Our recommended route requires a good level of fitness as the loop encounters a range of steep slopes and uneven terrain. There is a good pathway to the summit on a braod track suitable for buggies if you walk the route clockwise, however this is only out & back and misses many interesting features of this mountain.
Quick facts about this walk
| Walk time: | 60 – 90 mins |
| Distance: | 2.92km (yellow) |
| Surface: | Gravel or Grass Tracks |
| Difficulty: | 3/5 – some steep sections |
| Buggies/Wheelchairs: | 3/5 – the summit track is hilly but gradual if sticking to the main route and only completing the out & back walkway. The walkway to the Mangere Education Centre includes a lot of stairs. |
| Facilities: | Toilets, Seats, Football Fields, Playground, Skatepark |
| Highlights: | City Views, Harbour Views, Craters, Maori History |
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland
Map location and how to find Mangere Mountain
Click here to open the Google Map in a separate tab or tap the icon in the top right of this map.
Mangere Mountain Tracks Description
Mangere Mountain ranks as one of the most amazing places to explore in Auckland. It is full of surprises – three craters, fantastic 360-degree views, football & softball fields, playground and plenty of historic Maori heritage. Allow an hour or two to explore this volcanic mountain, plus additional time for the Mangere Education Centre if you are able.
We commenced our walk at the carpark near the soccer clubrooms and headed through the nearby gate. Our route takes us anti-clockwise on the eastern edge of the main crater and towards the playground. We then join the trail towards the Mangere Education Centre – well worth the walk. You will experience aspects of Maori history and heritage along this walkway.
Now its time to climb! If you have good fitness and are up for narrower and bumpy terrain continue on our recommended route by following the yellow trail on the Google Map. If you have a buggie or want something a bit less challenging, head clockwise up the main trail to the summit.
Our route passes adjacent to the second crater (the 3rd crater was quarried and is where the Soccer Fields and Education Centre are now situated). The views South and East and to the North as you climb will have you clicking your cameras. Continue upwards towards the upper rim of the main crater – the track is a little narrow and steep in places and can be a bit slippery in the wet – but worth the walk. Take in the sights at first high knoll plus the Trig for stunning views of Auckland.
As you venture around the rim you will pass numerous large kumera pits and other significant Maori heritage. It is worth following our recommended high route instead of the wider track back to the carpark.
To extend your walk you can also consider returning via the lower track that circumnavigates the mountain. It is a narrow but pleasant track through the grass but contains few noticeable special features that demand your attention.
Buggies and Wheelchairs
The Mangere Mountain Domain contains some wide unsealed tracks that are suitable for ‘off-road’ buggies. These include the initial part of the Mangere Education Trail and the Trig Track walking in the clockwise direction.
Wheelchairs and standard strollers would be a challenge but with a strong person pushing might be okay.
Photos from my walk along the Mangere Mountain
More of my walks in South Auckland
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The walk along Conifer Grove Esplanade offers views across Manukau Harbour north to Wattle Downs and south to Karaka.
Botanic Gardens and Totara Park Loops
A beautiful sunny morning made our trip south for a walk around the Auckland Botanic Gardens and Totara Park walking tracks and the Puhinui Stream forest, a wonderful experience.
Puhinui Reserve Walkway
Puhinui Reserve Walkway was another new discovery for us last week. It is a huge (199 hectares of rural landscape) undeveloped area out near Auckland Airport (off Price Road, off Puhiniu Road).
Ambury Park Farm Walk
The walk around Ambury Park Farm is a fun, family friendly excursion.
Highbrook Park Loop
If you have been out to Highbrook Business Park in South Auckland, you may have noticed a walkway along the waters edge to the north. This has intrigued my friend and I for some time, so today we set out to explore and work out a way to include it an interesting circular walk.
Wattle Downs Walkway
Wattle Downs in South Auckland was another new area for us to explore. The Wattle Downs Walkway goes around the edge of the peninsula that extends into Manukau Harbour, at one spot there are views through to Manukau Heads.
Mangere Esplanade Loop Walk
It was a treat to walk along Kiwi Esplanade (Mangere Bridge) at high tide in the sunshine this morning.
Otara Creek Walkway
The Otara Creek Walkway in South Auckland, passes through some 220 hectares of waterway/tidal mudflats and forms a green corridor within Otara township.
Point View Reserve Loop
Last weekend while we were exploring the Whitford area, we stumbled across the Point View Reserve, and decided to check it out.
Weymouth Walkway Loop
The Weymouth Walkway south of Auckland, is a mainly flat (suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs), concrete paved path that follows the coastline of Manukau Harbour and the Puhinui Creek mangrove forest inlet.
Papakura Inlets Walks
It was low tide this morning as we walked around the Pahurehure Inlet at Papakura.
Mangere Bridge Loop Walk
We like to find excuses to head to Mangere Bridge for a walk. The village has a vibrant atmosphere, as the cafes that spill out onto the pavement bring the village to life and there are always visitors.
Puhinui Stream Forrest Walk
This walk is through an extensive site of native bush alongside Totara Park & the Manurewa Botanical Gardens is beautiful, challenging and interesting
Hamlins Hill – Historic Gem
Hamlins Hill (Mutukaroa) Regional Park is a gem in the midst of Auckland City with a rich history and plenty of open space for you to unwind and enjoy
Clevedon Reserve Stairway to Heaven walk
The Clevedon Reserve Stairway to Heaven walk in Papakura is dog friendly, with huge native trees, views, birdlife & quarry environment.
