Apirana St Johns Loop runs about 4.5km from Glen Innes Train Station, through the horse paddocks of Apirana Reserve and the native bush of St Johns Bush, with Coromandel views on a clear day. It takes around an hour at an easy pace, with a few short hills. Dogs must stay on leash through the bush.
Quick facts
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Parking at Glen Innes Train Station
The walk starts right at Glen Innes Train Station, so catching the train is the easiest way to arrive if you’d rather skip parking altogether. A new pedestrian bridge with stairs and lifts has replaced the old level crossing at the station, part of Auckland Transport’s Level Crossing Removal Programme, so allow a few extra minutes to cross over if you’re coming from the car park side.
This walk is part of our Auckland Central walks collection, if you’re after more easy loops around central Auckland. If you’re making a day of it in the wider Auckland area, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium makes a good add-on before or after a short loop like this one.
Walking through Apirana Reserve
From the station, the route heads into Apirana Reserve, part of the wider 7.5km Point to Point Walkway. This is horse paddock country, open and rolling, with views across to Mount Wellington, Eastern Beach and, on a clear day, the Coromandel Peninsula.
The track through the reserve is a mix of level paths and a few short climbs, enough to notice but nothing technical. There’s a bench partway round with a good view back to the hill, a handy spot to catch your breath before the loop continues into the bush.
Native bush and views in St Johns Bush
The loop drops into St Johns Bush, a green corridor for birds moving across this part of Auckland. There’s a small wetland with native fish, and the bush holds more than 165 different plant species, including a kauri tree over 150 years old.
Expect ferns, native trees and a noticeably cooler, shadier stretch after the open paddocks of Apirana Reserve. A sign near the pond points out some of the flora and fauna you’re walking past.
Easy enough for family walks
This loop suits most fitness levels. The paths are wide and well formed, with just a few short hills through Apirana Reserve. Families with kids, casual walkers and anyone after an easy hour outdoors will manage it without trouble. Buggies might struggle on the hillier bush sections, so check the current track conditions if you’re pushing a pram.
Best time for Coromandel views
Early morning or late afternoon light works well for the view across to the Coromandel from the reserve, and it’s worth timing your walk for a clear day if you can. Spring brings good colour to the surrounding parks too.
If you’d like to turn the outing into a full day in East Auckland, Howick Historical Village suits walkers after a local history stop, and Butterfly Creek Day Pass pairs nicely with an easy loop walk like this one if you’re after another family friendly stop.
Leash rules and track closures
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in St Johns Bush. The one exception close by is Merton Reserve, where dogs are allowed off leash at all times.
Some areas of St Johns Bush close from time to time to prevent the spread of kauri dieback, so check the current track status before you head out, especially if you’re planning to walk the bush sections rather than stick to the reserve.
My honest take
I like how this loop stitches together several small reserves without too much road walking in between. Joining up reserves to minimise street walking is still a challenge in Auckland, but we’re lucky to have this many green spaces so close to a train station. My hope is that these corridors keep getting linked up over time, so we can walk, cycle or wheel between suburbs without relying on the road as much.
If you want to keep the day going afterwards, Paradice Ice Skating – Botany is a fun indoor option for families. Or if it’s simply about unwinding after the 4.5km loop, a 1 Hour Relaxation or Deep Tissue Massage – Nava Spa – Remuera is a nice way to finish up.
Common questions
Is Apirana Reserve dog friendly?
Dogs must stay on a leash in St Johns Bush, but they’re allowed off leash at all times in nearby Merton Reserve.
How long does the Apirana St Johns Loop take?
Around an hour to cover the 4.5km loop at an easy pace.
Where does the walk start?
At Glen Innes Train Station, now served by a new pedestrian bridge with stairs and lifts instead of the old level crossing.
Is there a mountain bike park at Apirana Reserve now?
Yes, Auckland Council has built Active Apirana, a small mountain bike park with downhill and uphill trails on part of the reserve, so walkers near the horse paddocks may come across mountain bikers using the new trails.
Are there any track closures to know about?
Parts of St Johns Bush close from time to time for kauri dieback prevention, so check the current track status before you walk.
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Other walks near St Johns
If you enjoyed this loop, these nearby walks are worth adding to your list:
St Johns Bush, the native bush reserve this loop passes through.
Auckland Waterfront Walk To St Heliers Bay Via Mission Bay, a coastal route along the harbour.
Dingle Dell St Heliers Circuit, a bush gully loop over in St Heliers.
Back to Auckland Central walks for more walks around central Auckland.
