Whangaparaoa Walks

The Whangaparaoa Peninsula sticks out into the Hauraki Gulf about 40km north of Auckland. It’s narrow enough that you can walk coast to coast across it in under an hour. At the far end is Shakespear Regional Park, one of Auckland’s best regional parks and the main reason most people make the drive out. But there’s good walking along the peninsula itself too, from the Gulf Harbour waterfront path to the clifftop track at Fishermans Rock.

The ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island departs from Gulf Harbour Marina, so if you’re combining a day out with a visit to Tiri, Whangaparaoa is your base.

Getting There

From Auckland follow SH1 north to the Silverdale off-ramp, go through Silverdale and turn right onto Whangaparaoa Road. The peninsula is well signposted from there. Gulf Harbour is at the end of Gulf Harbour Drive, about 12km along the peninsula. Shakespear Regional Park is at the very tip, another kilometre or so past Gulf Harbour.

By public transport, take the NX1 north to Hibiscus Coast Station, then the 982 bus toward Gulf Harbour.

Walks in Whangaparaoa

• Shakespear Regional Park Walks The big one. Five tracks ranging from 1 hour to a full day out. Native bush, farmland, three beaches, a 360-degree lookout, WWII history and a campground right on Te Haruhi Bay. No dogs anywhere in the park.
• Gulf Harbour Coast to Coast An easy walk across the peninsula from Gulf Harbour Marina to Fishermans Rock Reserve on Army Bay. Ferry-accessible from Auckland city. Cafes at Gulf Harbour along the way.
• Fishermans Rock, Army Bay Clifftop walk above Army Bay with views out to Kawau Island. Tide-dependent access to the rocky foreshore below.
• Whangaparaoa Path Town centre to Stanmore Bay Beach via the Rata Road walkway. Mostly paved, dog-friendly, good for families. One steep section near the college.
• Stillwater Beach Walk 8.5km return to historic Dacre Cottage at Karepiro Bay. Check kauri dieback closure status before you go.

Also Nearby

The ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island departs from Gulf Harbour Marina once daily. It’s one of New Zealand’s best open sanctuaries and well worth combining with a Whangaparaoa day out.