One moment you can be in the solitude of a reserve and the next looking at large cranes moving shipping containers with a helicopter nearby warming up to take off, and a train swiftly moving along the tracks.
The weather did not look the best today with low grey clouds in the sky after a day of rain yesterday. So we took our raincoats and didn’t need them…
Quick facts about this walk
| Walk time: | approx. 60 minutes |
| Distance: | about 5kms |
| Parking: | Gladstone Road or Stanwell Street, off Gladstone Road, Parnell |
| Track: | A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet. |
| Difficulty: | Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. |
| Highlights: | NZ native ferns palms and cycads, roses, Waitemata Harbour views, City views, helicopters, cranes, big trucks, container wharf, Parnell Baths |
| Buggies/Wheelchairs: | Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. |
| Dog Friendly: | There is Off leash exercise area |
| FREE Map: | Download your FREE map of this walk |
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland
However, we chose a walk that would not get our feet too wet. But if you do want to get wet when it’s a lovely sunny day, then this walk takes you along Judges Bay and around the Parnell Baths via the Parnell Rose Gardens in Dove Myer Robinson Park (named after Auckland’s longest serving (18 years) Mayor – Dove Myer Robinson).
The walk takes us out along the end of Solent Street. The Council planted a row of native pohutukawa trees along the path and a few years later they have grown significantly. We wondered how much they will grow in another few years and if they will hinder walkers…
The roses today were looking bedraggled because of all the rain. However, the fernery was stunning and a great place for children to wander around safely.
This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash exercise area.
To make this a full day outing, you may wish to stay and explore Parnell, one of Auckland’s most interesting and historic suburbs.
