The best coastal walks in Auckland

Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll with breathtaking harbour views, a rugged cliff-top hike, or a guided eco-tour with expert insights, Auckland has a coastal walk to suit every type of explorer.

Here’s our guide to the best coastal walks in and around Auckland, including tours that can help you experience these incredible locations in a deeper, more immersive way.

Hobsonville Point Coastal Walkway

Once a busy operational air force base, Hobsonville Point has been transformed into a lively waterfront community, and its Coastal Walkway is a great way to take in the vibrancy of the area.

This 5km loop offers a mix of boardwalks, scenic reserves, and stunning harbour views. Along the way, you’ll pass historic remnants of the area’s aviation past, sculptures, and waterfront café, Fabric, perfect for a refreshing post-walk drink.

If you’re visiting on the weekend, start at the Catalina Bay Farmers’ Market to fuel up on a coffee and an artisan treat.

Kennedy Park to Castor Bay Path

For a scenic coastal walk with stunning clifftop views, the Kennedy Park to Castor Bay Path is an easy one to tick off your must-do list.

Starting at Kennedy Park on Auckland’s North Shore, you’ll pass the well-preserved WWII bunkers and defence installations before making your way down to Castor Bay, a small but beautiful beach with views out to Rangitoto Island.

At just 1.5km, the walk is short and family-friendly (with playgrounds at both ends), but the views over the Hauraki Gulf are breathtaking, especially at sunrise if you’re someone who loves to get out early.

Chelsea Heritage Path

If you love history, lush greenery, and waterfront views, you’ll love the Chelsea Heritage Path, a short but stunning walk with the bonus of a delicious treat stop!

Located in Chelsea Estate Heritage Park, this coastal track weaves through beautiful native bush and offers a chance to soak in the serene beauty of the Chelsea Ponds and breathtaking views across the Waitematā Harbour to the city.

Then, treat yourself to something delicious at Sugar at Chelsea Bay - their famous lamingtons are not to be missed.

Mercer Bay Loop Track

Head to Auckland’s west coast, where towering high above the Tasman Sea, the Mercer Bay Loop Track offers one of the most dramatic coastal vistas in Auckland.

This 2.2km trail winds along rugged cliffs, providing breathtaking panoramic views that stretch both north and south. With steep sections and exposed ridges, it’s a walk that rewards you with an unbeatable sense of awe at every turn. For something extra special, time the end of your walk for sunset and enjoy golden hour at Piha Beach.

There is a lot to learn about this enchanting part of Auckland, so for those who want to delve deeper beyond its beauty, Bush & Beach offers a Wilderness Experience Tour as well as a Coast and Rainforest Walking Day Tour.

Their experienced guides offer local knowledge on the area’s history, ecology and conservation efforts throughout the Waitākere Ranges. 

Waitākere Ranges Tracks

Te Wao Nui O Tiriwa Waitākere Ranges are home to some of Auckland’s most spectacular coastal and forest walks, offering everything from short scenic strolls to full-day hikes.

This lush rainforest region is packed with native bush, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking coastal lookouts. Popular tracks include the Kitekite Falls Path, which leads to a stunning multi-tiered waterfall.

Or, if you want to experience the area’s wilder side, the Ōmanawanui Track is one of the most rewarding hikes, located at Whatipū, at the southern end of the Waitākere Ranges. This trail takes you along a ridge with dramatic views over the Manukau Harbour and the rugged coastline below.

While you're in the area, why not see more of what the Waitākere Ranges and west coast have to offer? Auckland & Beyond’s Wild West Coast Private Tour takes you beyond the walking tracks, showcasing the region’s towering waterfalls, volcanic black-sand beaches, and rugged coastal cliffs, as well as local vineyards and eateries.

With expert local guides, you’ll gain insights into the area’s Māori history, unique wildlife, and natural landscapes, all without having to worry about navigating on your own.

Matakana Coastal Walks

Just an hour north of Auckland, the Matakana Coast isn’t just about great wine and markets, it also boasts some stunning coastal walks. Tāwharanui Regional Park is a standout, featuring a mix of golden beaches, rolling farmland, and native bush trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints.

For a truly unique experience, Social Nature Movement offers a Stargazing and Wild Kiwi Bird Tour, where you can explore New Zealand’s nocturnal world under a canopy of stars.

Guided by experts, this immersive adventure takes you into protected kiwi bird habitats, where you’ll listen for their calls and learn about conservation efforts to protect these rare creatures.

The experience also includes celestial observation through telescopes, allowing you to marvel at the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the region beyond the daylight hours. 

Foodies may also like to book a private Matakana Country & Cuisine tour with Time Unlimited. As well as great food, you can take your pick of relaxation or adventure, exploring local attractions, coastlines and beaches, and wild bushland.

Accessible at low tide, the Sandspit to Brick Bay Walkway is another scenic route, taking you through coastal forest and along the estuary. Reward yourself with a wine tasting at Brick Bay, or better yet, join the Bush & Beach Great Tastes of Matakana Tour, which combines great local food and 21st century art and architecture, including a stop at the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail.

Waiheke Island

If blending good food, wine, and scenic walks sounds like your perfect day out, then a trip across to Waiheke Island should be on your bingo card too. There are many beautiful walking tracks, taking you between golden sand beaches, wineries, forests and seaside villages.

Ananda Tours offers a Half Day Scenic Wine and Lunch tour, which includes a stop at Onetangi, a 1.8km long beach, perfect for a coastal stroll.

Meanwhile, Terra and Tide really immerse you in Waiheke’s landscape with their selection of walking tours, which take you along the island’s stunning coastlines and through remote trails.

Coastal Walks in Auckland’s Regional Parks

Whether you’re after a short scenic stroll or a more challenging hike, you’ll love stretching your legs in Auckland’s incredible regional parks.

Popular options include, Shakespear Regional Park, with its easy walking tracks featuring breathtaking views over the Hauraki Gulf, Duder Regional Park, a coastal farm park with gentle trails through rolling farmland and panoramic ocean views, and Āwhitu Regional Park, a scenic gem on the western side of the Manukau Harbour, with peaceful coastal tracks and quiet beaches.