The waterfall at Oakley Creek in Waterview, Auckland. Photo / Greg Bowker
Confession time: I am addicted to walking. Not the usual everyday stroll up the road for coffee, but real walks out of the city where reconnection with remote, primeval New Zealand is on the cards.
The trouble is that thing called time. Few of us living in large cities have vast stacks of it free these days, but ever since discovering the South Island on a clear day from a windy Wellington hillside, I have had the walking bug.
That particular walk revealed the South Island behind curvaceous cumulus clouds hovering over the Cook Strait and it soon became a regular antidote to teen angst. If I had a bad day, a walk swept it away; the wind helped, too.
These days a run works the same magic. But runs are solitary, whereas the following five walks offer a chance to combine fitness with family and friends.
They range from relatively brief one-to-two-hour affairs to proper half-day walks, both of which still leave time for the chores, extra work, children's homework and general prep for the week ahead.
As the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once said: "Whatever you do, never lose your fondness of walking. I walk myself into my daily well-being, and I walk out of all illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so heavy that one cannot out walk it."
Oakley Creek Walkway, Waterview
In a nutshell: This walk along Oakley Creek begins on Great North Rd as it curves up from the new motorway construction and begins its journey towards Waterview. Parking is an easy five-minute stroll from the start of the track. It is also in close proximity to motorway access from north, south and west Auckland; all have off ramps that connect to Great North Rd at Western Springs and are a five-minute drive to the start of Oakley Creek Walkway.
What you see: Auckland has many waterfalls but this is the most accessible; it is on the fringe of the city and yet it feels as though it is far away from the hustle and bustle. A vast shower curtain of water tumbles over rocks about half way up Oakley Creek, which is already a pretty walkway in itself with its native bush-covered banks, giving way to a slight suburban feel at the very end as the walk reconnects to Great North Rd.
Where to begin: Great North Rd as it turns towards Waterview.
Return time of walk: This walk is 60 minutes from parking your car to return, but it can be fun to stretch it to two hours, if you choose to add an extra hike through the lovely pine forest at the end. This extra track overlooks over a vast and breathtaking area of wetland to the west.
More information: The website advises to park on Cowley St, Waterview, where there are toilets, a picnic area and revamped modern children's park, but Alford St is equally close with plentiful parking. It also has an official Oakley Creek Walkway sign which points towards the zebra crossing to get to the track.
Find out more at: waterfalls.co.nz
Mercer Bay loop track
In a nutshell: If vast views of sea, cliff tops, kauri, tui and kowhai appeal, this spectacular three-hour walk will put a spring in your step. It is a loop track, so no boredom factor and the terrain varies.
Where to begin: Drive down Piha Rd, turn into Te Ahuahu Rd then Log Race Rd and go to the end.
What you see: The sea and lots of it, but also native bush, wild flowers (depending on the season) and cliff tops. Spring is the best time because the birds are out enjoying the native spring flowers.
Return time of walk: Three hours is the official return time but unofficially, it's a good two hours.
More information: Go to wonderwalkers.co.nz
Exhibition Drive, Titirangi
In a nutshell: This is the perfect walk in the west when time is of the essence. It is also pretty cruisy — mostly flat with great views and beautiful bush.
What you see: The stark white Nihotupu Filter Station is the first thing you see, on the corner of Scenic Drive and Woodlands Park Rd, surrounded by lush Titirangi bush with a prime piece of real estate in front: a car park. From there, you begin the track — or should I say, highway. It's a wide, relatively flat path lined on the right by trees, with expansive views over Manukau Harbour, Mangere and Auckland International Airport — in the far distance. But the real rewards are the ease of the walk and the Lower Nihotupu Dam at the end.
Where to begin: Drive to Titirangi and down the hill to the junction of Scenic Drive and Woodlands Park Rd. Park outside the Nihotupu Filter Station.
Return time of walk: One to 1.5 hours — shorter, if you choose to cycle or run this one, which lends itself to both because its wide, smooth track provides plenty of room for several people at once. You can walk further, if the mood takes you — and time permits — because it joins up with another path at the end.
More information: Find out more at wonderwalkers.co.nz
La Cigale, Parnell
In a nutshell: If you live in or near Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, St Mary's Bay or Herne Bay, this is the walk for you. It has the added bonus of decadence at the end.
Where to begin: Walk down College Hill or, preferably (for water views) Curran St. Follow the waterfront around Westhaven Marina before connecting to Fanshawe Street and then choose from either Quay St — my preference; why not see the sea, if you can — or Customs St West. Take a right at The Strand and then a left up Saint Georges Bay Rd to number 69. In the carpark at the bottom, you'll find your reward.
What you see: Sea views and city on the way to the delicious flavours at La Cigale market. Bring cash or a money card to enjoy a French crepe, fresh juice, European cheeses, pastries and espresso. It might pay to pack a spare bag in your daypack since La Cigale is also home to Wine Direct, which has an eclectic collection of European wines from bargain bottles of goodness to high-priced collectibles. There is also a fresh fruit and vegetable market with dried nuts, fruits, jams and foods.
Return time of walk: All up, the walk alone takes 2.5 to 3 hours but time spent at the market adds at least another 30 minutes.
More information: La Cigale French Market is held on Saturdays from 8am-1.30pm; Sundays 9-1.30pm.
Rangitoto Summit Walk
In a nutshell: There are two ways to get to the top of Rangitoto Island, but many ways to get to the island. My first visit was on a family yacht, which has now set sail for more adventurous waters surrounding Stewart Island. The views are stunning and the island is ruggedly beautiful in a dusty volcanic fashion, so take plenty of water.
Where to begin: Ferries leave from downtown Auckland to Rangitoto Wharf, from where to begin a two to four-hour return walk.
What you see: Auckland from a distance. There's nothing like gaining a little perspective on New Zealand's fastest-growing city.
Return time: There are two main tracks to the Rangitoto Summit. The Summit Track takes an hour each way, "granny time". This track goes through bush and lava fields and connects with a circular rim track around the crater. The Lava Caves track is a 15-minute walk from the Summit Track.
More information: Visit the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai website.
Joelle Thomson is a wine writer, book author and a walker, who has been addicted to the views from the top of hills and mountains since her teenage years.
If you need a break from the slopes or don’t fancy a ski, there’s still a lot to do this.