With the Waitakere Ranges and parts of the Hunua Ranges closing soon to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease, Aucklanders could be forgiven for thinking they’ve run out of walking options. But these eight walks are a reminder that the region is still spoilt for choice.
1. A secret Auckland beach Te Muri Campground, Te Muri Regional Park Featuring a campsite on an isolated beach in a regional park within an hour of Auckland CBD, Te Muri Beach is an excellent, but little-known getaway. The campsite is between Wenderholm and Mahurangi West regional parks. Te Muri Beach is only accessible around low tide and there is no vehicle access, which means the beach is often deserted. Ten-minutes from the car park, the trail crosses a small tidal stream which is knee-high at low tide, but overhead height at high tide, with strong currents. Continue along the beach, or follow the grassy track just above the beach. The campsite is on the waterfront at the southern end, with room for 80 people, running water and toilets. From the campground, a trail leads to the top of the ridge to the south, which has views to Wenderholm, Motuora Island and Whangaparaoa Peninsula. There’s also a walk up a gravel road behind the beach, which is closed to traffic and passes large stands of kauri forest and has incredible views of the Mahurangi coast, lush farmland and regenerating forest. There is also a historic cemetery at the north end of the bay, just back from the beach, where Maori residents and European pioneers are buried. Access From the car park on Ngarewa Drive, above Sullivans Bay Grade Easy Time 25min. [caption id="attachment_56349" align="aligncenter" width="1980"]




