We feel this walk deserves to be in our collection because it is quite magical – from the peacefulness of the cemetery, to the rustling of the bush and then the lapping of the water at the edge of Manukau Harbour.

NOTE: Sorry this walk has parts washed out so I’ve taken the map off. I’ll put it back on once the track is fixed.

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 60 minutes
Start: Hillsborough Cemetery corner Hillsborough Road and Goodall Street
Highlights: Cemetery, native bush, harbour beaches, Manukau Harbour views.
Track: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
Difficulty: May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet.
Buggies/Wheelchairs: Not wheel-friendly
Dog Friendly: There is off leash exercise area
Highlights: Cemetery, native bush, harbour beaches, Manukau Harbour views.
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There is a publication called ‘Not Just Passing Through – the making of Mt Roskill’ by Jade Reidy that devotes a page to Hillsborough Cemetery. The cemetery contains resting places for about 17,000 people who were buried there from 1916.

Even the first man to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel, Bobby Leach, is buried there.

Hillsborough Cemetery

The walk passes through the native bush of two reserves – Goodall Street reserve and Belfast Reserve. These two reserves have stands of native bush and fauna.

Dogs – this walk includes  off leash dog exercise areass.

At the bottom of the hill, you can get great views across Manukau Harbour to Mangere Mountain. And when the tide is in, the scene is set for a spot of kayaking!

Photos from my walk along the Hillsborough cemetery to the bays

See more of my 150+ walks in Auckland