Herald Island Path

Herald Island Path is an easy loop walk of 2.7 km, it’ll take you around 40 mins allowing for time to take photos © Freewalks.nz

Home » North Island » Auckland Region » North Shore » Herald Island Path
Walk Author: Sandra from Freewalks.nz
Walk Author: Sandra from Freewalks.nz

Sandra personally reviewed, documented, photographed and walked the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville on 26 June 2022.

Herald Island is a little known 100-acre island tucked in the Whenuapai Harbour, behind Hobsonville and Whenuapai.

It is connected to the mainland by a causeway surrounded by mangroves. The same day I did this walk I also drove 10 mins over to Hobsonville Point and did the full coastal walkway loop there.

Though it is a small island (with only 275 households), the island has a lot to offer. It has 6 reserves and even a museum and library in the middle of the island.

This walk takes you along the footpath, with peeps of the Waitemata Harbour here and there.

There are two playgrounds, as well as an ample choice of picnic locations—and remember to pack a picnic since the only dairy on the island closed recently!

About halfway around, you will reach Pahiki Reserve, which is the tip of the island. There is a wharf here that can be accessed by a short staircase. Take a moment to look at the boats.

Take your shoes off and walk along Christmas Beach. If you find yourself there at high tide, it is a beautiful spot for a swim.

The beach then reconnects with the footpath and continues along back to the start of the walk.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Hobsonville, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 40 minute walk
  • Distance: 2.7 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Bikes allowed: Yes
  • Route: Loop
  • Elevation: Mostly flat
  • Wet Feet: The grassy areas are muddy after rain, but there are alternative footpaths if necessary.
  • Toilets: There are 3 public toilets along the walk.
  • Dogs: Yes
  • Mobile Coverage: Excellent
  • Last Updated: June, 2022
Car park at the start of the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland by Sandra at Freewalks.nz
Car park at the start of the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland
Steps after the park on the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland by Sandra at Freewalks.nz
Walk straight through the middle of the park and down these steps at the start of the walk. You can turn left or right it doesn't matter as it's a loop walk.
Christmas Beach on the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland by Sandra at Freewalks.nz
Christmas Beach with the tide out on the Herald Island. The beach is quite small but pleasant. Then it's straight back onto the footpath again.
Wharf on the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland by Sandra at Freewalks.nz
Wharf on the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville. You need to double back a bit then up the steps and through the park to rejoin the footpath again.
Views from Pahiki Reserve on the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland by Sandra at Freewalks.nz
Views from Pahiki Reserve looking out to the harbour.
The only parking right on the waterfront on the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland by Sandra at Freewalks.nz
The only parking right on the waterfront on the Herald Island. You'll also see the bus stop here too.

Latest Google Reviews about Herald Island walk

Summary points about this walk




More walks in Hobsonville and the North Shore of Auckland

Boardwalk with kids on the Hobsonville Point coastal walkway in Auckland by Freewalks.nz

Hobsonville Point Path – The Coastal Walkway

5.5 km • 1.5 hours • Easy • Also known as The Coastal Walkway, this is a great loop walk around the point is suitable for the whole family. Catch the ferry from downtown Auckland or drive to Hobsonville Point.

Walk details →
Sea views on the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland by Sandra at Freewalks.nz

Herald Island Path

2.7 km • 40 minutes • Easy • Herald Island Path is an easy loop walk in Hobsonville, Auckland.

Walk details →
Wenderholm Perimeter Track

Wenderholm Perimeter Track

4.6 km • 1.5 hours • Medium

Walk details →
Couldrey House Lookout - Wenderholm Regional Park - Auckland - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Couldrey House Lookout – Wenderholm Regional Park

0.6 km • 15 minutes • Medium

Walk details →
Te Akeake Walk – Wenderholm Regional Park - Auckland - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Wenderholm Te Akeake Walk

1.8 km • 30 minutes • Easy walk down the long sandy beach and enjoy the great coastal views.

Walk details →
Ōrewa Estuary Path - Auckland

Te Ara Tahuna – Orewa Estuary Path

8 km • 1.5 hours • Easy • Ōrewa Estuary Path is a great loop walk on an excellent wide concrete track made for walkers and bikers. When the tide is in you’ll enjoy lovely views around the whole track.

Walk details →

Tuff Crater Path

5 km • 1.5 hours • Easy. This walk takes you along the rim of the Tuff Crater, a great short walk in Auckland.

Walk details →
Heritage Trail – Shakespear Regional Park - Auckland

Heritage Trail – Shakespear Regional Park

3.9 km • 2 hours • Medium

Walk details →
Lookout Track – Shakespear Regional Park

Lookout Track – Shakespear Regional Park

2.5 km • 1 hour • Medium

Walk details →
Arriving by ferry for the Devonport to Takapuna Green Route Walk by Freewalks nz

Devonport to Takapuna Green Route Walk

8 km • 2 hours • Easy. According to my GPS, the Devonport to Takapuna Green Route walk is 8km and will take you around 2 hours, allowing for photo taking. © Freewalks.nz

Walk details →
Stop at the seat for lovely views on the Long Bay Regional Park coastal walk in Auckland - Copyright Freewaks.nz

Long Bay Regional Park Coastal Walk

5.80 kms • 2.5 Hours • Medium

Walk details →
Stillwater beach walk - Auckland - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Stillwater Beach Walk

8.50 kms • 3 hours 20 minutes • Very Easy

Walk details →
Cornwallis Beach Walk

Cornwallis Beach Walk

2 kms • 1 Hour • Very Easy

Walk details →
Devonport Heads Walk - Auckland - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Devonport Heads Walk

7.50 kms • 10 Hours • Easy

Walk details →

What sort of walking and hiking gear will you need

We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.

2 thoughts on “Herald Island Path”

  1. Your Maps Location does not provide a link to a map. This would be very helpful.
    Regards Christine

    1. Thanks so much for letting us know Christine. That’s a great idea and I’ve added the map link now.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top