It was great to see so many people out walking – some with their dogs off-leash on the beach (check out the Council dog rules), making the most of the day.

People with dog on the beach at Takapuna explorer

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 90-120 minutes
Distance: about 8 kms
Start: Takapuna Boat Ramp, The Promenade
Track: Mix of flat and undulating paths.
Difficulty: Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
Highlights: Takapuna Beach, Rangitoto, Mangrove, native birds, ducks
Dog Friendly: Yes – Off Leash at the beach
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

We followed a route documented by Margaret Scrymgeour from her booklet “Explore the Shore”. This walk takes in the sandy shore as well as the mangrove filled estuaries. The walk is quite undulating, so gave us a good workout. The views of Rangitoto are stunning, and we also enjoyed the view to Auckland City, Mount Eden and the Harbour Bridge.

Map location and how to find Takapuna Explorer

Photos from my walk along the Takapuna Explorer

See more of my walks near Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland

Devonport and North Head Loop Walk

One of my favorite walks in Auckland is North Head and Devonport. There are many things to do and see in Devonport Village and the views from North Head are magnificent.

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Beautiful view of Auckland city and harbour from the top of Mt Victoria in Devonport

Spectacular Views from Mt Victoria in Devonport

Today was clear and sunny, which called for a walk and climb to look over Auckland from up high from Mount Victoria in Devonport

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Northcote Point and Auckland Harbour Bridge

I felt like a tourist in my home city this morning! The morning was stunning and I was really looking forward to exploring Northcote Point.

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Mother and baby swan on Lake Pupuke in Takapuna

Lake Pupuke Takapuna

Today’s walk around Lake Pupuke in Takapuna was a discovery one.

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Belmont Bay Walk

This Belmont Bay walk on Auckland’s North Shore, was chosen by my friend after she read an inspiring article about the founder of the Belmont cafe “Little & Friday“.

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Takapuna to Milford Loop Walk

Takapuna to Milford Loop Walk

Many walkers on Auckland’s North Shore will be familiar with this route.

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Chelsea Heritage Park Loop

Winter is perhaps not the best time to do this bush walk starting at the Chelsea Estate Heritage Park – the track was very muddy and slippery – but we survived, and it was fun!

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Le Roys Bush Loop

Saying that you are going for a walk in the bush in urban Auckland, may sound like an oxymoron, however, that is one of the many wonderful aspects of walking in Auckland – you never have to go far to find native bush.

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Lovely view on the Bayview Coast and Bush Walk

Bayview Coast and Bush Walk

Today we set out to explore the Bayview area near Glenfield on Auckland’s North Shore. What a wonderful surprise to find a beautiful bush walk, alongside the Upper Harbour reaches, all part of the Glenfield Coastal Walkway.

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Bayview Giant Kauri Walk

We returned to Bayview on the North Shore to complete a circular walk in a different direction to our previous Bayview Coast and Bush Walk.

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Beautiful view of Auckland city and harbour from the waterfront path to the left of the ferry wharf in Devonport

Devonport Ngataringa Loop

Beautiful view of Auckland city and harbour from the waterfront path to the left of the ferry wharf in Devonport.

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Beautiful stream at Devenport Narrow Neck Loop

Devenport Narrow Neck Loop

The dark grey sky and strong winds did not bode well for our walk from Narrow Neck Beach (north of Devonport) to Ngaratinga Bay – a mini coast to coast loop.

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