many ducks drift across the water. Nearby, the fully fenced dog park is an excellent space for dogs to run, play, and socialise safely.

Mountain bikers - the 1.2km Rotary Centennial Bike Trail loop is ideal for children learning to ride, with small jumps and seesaws adding interest. There is also an impressive BMX and pump track area where older kids can test their skills.

Runners - flat loops, soft-surface paths linking to longer routes without needing to cross busy roads. There are the 1.5km Park path loop, sports fields to run circuits around, and the superb Yvette Williams Athletic Track. Maybe visit the Pakuranga Athletic Club and join their Joggers and Walkers outings.

Saturdays bring the park to life with numerous sports events. A great time to truly experience East Auckland community life.

Afternoons - don’t forget the Howick Little Theatre - stretch the legs then relax at a 2pm matinee, check their website for dates.

There is so much to see and do - exploring the area is fun and interesting, and you may be motivated to later join some of the clubs and activities available - bowls, the awesome skateboard park under construction, rugby, football, hockey, cricket, netball, racquet sports, athletics, croquet, gym, swimming, BMX, cycling, playgrounds, badminton, kite flying, MenzShed, Historical Village, Howick Little Theatre, and more. A superb skatepark is under construction next to the swimming pools.

17/07/2026

A warm winter weekend destination!

The Miranda Holiday Park hot pools are our favourite weekend away destination, about one hour from east Auckland. Yes, the public hot pools are long gone, but the Park pools are superb and there are numerous family activities and some short walks waiting.

Explore further along the coast - a 1km birdwatching loop track at the Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve, maybe continue along the 10km of coastline Hauraki Rail Trail path past the Pukorokoro Shorebird Centre to Kaiaua, even take time for kayaking or fishing. The seaside village of Kaiaua is a great rest stop to sample the excellent Kaiaua Fisheries burgers, or relax at the often busy classic pub.

So much to see and do, all within a two to three hour return drive from Howick. Either on the way there or on the way back we usually stop for fish and chips opposite the Z station in Clevedon - consistently excellent, friendly staff, basic tables, perfect to break the journey - or you can visit one of a number of nearby cafes.

Walkers - keep the regional parks on your radar too - Waharau, Tawhitokino, Tapapakanga, Waitawa, Duder, Omana, Clevedon Scenic. Then there are the beaches to stroill along - Kaiaua, Orere Point, Kawakawa Bay, Mataitai Bay, Umupuia, Maraetai, Omana, Sunkist and more.

Motorhomers - you may choose one night at the park and another at the Kaiaua NZMCA park which we rate as one of the best, or freedom camp at Ray’s Rest.

What else do we love about the Holiday Park aside from three or four swims in a day (you do need to stay to enjoy these and the pools)? - cabins large and small, motorhome sites, camping in summer, a huge kitchen and indoor dining area, large outdoor bbq area and tables, and then all of the activities - mini golf, frisbee golf, pickleball court, outdoor chess, outdoor table tennis, skate ramp, enchanted forest walk, open areas for games and picnics, flying fox, children’s playground, BMX/pump track, 1km jogging and cycling track, pedal carts, bike hire, private hot tubs, awesome burgers and coffee (check open hours). And none of these facilities ever seem to be overcrowded - we love it!

02/07/2026

Introduction to weekend walking groups -

Have you ever thought about joining a hiking group only to decide it might be too challenging? Some weekend walking clubs are highly adventurous, some take no prisoners and focus on reaching the destination, and then there are the groups that we enjoy the most that walk, talk, laugh, and take time to enjoy the outing.

www.meetup.com is an excellent starting point for finding walking and tramping groups throughout Auckland and beyond. Most groups registered with the website ask participants to contribute $2 to help cover operating costs, no membership fees.

“Walk and Talk”, led by the very welcoming Dmitry, is a great introduction for anyone new to walking. Venues are carefully chosen for their proximity to Auckland’s public transport network making them easy to access. The walks are gentle rather than challenging, and every 20 minutes the group pauses for a social chat giving everyone a chance to relax and get to know their fellow walkers.

“Auckland Outdoors” is led by the wonderful team of Helen and Mike, sometimes accompanied by their energetic 5 old, so don’t expect military-style marches. A moderate level of fitness and agility is helpful, but no special experience is required. Walks are described in excellent detail on Meetup, rated from one to five easy to challenging. The group stops regularly for rests, photos, and to chat

Mike also leads occasional weekend adventures for those wanting to stretch themselves a little further. Recent and very popular trips have included Raglan and National Park. The organisation is first-class: Mike carries an impressively comprehensive first aid kit, a designated “tail-end-Charlie” ensures that nobody is left behind.

Participants span all age groups, nationalities, and levels of experience. There are always newcomers joining the walks, along with regulars, couples, retirees, students and travellers. The shared enjoyment of the outdoors quickly breaks down barriers and turns strangers into friends.

4 July will be a one way Pakuranga to Musick Point coastal path walk, return by 712 bus With a maximum of usually 40 walkers, the walks are quickly fully booked, do join the waitlist if need be, there are always some cancellations.

I could write much more about other Meetup groups like FeetFirst, Weekend Walks, Intrepid Auckland - and the Howick Tramping Club. Maybe you have the time right now to take the first step, have a look online.

Helen from Auckland Outdoors created a 10km three volcanic cones walk that the group greatly enjoyed recently - see the map among photos below, maybe you would like to try it, Mt St John had never been on my radar and is a beautiful crater with a rim of mature Pohutakawa.

17/06/2026

Half Moon Bay to Bucklands Beach and Musick Point

This is one of East Auckland’s most rewarding winter walks - fresh sea air, open harbour views, cafes, marina, boardwalk, beaches - and can be extended up Musick Point and around to Eastern Beach.

Where to start? Maybe with a coffee or brunch first. The Half Moon Bay Marina has many options with Cinnamon and Ara-Tai cafes and several restaurants. Also consider Books N Bricks Cafe on the corner of Hattaway Avenue and Wharf Road, and Zabr’one or Bucks Bistro on the beachfront.

The walkway - the excellent coastal boardwalk from the Marina to Little Bucklands Beach is a very popular 1km easy flat stroll from the cafes to the beach. On weekends there is a steady stream of walkers, runners, families with prams, cyclists, and dog walkers.

The boardwalk hugs the waters edge with views across the Tamaki River to the Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve, Glendowie, the sandspit, and the Hauraki Gulf. The steep bank above the path is a mix of regeneration planting and persistent invasive species, making it an unexpectedly useful outdoor classroom. Children may enjoy spotting and comparing different plants, and apps such as Aotearoa Species can turn a casual walk into an interesting identification exercise.

Another 2km beach-walk past the Grangers Point boat haul-out and all-tide boat ramp will bring you to the Musick Point / Te Naupata entrance where the character of the walk changes again. Enjoy expansive views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island and the Waitemata harbour as you follow the 1.5km road through the golf course to the Memorial Radio Station.

History - Granger Point was named after brick manufacturer John Granger, Bucklands Beach after respected businessman Alfred Buckland who bought the beach in the late 1800’s (and also owned the splendid Highwic homestead in Epsom). A reminder that behind the relaxed coastal lifestyle of today lies a rich history of settlement and enterprise.

Toilets - several toilet blocks at Half Moon Bay, another at Bucklands Beach.

Dog-walking - see photos for screenshots from Council website

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03/06/2026

A bush walk from the Botany Town Centre

Across the road from the Botany Town Centre is one of East Auckland’s easiest and most surprisingly peaceful walks.

2km or 20km!

The Logan Carr Path on the eastern side of the shopping centre, winds through a green corridor of regenerating bush, wetlands and stream edges. Flat and paved almost the entire way, it is ideal for children, parents with prams, walkers with limited mobility (watch for raised slab joins in concrete), lunchtime walkers, or anyone after an easy stroll without traffic noise.

The main return walk is up to 2km each way, linking Logan Carr Reserve, Kilkenny Park and the Kellaway Reserve. Along the way are mature trees, ponds with ducks and pukekos and waterbirds, bridges and stream crossings, and playground and outdoor gym equipment. Mostly quiet and away from roads, and an easy gradient throughout. On the return trip, regular walkers often loop around the opposite side of the wetlands for a slightly different perspective.

For those wanting to stretch the legs further, the walk can be the starting point for a much bigger adventure. Continue through to Point View Drive, follow Hayley Lane and then head down the entire length of the Mangemangeroa Walkway to Shelly Park Beach, at low tide even continue to Cockle Bay then Mellons Bay.

Alternatively, continue further uphill along Point View Drive to Point View Reserve and a potentially great workout up and down the meandering bush paths.

Access points - Chapel Road near Ti Rakau Drive, from adjacent to the playground at Kilkenny Drive, or from next to 266 Point View Drive (very limited parking).

Dogs - are permitted off-leash but there are plenty of walkers, birds and curious pukeko around, so leads are appreciated unless your dog is exceptionally well controlled.

Playground and fitness equipment - located just before the path crosses Kilkenny Drive.

Toilets - available at Botany Town Centre.

Cafes - lots of choice at Botany Town Centre, or across Ti Rakau Drive at the Harvey Norman/Kmart Centre.

Sun - shaded with some grassed areas, occasional seating along the way.

23/05/2026

A beautiful Clevedon short fairly flat autumn walk, if you are quick. 😀

This is perfect weather for a Sunday morning walk and market outing to Clevedon? A bridle trail loop through part of the Hololio Estate, then if you like through the Clevedon Showgrounds.

Another week or two and the presently awesome AUTUMN COLOURS will fade. Time to get out there - the markets are extremely popular - lots of parking - enjoy!

Suggest print a route map from the attached photos. Following is also a post about the Hololio Estate walk.

I will re-walk these trails and post more about on WalksOutEast in the coming months.

Dogs are allowed, please share safely with equestrians.

Where are the Clevedon Village Farmers Market and walks?
107 Monument Road, gate 6, see the WalksOutEast map. Sundays 8am to 1pm.
There is also the Clevedon Village Market adjacent to the village roundabout, Sundays 9am to 2pm.

Where is the bridle trail with autumn colours? See the map, one entrance is across Monument Road from gate 6.

https://www.hololio.co.nz/

The Clevedon Village Farmers Market
East Auckland Tourism

Walks Out East

09/10/2026

07/10/2026

17/09/2026

19/08/2026

30/07/2026

17/07/2026

02/07/2026

17/06/2026

03/06/2026

23/05/2026

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