Best Walking & Hiking Trails in Auckland

The locals of Auckland are lucky to enjoy a truly diverse and stunning natural landscape right on their doorstep. Hidden within this sprawling paradise are numerous hiking trails if you know where to look.

So, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and hit the beaten path to see a side of New Zealand you can only find in the heart of the bushland. We list some of the best walking and hiking trails available just outside of Auckland.

Blue Springs Te Waihou Walkway

Location: Putaruru
Duration: 4.7km
Experience Level: Easy

As the name hints at, Blue Springs enjoys water so pure it actually supplies close to 70% of New Zealand’s total bottled water. To access the springs, you’ll have to travel along the Waihou River through rolling farmland and wetlands, catching views of native bush and stunning waterfalls to boot – sounds horrible, right?

Stony Batter Historic Reserve

Location: Waiheke Island
Duration: 2km
Experience Level: Easy

Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island promises a short but educational hike through its historic reserve. Combining the beautiful island scenery with the country’s history, this trail allows hikers to take in fascinating tunnels and gun emplacements left over from WWII.

Coast to Coast

Location: Auckland
Duration: 16km
Experience Level: Moderate

There aren’t many locations in the world where one can comfortably hike from one side of a country to the other. The Coast to Coast Walkway offers just that, starting in Auckland’s city centre at Waitemata Harbour and finishing at Manukau Harbour.

For a hike that takes you through an eclectic mix of suburbia, countryside, volcano cones and urban parklands, this is the trek for you.

Rangitoto Island Summit Walk

Location: Rangitoto Island
Duration: 4.6km
Experience Level: Moderate

Access the largest of Auckland’s 48 dormant volcano islands via a 25-minute ferry ride. The summit walk is mostly uphill but is well worth the trek. Once you’ve travelled through the lava fields to reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views out across the Hauraki Gulf.

On a clear day, you’ll even be able to spy the rugged horizons of the Hunua Ranges to the east and the Waitakere Ranges to the west.

Access Auckland’s best trails with a rental car

There are many unforgettable hiking trails you can do as day trips from Auckland with a rental car. Book with Ace Rental Cars today to make the most of your travels.