East Auckland Walks
Your East Auckland walking guide: 8 locations from Pakuranga to Clevedon, tide times for coastal tracks, where to park, dog-friendly routes. Local knowledge.
East Auckland’s got some seriously good walks that most people miss. While everyone heads to the North Shore or Waitakere Ranges, you’ll find quieter coastal paths, volcanic cones, and wetlands right here on Auckland’s eastern doorstep.
I’ve walked pretty much everything from Pakuranga to Clevedon, and I reckon East Auckland’s the best spot if you want proper beach access without the crowds. Plus, you can often do a walk then grab fish and chips at one of the coastal spots, always a winner.
What Makes East Auckland Special for Walking:
- Coastal access – heaps of beaches and bays
- Volcanic features – Pigeon Mountain’s a cracker
- Wetlands and estuaries – brilliant for birdwatching
- Less crowded – even on weekends
- Easy parking – unlike half of Auckland
- Family-friendly – most tracks are pretty flat
The walks here range from 20-minute strolls to proper half-day adventures. Most are buggy-friendly too, which is a bonus if you’ve got little ones.
Beachlands
The walks here Beachlands is right at the eastern edge of Auckland, and it’s got that relaxed coastal village vibe. The Maraetai area’s the star here – beautiful coastline and way less busy than the inner suburbs.
Walks in Beachlands:
The Maraetai coastal walks are perfect for families – flat, scenic, and you can easily stop for a swim. Low tide’s the best time for exploring the rock pools.
Explore All Beachlands Walks →
Botany
Botany’s changed heaps in the last decade. What used to be farmland is now suburbs, but they’ve done a decent jBotany’s changed heaps in the last decade. What used to be farmland is now suburbs, but they’ve done a decent job keeping green spaces. The reserves here link up nicely, so you can make longer loops.
Walks in Botany:
The Cascades are surprisingly impressive when there’s been rain. Mangemangeroa Reserve’s got proper bush – feels miles from the suburbs even though you’re right in them.
Bucklands Beach
Bucklands Beach sits between Howick and Pakuranga, and the foreshore walk here’s one of my favourites for a casual evening stroll. You get views across to Rangitoto, and there’s always something happening on the water.
Walk in Bucklands Beach:
This walk connects beautifully with the wider coastal network. The tide makes a huge difference here – high tide’s better for views, but low tide lets you explore the rocks.
Discover Bucklands Beach Walks →
Clevedon
Clevedon’s properly rural – you’re getting into Hunua Ranges territory here. The walks are more bush than beach, Clevedon’s properly rural – you’re getting into Hunua Ranges territory here. Duder Regional Park is the highlight, with coastal and farm walks that feel a million miles from Auckland even though you’re only 45 minutes from the city.
Walks in Clevedon:
- Duder Regional Park – Coastal Loop
- Duder Farm Loop & Historic Pā
- Pukekiwiriki Pā Historic Reserve
- Tawhitokino Beach Track
Duder Park’s brilliant – rolling farmland, cliff-top views, historic pā sites, and beach access. The coastal loop’s the pick of the bunch for views. Come early in summer or you’ll cook.
Glendowie
Glendowie’s tucked between St Heliers and the Eastern Bays. It’s suburban walking, but Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve’s a cracker for birdwatching, and Churchill Park’s got decent bush tracks.
Walks in Glendowie:
The Tahuna Torea wetland walk’s flat as and great for kids. You’ll see heaps of birds, especially at high tide when they’re all bunched up on the islands. Churchill Park’s more bush-focused with some decent climbs.
Check Out All Glendowie Walks →
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay’s got a proper marina vibe. Pigeon Mountain is the standout here – a volcanic cone with wetlands around the base. You get 360° views from the top and it’s way less touristy than One Tree Hill or Mt Eden.
Walks in Half Moon Bay:
- Pigeon Mountain Volcanic Cone
- Pigeon Mountain and Wetlands Loop
- Half Moon Bay West
- Half Moon Bay East
The Pigeon Mountain summit’s worth the climb – you can see from the Waitakeres to the Bombays on a clear day. The wetlands loop is brilliant for birdwatching and totally flat.
Explore All Half Moon Bay Walks →
Howick
Howick’s the heart of East Auckland, with the historical village and loads of coastal access. Wades Walkway connects you through to Whitford – it’s a nice quiet option away from the main beaches.
Walk in Howick:
This walkway’s great if you want something off the beaten track. Farm views, creek crossings, and it links up with other coastal routes. The historical village is worth a look after your walk too.
Pakuranga
Pakuranga’s got way more walking options than you’d think. The Rotary Coastal Walkway’s the main one, but Pakuranga’s got way more walking options than you’d think. The Coastal Rotary Walkway’s the main one – it’s the backbone that connects everything from Panmure Basin through to Howick.
Walks in Pakuranga:
- Coastal Rotary Walkway Pakuranga
- The Cascade Walkway
- Pakuranga Loop Walk
- Pakuranga to Kentigern Loop
- Pakuranga to Farm Cove Loop
The Rotary Walkway’s about 8km if you do the whole thing, but you can easily just do sections. The Cascades are impressive after rain, and all these tracks link up so you can create your own route.
Check Out All Pakuranga Walks →
Best Walks in East Auckland Overall
If I had to pick my top 5 for East Auckland:
- Coastal Rotary Walkway – Can’t beat it for a proper coastal walk
- Pigeon Mountain – Volcanic cone with 360° views
- Duder Regional Park Coastal Loop – Clifftop coastal scenery
- Maraetai and Omana Loop – Beach and bush combo
- Tahuna Torea – Brilliant for birdwatching
Practical Info for East Auckland Walks
Getting There:
- Most walks have free parking
- Buses run to Howick, Pakuranga, Botany town centres
- Pakuranga and Botany have good cycle paths
- Ferry to Half Moon Bay from downtown (weekends/public holidays)
Best Time:
- Early morning or late afternoon in summer (less heat)
- Mid-week if you want it quiet
- Check tides for coastal walks – makes a massive difference
Facilities:
- Most areas have toilets and cafés nearby
- Pakuranga, Howick, Botany have shops and supermarkets
- Duder Park has basic facilities (toilets, no water)
Dogs:
- Allowed on most walks (check specific tracks)
- On-leash in reserves
- Off-leash areas at some beaches
- NOT allowed at Duder Regional Park
Why Walk East Auckland?
I’m biased because I’ve done heaps of walks out here, but East Auckland’s genuinely underrated. You get coastal scenery without the Tamaki Drive traffic, bush walks without the Waitakere distances, and volcanic cones without the One Tree Hill crowds.
The tracks are well-maintained, there’s good parking, and you can usually find somewhere for coffee after. What more do you want?
Pro tip: Do the Coastal Rotary Walkway in sections. Don’t try to smash out the whole 8km unless you’re keen for it. Start at Pakuranga, walk to Farm Cove, grab lunch, walk back. Perfect afternoon sorted.
The Clevedon walks (especially Duder Park) are worth the drive if you want something more remote. Take water though – there’s bugger all shade once you’re up on the coastal cliffs.