Explore Auckland's natural wonders
Explore our region this summer and take your pick of Auckland's stunning tracks, bush, maunga and walkways.
Discover our region's natural wonders as you run, swim, stroll and picnic all summer long - an Auckland summer is calling.
Picnic spots with a difference
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to dine al fresco at sunset or want a rewarding snack after an active day out, our region has a wide array of picnic spots.
Spread across Auckland, we've picked three of the best to get you started, with hundreds more parks and beaches across the region to enjoy too.
Scenic summer running trails
Whether you want to head north, south, east or west, you’ll find scenic running trails winding through Auckland’s parks and reserves.
Escape busy streets and discover pockets of native bush, coastal views and refreshing green spaces when you tackle these running trails.
Put on your running shoes and get out there
Get active with AKL paths and our recommendations for more walking and running tracks:
Summer fun with your four-legged friend
Put on sunblock and get outside with your canine companion this summer to explore our pick of the best beaches and reserves across Tāmaki Makaurau.
If you're in the city, take a look at our list of top dog-friendly off-leash parks.
If you're heading further afield, check out this list of great dog walking spots. From Piha to Manurewa, there are fantastic spots across the region to stretch your legs, and your dog's.
Half-day hikes around Tāmaki Makaurau
With a stunning range of regional parks across Auckland to explore, getting out in nature is a breeze. Take a look at just some of the amazing options out there, from the Ahu Ahu track at Piha to Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke.
Protect our environment
While you're out and about this summer, take a minute to think of all the ways you could help to protect what makes Auckland so special.
From helping to monitor our native animal and plant species, to trapping pests, pulling weeds and joining planting initiatives, there are so many great ways out get outdoors and get involved this summer.
We’re spoiled with some of the best bushwalking experiences around - but while some areas across the region remain closed to protect kauri, we all need to find alternatives for our outdoor adventures.There are loads of tracks and nature spots out there to enjoy. Whether it’s our rugged black-sand surf beaches, forested areas, rolling green pastures or urban city centres, there are walks for every Auckland landscape.
Take a look at some kauri-friendly alternative walks here
Protect our kauri
Kauri dieback in Auckland is a serious problem and it’s important we all play our part to prevent the spread of the disease.
If you enter or leave a forest/area with native trees anywhere across the region, here are three easy steps you need to remember:
- Scrub– clean all soil off your footwear and gear.
- Spray– your footwear and gear with disinfectant at every cleaning station you encounter. Kauri dieback can be spread by just a pinhead of soil.
- Stay– on open tracks and off kauri roots.
Always check the Auckland Council kauri webpage before going for a walk to find out what tracks are currently closed.