If you are looking for the best family walks in Auckland, then read on, as we’ve compiled the definitive guide to walks in and around Auckland.

Auckland has such amazing terrain, which means there are plenty of hills and mountains to get you out and about walking. With so many options to choose from, the question is where to start? Forest, mountain, or beachside? Here is the top 10 spots for walking with families in Auckland. 

• Rangitoto Summit – One of the best walks within Auckland requires a short 25 minute ferry from Auckland CBD. It drops you off onto Rangitoto, which is a volcanic cone. The walk to the top of the cone takes about 1 hour each way. The kids will love the black lava caves that you can explore on the way (bring a torch!) When you get to the top, the view is breathtaking, looking over Auckland Harbour and the City. 
 
• Cornwall Park –This more leisurely walk will be a hit with the kids. Take a stroll through the park and see all the cherry-blossomed lanes. It is a two hour round trip that takes you through lush green fields and up to the top of One Tree Hill. From the top of this you will have a 360 degree view of Auckland. When back on the flat, you will walk by paddocks with sheep, goats and cows. 
 
• Coast to Coast Walk –If you and the family are after a long walk one way (and maybe a bus or pick up on the way back) the Coast to Coast walk is just that. A 16km stretch from Onehunga to the CBD. Start at one coast on the Manukau foreshore and trek through to Royal Oak, Cornwall Park and Epsom into the CBD. There is not many places in NZ that you can say you walked from one coast to the other!
 
• Western Springs –Looking for a short walk, then Western Springs is the spot. A 1.8km loop, which takes around half an hour. Wander around the freshwater lake, take some bread to feed the Western Springs eels (which can grow to two meters long!) Then stroll through the Fukoaka Garden which is a tranquil Japanese Garden thatcontains a waterfall and pond. A hit for families. 
 
• Takapuna-Milford Heritage Walk –Wanting to learn more about Auckland? Then this walk is just that. Starting in Takapuna and ending in Milford, this walk takes around two hours. Follow the map and as you walk you will be shown different landmarks along the North Shore, like the old post office, Algie’s Castle and more. What could be better than exploring the heritage all by yourself!?
 
• Ambury Park Farm –Nestled on the banks of the Manukau Harbour the farmland is full of sheep, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits and peacocks. It is the perfect walk for those animal loving kids. Wander at your own pace and trek through the paddocks and down to the waters edge. A big fave with kids!
 
• Mount Eden Circuit Walk –Probably one of the most famous walks in Auckland. The path is lit up and perfect for families. It has wide paths up the volcano crater, which when you get to the top you will have a 360 degree view of Auckland. 
 
• Botanic Gardens and Puhinui Stream Forest Trail –This is a two in one walk, perfect for families. The Puhinui Stream Forest Trail links between Totara Park and the Botanical Gardens. The 4km walk has many spots to keep the kids entertained as they walk- think playgrounds! When you get into the Botanic Gardens there is the Potter Children’s Garden that they will enjoy wandering and playing in. 
 
• Tamaki Drive Walk –It doesn’t get more Auckland than Tamaki Drive. Connecting from the city to St Heliers, it is an eight kilometre walk along the Harbour. A flat path takes you through some of Auckland’s best seaside towns. Along the way stop at one of the beautiful white sandy beaches. The walk takes around two hours one way. 
 
• Mangere Mountain –Driving over the Mangere Bridge you can see the Mountain sitting above the town. It is an old volcanic crater and is a nice 45 minute walk up to the top. 

There is no paved path, just a grass path that has been cut out people walking. See wild cows roaming the grassland. When you get to the top, you have fabulous views over the Manukau Harbour and the airport. 

With plenty of options for family walks in Auckland, what is stopping you from getting the kids out and exploring Auckland in a different way … walking!? Answer – nothing!!!!