Riding the Tamaki path on the shores of the Tamaki estuary.
Tips for exploring Auckland by train and bike including riding the Waterview shared path
Exploring Maungarei ( Mt Wellington )
Urban adventures: We have had lots of fun navigating an adventure around Auckland by bus or train with a healthy dose of walking thrown in. Of course it depends where you live but we have caught the train in to town, walked up Queen St, across to Mt Eden, up Mt Eden, down the other side and then home again by bus. Encourage your child’s love of adventure and public transport by getting them involved in organising an urban adventure for your family.
Another great destination is North Head, great views of the harbour and some interesting history along with some great tunnels to explore.
A great ferry ride across our stunning harbour and then a hike up a volcano (dormant, don’t worry ) with stunning 3600 views from the top. Ferry leaves from central Auckland.
Close to Auckland
Goat Island Marine Reserve, Walk and Discovery Centre ( 1 and ½ hours North if Auckland on a good traffic day )
Tawharanui Open Sanctuary ( 1 and ½ hours North if Auckland on a good traffic day ) The open sanctuary includes mature and regenerating native bush, wonderful beaches, spectacular coastal cliffs, wetlands, heritage sites, a marine reserve and extensive areas of rich pasture.
Tiri tiri matangi scientific reserve – visit this open sanctuary, and see some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds in the wild including takahē, kōkako, saddleback/tīeke and hihi/stitchbird.
Further afield
Karangahake Gorge (approx. 1 and ½ south of Auckland )
Walks through historic gold mine area
Cycle all or part of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Wairere Falls walk (approx 2 hours from Auckland )
Walk to the base of a waterfall and then right to the top for some spectacular views.
Coromandel (approx. 2 1/2 hours from Auckland )
Stunning beaches, walks, Waterworks & Driving Creek Railway
Rotorua ( approx 3 hours drive from Auckland )
Te Puia, Luge and Gondola, Rainbow Springs, Redwood forest, Tarawera Trail
