The Long Bay to Okura Track is a scenic 7km coastal walkway on Auckland’s North Shore, taking approximately 2-3 hours one way. The track traverses beaches, farmland, and native bush, offering stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. It connects Long Bay Regional Park to Okura Bush and features diverse landscapes and birdlife.
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By Car:
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Here’s something most people don’t realise: this track sits on the traditional lands of Ngāti Manuhiri, and the Okura estuary at the northern end is one of the few remaining relatively unmodified estuaries in the Auckland region. The mudflats you see are a critical feeding ground for migratory birds travelling between New Zealand and the Arctic Circle. When you spot those little waders scuttling along the shoreline, they might have just flown in from Alaska.
The farmland sections you walk through aren’t just scenic filler—they’re actually part of Auckland Council’s Regional Parkland and provide important ecological corridors. The farmers who lease these properties have covenants requiring them to manage the land with conservation in mind, which is why you’ll see native plantings alongside grazing cattle.
The wooden boardwalk sections get slippery as anything when wet. I’ve seen more than a few confident walkers do an ungraceful slide when they’ve underestimated how treacherous wet timber can be. Take it slow, especially if there’s been recent rain.
If you’re planning to do this as a one-way walk, consider starting from Okura and finishing at Long Bay instead. Walking south means the sun isn’t in your eyes during late afternoon, and ending at Long Bay gives you the option of a swim and proper facilities including the excellent cafe near the car park. Nothing beats fish and chips after a coastal walk.
The track passes through several gates between paddocks. Some of these are on spring mechanisms and swing back with surprising enthusiasm. Don’t be the person who gets collected by a gate or lets one slam on the walker behind you.
The birdlife changes dramatically depending on the section you’re in. In the coastal scrub you’ll encounter fantails, tūī, and if you’re lucky, kererū munching on berries in the overhanging branches. The farmland areas attract pūkeko, spur-winged plovers (they’ll let you know if you’re too close to their nests), and harrier hawks circling overhead.
The Okura estuary is where things get really interesting for bird enthusiasts. Depending on the season you might spot godwits, knots, oystercatchers, herons, and royal spoonbills. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best viewing when birds are actively feeding.
Keep an eye out for lizards sunbathing on rocks during warmer months—the area is home to several native skink species that are easily overlooked but fascinating once you start noticing them.
Summer brings out the crowds, particularly at the Long Bay end. The track itself remains relatively quiet but the car park can fill up by mid-morning on weekends. The exposed coastal sections offer little shade, so sun protection is essential.
Winter walking has its own charm. The track is often deserted and the moody grey seas have a certain dramatic appeal. The mud factor increases significantly though, and some sections become properly boggy. Waterproof boots are highly recommended between June and August.
Spring is arguably the best time for this walk. The native bush comes alive with birdsong, the weather is generally settled, and the track is less crowded. Baby lambs in the farmland sections are an added bonus if you’re walking with kids.
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Most track descriptions will tell you this is an “easy” walk, which is technically true but slightly misleading. The middle section between Piripiri Point and Okura includes more elevation change than you’d expect from a coastal walk. Nothing extreme, but there are enough short, sharp climbs to get your heart rate up if you’re not regularly active.
The tree roots crossing the path through the bush sections are a legitimate trip hazard, particularly when covered with wet leaves. Watch your footing rather than the view during these stretches. The views will still be there when you stop safely.
Find more walks in this area at North Shore Walks.
You don’t need hiking boots for this track but you definitely don’t want to attempt it in jandals either. Trail runners or sturdy walking shoes with decent grip work perfectly in dry conditions. In winter, waterproof boots make life much more pleasant.
The coastal exposure means wind can be a factor even on seemingly calm days. A lightweight windproof jacket belongs in your pack year-round. The temperature can drop noticeably once you’re away from the beach and into the bush sections.
Trekking poles might seem excessive for a coastal walk but they’re genuinely useful on the steeper sections and when navigating muddy patches. No judgment if you bring them.
Can I swim along the track?
Yes, there are several spots suitable for swimming. Long Bay Beach is the most accessible, while the small coves at Piripiri Point offer more secluded options at low tide. The water is typically clearer during summer months.
Is the track suitable for children?
Older children with reasonable fitness can manage the full track, but it’s quite long for little legs. Consider doing just the Long Bay to Piripiri Point section as a shorter option. The undulating terrain and length make it challenging for children under eight.
What about tide times?
While most of the track is tide-independent, accessing the beaches at Piripiri Point requires low to mid-tide. The main track remains passable at all tide levels.
Are there toilets along the way?
No facilities exist between the Long Bay and Okura car parks. Plan accordingly, especially if walking with children.
Can I camp overnight?
No camping is permitted along the track. Both Long Bay and Okura are day-use areas only.
What if the weather changes?
The exposed coastal sections offer little shelter. If conditions deteriorate significantly, the farmland sections have some tree cover but your best option is to head back to the nearest car park. Check the forecast before you start.
Is there mobile phone reception?
Coverage is unreliable through the middle sections of the track. Let someone know your plans before you go and don’t rely on your phone in an emergency.
The trail from Long Bay to Okura winds along the coastline with an unassuming beauty that caught me off guard. I’d expected a pleasant walk, but what I found was something more substantial—a proper escape from the city that still sits close enough to reach on a weekday afternoon.
The path starts at Long Bay Beach, where families were scattered across the sand despite the overcast morning. Within minutes of heading north, the sounds of children and surf faded behind the coastal scrub. The track climbs gradually above the shoreline, cutting through regenerating bush where fantails darted between branches, seemingly curious about my presence.
What struck me most was the quiet variation in the landscape. Rocky outcrops gave way to small beaches accessible only by foot. At Piripiri Point, I stopped to watch the tide retreat across dark sand, exposing patterns of shells and driftwood. The Hauraki Gulf stretched out gray and moody, with Rangitoto’s volcanic cone barely visible through the haze.
The middle section proved more demanding than I’d anticipated—nothing extreme, but enough ups and downs to remind me I hadn’t been hiking regularly. Tree roots crossed the muddier sections, and I had to watch my footing more carefully than the easy grade suggested.
By the time I reached Okura, my legs felt pleasantly tired. The estuary there opens up dramatically after the enclosed feeling of the coastal forest. I sat on a bench near the water’s edge, eating an apple and watching a heron work the shallows with methodical patience.
The entire walk took me just under three hours. I drove back to collect my car from Long Bay, already planning when I might return.
