Family Friendly Walks for the school holidays!
Matakana Coast App
15 July 2024, 9:09 PM
We have put together a fantastic and comprehensive list of family friendly walks for you to try out or redo your favs these school holidays, weather permitting of course!
Puhoi River Walkway, Puhoi
Recently reopened after Cyclone Gabrielle. A gentle walk along the Puhoi River, suitable for families, with opportunities for birdwatching.
Recently reopened after Cyclone Gabrielle.
Mahurangi Regional Park
Numerous walk and nice beaches to enjoy.
Here is a PDF link of the Auckland Council park map
Scandrett Regional Park, Mahurangi East
Located on the north-east tip of the Mahurangi Peninsula. Scandrett Regional Park encompasses Mullet Point and the rocky headlands that protrude into Kawau Bay.
A wonderful beach, regenerating coastal forest, and a group of historic farm buildings await as well as stunning coastal views.
Enjoy the boardwalks through the native trees.
Lots of lovely walks, through bush and farmland as well as a stunning beach.
Explore the Tāwharanui Ecology Trail and check out the native New Zealand birdlife.
Matakana to Omaha Flats Cycle Path is a 6 km popular green gravel path family friendly trail, which is also suitable for walking.
Mt Tamahunga
This is a long and steep walk through regenerating native bush that is also home to recently released Kiwi. The views from the top are incredible!
A gravel track and boardwalk follows the foreshore and passes very large, old Pohutukawa trees and huge boulders along the shore line. Look out towards Omaha Beach and the entrance to the Whangateau Harbour.
From Matheson Bay beach, this beautiful bush walk begins at the flat grassed reserve on the west side of the Kohuroa Stream. There are some steep sections as the track follows the stream and a series of waterfalls along boardwalk. Return along
the same route or walk back via the road. There’s also a playground at Matheson’s Bay.
Enjoy the lovely views from the cliff tops. Look out for Dolphins, Orca and Little Blue Penguins.
Enjoy the views out to Goat Island. Visit the Marine Reserve and the Marine Discovery Centre while you’re there.
Tomarata Lake, Te Ārai
The Tomarata – Te Ārai Dune Lakes biodiversity focus area in north-east Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland includes three small dune lakes in Te Ārai Regional Park and three larger, deeper dune lakes nearby (Lakes Tomarata, Slipper and Spectacle).
The lakes were created when the formation of sand dunes along the coast prevented inland water from running out to sea. No rivers or streams flow into the lakes. The lake water comes from rainfall, as well as water seeping up through the sand. The
lakes are fringed with extensive freshwater wetlands.
As well as the lakes explore Te Ārai Forest and Te Ārai Point. Te Ārai Point offers great peaceful beach areas and surf.
Tanekaha Loop Tracks, Mangawhai
Enjoy these lovely walks with waterfalls, ridgelines, forest and farmland.
https://www.mangawhaitracks.com/tanekaha-tracks
Waipu Coast Walkway, Waipu
Waipu Coastal Walkway is a beautiful coastal walk with gorgeous views of the rocky coastline between Waipu and Langs Beach.
https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Parks-and-recreation/Parks-and-reserves/Waipu-Coastal-Walkway
Waipu Caves Track, Waipu
From the caves, a 2-km walk leads you through a picturesque karst limestone landscape across farmland and regenerating bush to a point where you can take in the magnificent views. Within the entrance to the caves themselves, you will find
stalactites, stalagmites and glow worms.
Hātea Loop Walkway, Whangārei
A flat, easy walk around the Hātea River suitable for all ages.
https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Parks-and-recreation/Parks-and-reserves/Hatea-Loop-walkway
Parihaka Summit Track, Whangārei
A moderately steep walk to the summit with panoramic views, suitable for older children in Parihaka Scenic Reserve.
https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Parks-and-recreation/Parks-and-reserves/Parihaka
Pukenui Forest Walks, Whangārei
Offers a variety of short tracks through 1700 hectares of the Pukenui/Western Hills Forest which is located on the doorstep of Whangarei City.
https://pukenuitrust.org.nz/walking-tracks/
AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park, Whangārei
The A H Reed Memorial Park is a magnificent remnant of the original Northland kauri forest. Maturing kauri trees known to be at least 500 years old can be easily viewed close up from a raised walkway through the forest canopy.
https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Parks-and-recreation/Parks-and-reserves/A-H-Reed-Memorial-Park
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