Te Auaunga waterfall on the Oakley Creek Walkway, Waterview. Photo / Greg Bowker
1. Cascade Walkway, Meadowland Dr to Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga
A tummy-settling 6km stretch takes you past pine trees and stream, the Howick Historical Village and sports reserves. Put the dog on a lead, the kids on their new bikes and explore.
2. Oakley Creek Walkway and Esplanade Reserve, 1408 to 1508 Great North Rd, Waterview
Te Auaunga is
the only waterfall within the Auckland city area, an unexpected haven tucked between Great North Rd (near the cycle overbridge) and Blockhouse Bay Rd, it takes about half an hour to walk. There are viewing platforms to see the waterfall and plant and bird life.
3. Sri Chinmoy Mile, Auckland Domain
You could stroll the rolling greens of the Auckland Domain, or measure yourself an exact one mile (1.6 km) circuit on the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. Start at the sign next to the grandstand and follow Grandstand Rd South, Football Rd, The Crescent, Kiosk Rd and Grandstand Rd North to finish approximately 100m beyond the starting point at the marked finishing point. Every circuit earns another helping of trifle.
4. Westhaven Waterfront
Head west across Victoria Park and into Beaumont St from your inner city pad or down Curran St and under the harbour bridge from Ponsonby or Herne Bay for a brisk stroll around Westhaven. Stop to admire the gin palaces and make mental note to self to be really good for Santa next year.
5. Te Atatu Peninsula
You could walk around the entire peninsula or pick off pretty corners - the 20-minute Harbourview Reserve walk has stunning views across a wetland and the Waitemata Harbour, the Spinnaker and Kelvin Strand walk follows coastal wetland and beach to views of West Harbour Marina, Chapman Strand follows a seawall to the Te Atatu Boat Club.
6. Orakei Basin Boardwalk
Christen the new boardwalk, all 625m of it running along the rail corridor to finally link Orakei Rd and Purewa Rd from the main Orakei Basin carpark, as far as the Auckland Water Ski Club.
