Discover Top Walks in Auckland’s Regional Parks

Shakespear Tiri Tiri Track, Shakespear Regional Park

Shakespear Tiri Tiri Track is a great day outing, just 40 minutes’ drive (50km) north of downtown Auckland.The 5 km loop track sits within Shakespear Regional Park, a gem of regenerating native forest, dramatic clifftops and epic coastal views.The wide, well-maintained path includes metal track, farm paddocks and boardwalk, and you’ll gain a modest 54 m elevation with short hill climbs and stairs. Stop for lunch at Te Harui Bay’s grassy picnic area, where there is a safe swimming beach. If you’re after a longer outing, tailor a walk to suit your time and fitness by linking with other tracks in the park.

Key details

Distance: 5 km loop

Walking time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Dogs: Prohibited within the park

PHOTO CREDIT | Luke van den berg, Plan My Walk

Waitawa Pīwakawaka Loop (Blue), Waitawa Regional Park

Also just 40 minutes’ drive (50km) from central Auckland is Waitawa Regional Park to the south-east.The park features four loop tracks, each offering a different experience of the park. Starting at Mātaitai Bay, Pīwakawaka Loop (Blue) follows a well-maintained track through native forest and across farmland, with coastal views and access to the picturesque Waitawa Bay. The track is known for friendly fantails and curious sheep. 

Key details

Distance: 7 km loop

Walking time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: Allowed on-leash 1 December – 30 Junebut prohibited 1 July – 30 November due to lambing season

PHOTO CREDIT | Leslie T, Plan My Walk

Lilburne - Ernie's Loop, Hunua Ranges Regional Park

If you’re looking for a longer, more challenging route, and you have tramping experience, Lilburne– Ernie’s Loop is a decent day hike. Allow 7 hours for this 15 km loop with a long, steep climb about halfway – a total elevation gain of 660 m – and a stream crossing. If you’re counting your steps, you’ll clock up 20,000 on this track. Some sections of the track have exposed roots, and it is slippery after rain. As well as scenic views of the Hunua Ranges headwaters and Mangatawhiri Dam, there is an abundance of bird life, including the endangered North Island kōkako.

Key details

Distance: 15 km

Walking time: 7 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dogs: Prohibited in this park

PHOTO CREDIT | Eythan Prendergast, Plan My Walk

Maungaroa Lookout Track, Waitākare Ranges Regional Park

This short but steep track climbs to the summit of Maungaroa, offering sweeping views over Piha Beach, Lion Rock and beyond.The route begins with a sharp climb on well-maintained steps through lush native forest, with ferns, nīkau palms and towering kauri. At the top, the track opens to a panoramic lookout. Return via the same route. Expect a solid workout for your calves on the way up and a quad workout on the steep descent.

Key details

Distance: 2 km

Walking time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dogs: Allowed on-leash

PHOTO CREDIT | Maureen W, Plan My Walk

Tāpapakanga Farm Walk, Tāpapakanga Regional Park

Tāpapakanga Regional Park offers family-friendly walks with coastal views, historical sites, and perfect picnic and swimming spots. Much of the park is pasture but revegetation efforts are well underway. The area has a rich Māori history, commemorated by two pouwhenua (carved posts) at the park’s entrance.

The Tāpapakanga Farm Walk is a great way to experience the park. The easy loop track through rolling farmland has spectacular views over Hauraki Gulf and passes old pā sites. Other significant sites within the park include storage pits (rua), terraces (tūāpapa), shell middens (ahuotaota), ovens (umu) and stone heaps, indicating riverside gardens. 

Respect farmland – keep to marked paths, close gates and give livestock space.

Key details

Distance: 5 km

Walking time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: Allowed on-leash 1 December – 30 June. Prohibited 1 July – 30 November due to lambing season

PHOTO CREDIT | Freya Bullock, Plan My Walk | Tāpapakanga Coastal Walk