Forest of Tawa Walk
A steady climb through pines and native bush above Tawa, no steps anywhere so buggies manage fine, with two entrances, on street parking, and a train option.
A steady climb through pines and native bush above Tawa, no steps anywhere so buggies manage fine, with two entrances, on street parking, and a train option.
Full route notes for the Monte Cecilia and Big King loop: where to park on Herd Road, the Pah Homestead, Pumphouse history, and the easiest way up Big King.
Guide to the Remuera Ramble, a 7km loop between two volcanoes through Remuera, Meadowbank and Orakei. Start point, transport, history. Download the full map
A 4 km loop past two beaches, a historic farm and big bay views. Gate hours, the muddy bit, where to park and the viewpoint birds. I walked it myself
Guide to Mangere Bridge & Foreshore Walk: start point, harbour crossing history, Waikaraka Cemetery, transport options. Download the full walking map
Find out what the walk is like, the Days Bay gap, getting there by bus or ferry, parking, and how to sort the return trip.
Walked this myself. 3.4 km, 40 mins, flat gravel loop. Find out which direction to walk, whether to bother with the northern section, sandfly warning and parking.
Routeburn Nature Walk: exact distance, what the loop involves, when shuttles don’t run, and why the swing bridge is the best part.
Walked it myself, 1.8 km return, 30 mins, free public access. Tide tips, both car parks explained, what the broken boulders look like up close.
My guide to the Long Bay Nature Trail: 800 m loop near the Vaughan Homestead, 30 minutes, easy, yellow markers. Check it’s open before you go, no dogs, no prams.
Everything you need to walk Wainui Reserve near Raglan, which tracks to take, how to get to the beach, where to park, and whether you can bring the dog.
Everything you need to walk the Ngarunui Track near Raglan: where to park, what the track is like, where it comes out, and what to do if the car park is full.
Everything you need to walk the Kaitoke Walkway in Raglan: which end to start from, when to go for the best views, and whether you can bring the dog.
Complete guide to Logan Campbell’s Gift Loop: start point, historic panels, café stop, full route map. Everything you need to walk Cornwall Park.
Walk the historic Arapuni Suspension Bridge, 152m long and 54m above the Waikato River. Free entry, 15 minutes return, steep steps, great gorge views. Built in 1925.
Jim Barnett Reserve near Putaruru, 13 tracks through native bush, 45 minutes, easy walking. 1000-year-old totara tree, basic camping on site, 20km from Putaruru.
Whangaparaoa town centre to Stanmore Bay Beach via the Rata Road walkway. 3km one way, mostly paved, dogs on leash, family friendly. Playground and splash pad at the beach end.
Fishermans Rock Reserve at Army Bay, rocky headland with cave, rock pools and cliff jumping at high tide. End point of the Gulf Harbour Coast to Coast path. Dogs on leash, tide tips included.
Walk coast to coast across the Whangaparaoa Peninsula from Gulf Harbour Marina to Fishermans Rock Reserve. 3.5km, easy, dogs on leash, two playgrounds, ferry access on weekdays.
Five walks in Shakespear Regional Park, from the 2.5km Lookout Track to the coastal Tiritiri Track with Pink Beach. Camping, facilities, no dogs, kauri dieback info all covered.
Anaura Bay Walkway: 4.5 km loop, currently partially closed due to storm damage. Stream crossings, ridge views over bay and Motuoroi Island. 80 km north of Gisborne on SH35. No dogs.
Eastwoodhill Arboretum: 6 colour-coded walks from 1.7-5.1 km, entry fees, exact track times, autumn colour timing, muddy track warning. 30 minutes from Gisborne.
Gray’s Bush: 400-500 year old kahikatea trees, flat easy tracks, wheelchair accessible short loop, 10 km from Gisborne. NZ’s only remaining lowland forest of this type. No dogs.
Titirangi / Kaiti Hill, Gisborne: summit views of Poverty Bay and three rivers, Cook landing history, steep stairs vs graded path option, drive-to-top parking. Everything you need.
My guide to the Waipatiki Beach coastal walk north of Napier: cliff track to Aropaoanui Beach, the longer ridge loop, Maori land access, swimming, kahikatea forest, and what to bring.
Complete guide to the Epsom Village & Mt Eden Volcano Loop: historic suburbs, Melville Park, crater views. Download the full walking map with directions.
Boat access only, no marked tracks, just stunning beaches and a working farm. Complete guide to walking Great Mercury Island with photos.
Boat-access only. Complete guide: dinghy landing tips, high-tide timing, overgrown start, river crossing, 327m summit views. Everything you need for Maungapiko.
Planning to walk the Beverly Price Loop Track? Discover essential track info, including hiking times, elevation, and how to find the best lookout points.
Easy walk to NZ’s first Christian mission site with stunning bay views. Exact route, beach access, coastal track details. Rangihoua Heritage Park guide.
Walk 5km around Moturua Island in the Bay of Islands. Easy loop through beaches, forest, and WW2 bunkers. Pest-free sanctuary with kiwi and native birds. Boat access only.
Wellington Writers Walk – hunt for 23 literary sculptures along the waterfront. Free self-guided walk featuring Katherine Mansfield, James K. Baxter & more. Includes map & tips.
Complete guide to the White Cliffs walkway, Tongaporutu. Dramatic 10-million-year-old sandstone cliffs, beach tunnel & ridge views. 15km, 4-5 hours, medium difficulty.
Join me on the Mahurangi Farm-Forestry Trail! Easy 6km walk with kids, regenerating tōtara, waterfall discovery, and summer blackberries.
An easy 1.3km bush loop walk in Warkworth with native trees, historic lime kilns, and birdsong. Great for families, 20 mins round trip.
Hamilton Gardens’ stunning themed walks! Free entry, lots to see, and perfect for families.
1.1 km • 30 Minutes return • It’s worth the uphill steps to the lookout at Windy Canyon, wow the views and rock formations are big.