6 great beach walks

Viva.co.nz has compiled a list great coastal walks around Auckland and beyond.

North Shore Coastal Walk
If you are already a seasoned pro at beach walks then consider this one on the North Shore your next challenge. The track begins at Long Bay Beach Reserve and from there you’ll be led through Torbay, Browns Bay, Mairangi Bay, Milford and Takapuna. It’ll take up to seven hours to complete the whole trail, so packing a picnic for the halfway mark is a great option. If you decide to do the full track then you’ll end up in Devonport, a great location to reward yourself with a refreshing beverage — whether that’s a chilled water or cocktail is up to you.

Coast to Coast Walkway
We couldn’t recommend coastal walks without mentioning this popular track. It’s not often that you can declare that you’ve experienced two coasts in one day all by foot, which is what makes this walk incomparable. You can start the walk in either central Onehunga or the Viaduct in downtown Auckland to view both the Waitemata and Manukau harbours. If you’re looking to impress any visiting out-of-towners then talk them into taking part in this trek to show off Auckland’s awesome landscape.

Titirangi and French Bay Loop
This is the ultimate way to experience some amazing West Auckland scenery. Park in the Titirangi Village, pick up some treats for the journey and head off on this trail that will take you through Atkinson Park, Titirangi Beach and French Bay. Most of the walk is amongst native bush and you’ll get to take in beach views along the way.

Waikowhai Walkway
To fully experience the beauty of the Manukau Harbour, we recommend you give this track a go. The walkway has been recently improved, making the trail more pleasant and easier to navigate. Along the way you’ll pass through pretty Wattle Bay Reserve and at the end, cool off at Lynfield Cove Beach. Time for early evening for an optimum sunset view — it should only take four hours to complete. Check the tides before you venture out on this track because that will impact your walk.

Hunua Falls Track
If time isn’t on your side and you’d rather be out enjoying the sunshine then this walk is pretty ideal - and it helps that this is the most convenient of all the trails. The 30-minute track takes you from the Wairoa River through some idyllic New Zealand scenery up to a platform overlooking the Hunua Falls. Best of all you can have a refreshing swim in the waterfall after your hike before returning back. A picture in front of it for Instagram is pretty much mandatory.

Coromandel Coastal Walk
The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most gorgeous parts of New Zealand, and in peak form over summer. Its coastal walk goes between Stony Bay and Fletchers Bay, each awe-worthy and secluded offering views of both the bush and the coastline. The trail is seven hours in total, but if you choose to just walk one way there are regular shuttles that can retrieve you and take you back to the start. If this is a spontaneous trip, then consider camping at either of the DoC campsites that are located at both of the bays.