I have been here only a few times – with my children when they were little and once to a garden sculpture exhibition.

I had not realised that you can walk the circumference, although unfortunately not completely by the lake edge.

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 1.5 hours
Distance: about 7kms
Start: The Pumphouse carpark
Track: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps.
Difficulty: Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather.
Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet.
Highlights: Lake activities, water birds
FREE Map: Download your FREE map of this walk
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

However the bits by the lake edge – Killarney Park, Henderson Park, Sylvan Park, Kitchener Park and the Quarry Lake Reserve more than make up for the street walking.  

There is lots to see at the lake edge, from the water birds to the water activities (sailing, wind-surfing, canoeing and model yacht racing). For more info about Lake Pupuke click here.

Lake Pupuke walkway track was muddy in places but would be ideal walking from November to perhaps June.  From September to December the path from Henderson Park to Sylvan Park is closed to allow the water birds space to nest and breed.

Even though the day was cold, windy and with spots of heavy rain, it was still a very enjoyable walk.  We will be back to document the Lake Pupuke walk very soon (and hopefully the day will be sunnier).

Update
We came back on a lovely summer day. We stopped and had a delicious iced coffee at the Cafe French Rendez-vous beside The Pumphouse.

Map location and how to find Lake Pupuke Takapuna

Photos from my walk along the Lake Pupuke Takapuna

Comments on the Lake Pupuke Takapuna

Vicki McInnes

sorry I don’t agree, went to walk the lake today after reading your information and the amount of road walking spoilt the walk completely. I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who likes to walk.

Helen

Hi Vicki,
The reality of living in a city means that there will be street walking involved. People usually enjoy walking in a variety of environments as there is always something new to see. Auckland Council has been petitioned to get a path following the circumference of the lake, but unfortunately the private land owners are unwilling to share. I wonder did you purchase our brochure and find all the tracks that take you along the lake? Sincerely, Helen

Chris Leonard

Went from Kara Cafe in Milford to the lake through the woods! Was not sure where I was going but found an entrance that led down to the water. The ducks and swans were beautiful, unfortunately there were no benches to sit on, just a couple of rocks. Walked back up to the road but would like to return and see more of the lake. It was a beautiful day and there were sailboats and windsurfers on the water. I’d love to learn to windsurf while I’m here (I’m 65!)

Helen

Hi Chris,
The lake is a beautiful Auckland gem. Hope you get windsurfing!
Cheers Helen

More of my walks near Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland

Bench park and walk path

Totaravale Reserves

The Totaravale Reserves loop walk loosely follows a route documented by Margaret Scrymgeour from her booklet “Explore the Shore”.
Walk details →
Native bush and trees at Eskadale and Highbury Reserves

Eskadale and Highbury Reserves

This loop bush walk from Birkenhead War Memorial Park, through the reserves of Ridgewood, Eskdale and Birkenhead Domain was slightly challenging as the map that ...
Walk details →
couple 2 dogs with view beach

Mairangi Bay Loops

The clifftop and beach loop walks starting at Campbells Bay and taking in Mairangi Bay, and Murrays Bay and part of Rothesay Bay on Auckland’s ...
Walk details →
Meadowood Reserves Loop

Meadowood Reserves Loop

The Meadowood Reserves loop walk follows a route documented by Margaret Scrymgeour from her booklet “Explore the Shore”.
Walk details →
little stream bridge native bush

Greenhithe Loop Walk

Today we finally got to walk and discover just what a diverse and interesting place Greenhithe is
Walk details →
Looking down at the stairs on the Beach Haven Coastal Walk

Beach Haven Coastal Walk

The Beach Haven coastal walk on Auckland’s North Shore hugs to the coastline with views to Bayview, Hobsonville Point and the bush that runs alongside ...
Walk details →
Centennial Park Walking Tracks

Centennial Park Walking Tracks

Centennial Park (inland from Campbells Bay on Auckland’s North Shore) is a very large reserve that contains a regenerating native forest.
Walk details →
Rosedale Park Path

Unsworth Heights Native Bush to Beautiful Rosedale Park

The Unsworth Heights to Rosedale Park walkway is a spectacular ‘there & back’ walk with many activities and options for variety to make it a ...
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 →
Heritage Trail – Shakespear Regional Park - Auckland

Heritage Trail – Shakespear Regional Park

3.9 km • 2 hours • Medium
Walk details →