In New Zealand you can always find an amazing hike in the area you are staying at. Since Auckland is the most visited City in New Zealand by tourists & the most populated City in New Zealand. I will Present some of the greatest hikes that you can do that are only a few KMs away from the City Centre.
1- Rangitoto Island (8 KM from Auckland City)
Access: 25min Ferry Ride from Auckland Ferry Terminal (Adult Ticket $33 Return)
Erupted more than 600 years ago from the Sea, The island is one of the youngest inhabitant islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
Its peak is 259 meters above sea level & You can spot the island almost anywhere on the east coast of Auckland.
Rangitoto island is also connected to its neighbor Island Motutapu by a causeway.
After a four-year eradication programme, Rangitoto and Motutapu were declared pest-free Islands in 2011 that’s why It has the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world and is a safe place for endangered native birds.
The Hike to the Summit takes about 2 Hrs Return, There is also a longer hike that goes around the island for 8hrs return.
You Must Bring your own food and water as there are no shops on the island & Remeber to check the ferry timings for your return.
2- Shakespear Regional Park (49.5 KM from Auckland City Centre)
Access: Driving for 50min, Public Bus or Ferry to Gulf Harbour then Bus.
– Summer gate opening hours: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 PM
– Winter gate opening hours: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m
–Pedestrian Access is 24hrs
This is one of my favorite parks in Auckland, a little bit far from the center but absolutely worth every mile traveled.
It’s an open sanctuary, Pest free habitat provides a safe home for endangered native wildlife.
Not only you can hike in Shakespeare park but you can also bike around the park using biking tracks and there is a Lodge inside the park if you wish to stay overnight.
There is different hikes & lookouts through the park starting at 0.5 KM up to 5KM tracks.
It’s an open sanctuary and in March 2018 20 Little Spotted Kiwi (which is a rare kiwi species) were translocated from Kapiti Island & became 29 by April 2019.
Important: Dog walking is strictly prohibited in the Park as they are a threat to Kiwi bird.
