We set out from Howick Historical Village hoping to find well sign-posted walking paths. The best we found was a post with two arrows on it! (New signage has been installed since our first visit).
![The Cascade Walkway sign](https://ewzutrh9t34.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Cascade-Walkway.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
The paths are great for cycling and walking (with your dog and/or your children). There is diverse birdlife and native plants and trees.
We were surprised by the lack of picnic/BBQ facilities, public toilets and children’s playgrounds within the Cascade Reserve. However, we did come across 3 children’s playgrounds in total, making this a short family friendly walk.
Quick facts about this walk
Walk time: | approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes |
Distance: | about 6 kms |
Start: | Bells Road off Cascades Road/Pakuranga Road |
Track: | Mainly level paths and a few slightly inclined paths. |
Difficulty: | Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Mostly concrete paths with a small stretch of dirt track under trees. |
Buggies/Wheelchairs: | Buggy/pram friendly. |
Dog Friendly: | Off leash exercise areas available |
Facilities: | Children's Playground |
Highlights: | Creeks, birdlife, small waterfall, bridges, tunnel. View of Rangitoto Island, Pigeon Mountain, Mt Wellington, Waitakere Ranges and One Tree Hill |
FREE Map: | Download your FREE map of this walk |
![The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland](https://ewzutrh9t34.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hobbiton-house-in-Matamata.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland
Near the Historical Village is an area to play with marbles, and another area for kids to ride their bicycles on a specially made track. There is a duck pond and some bench seats along the walkway nearby.
![children's playground along the way of the cascade walkway](https://ewzutrh9t34.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-Cascade-Walkway-1.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
We had lunch and coffee at the Homestead Cafe (the homemade bacon and egg quiche was very tasty).
You can find the Auckland Council’s information on the Cascade Walkway here.
Dogs – off leash exercise areas available.
Suitable for family cycling: Between Meadlowland Drive and Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga.