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.

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

Views of Waitemata Harbour. The walk also takes you through several reserves and along a small beach.

Track Quality

This track is mostly footpaths with some grassland and beach.

Hazards

None

Transport

There are several bus options to Herald Island, all of which require 2 or more buses. One option is the following: Take the 110 bus towards Westgate. Get off at Westgate and take the 114 bus towards Hobsonville. Get off the bus at the Ferry Parade/Holgate Ave stop to start your walk.

Water

Drinking water is available along the walk.

Driving Instructions

Take SH16 west from Central Auckland for 15 km. Take exit 19A-B onto SH18 East for 3 km. Take exit 9 towards Whenuapai/Hobsonville, followed by the first exit at the roundabout onto Brigham Creek Rd. After 270 m, turn right onto Kauri Rd. Continue for 2.2 km, then turn right onto Kingsway Rd which leads onto the island.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

There are no shops and restaurants on the island.

Area & Trail History

The island’s Maori name is Pahiki.

Map Location for Hearld Island Path in Auckland

View the actual page location for the Hearld Island map

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