Now that we’re at the peak of the stunning days of summer, it’s high time you stretched your legs on a journey that makes the most of it. Day walks on easy local trails are a great way to get amongst nature and recharge your spirit after a challenging year. With no current limit on gathering sizes or travel within New Zealand under Alert Level 1, we can undertake our usual sport and recreation activities — however, make sure you always keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen.

Suspension Bridge Loop
Distance: 3.5km/1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Making the most of the unruly forest that is the Hunua Ranges, this scenic stroll will take you on a loop that winds up to a stretching lookout over the Wairoa Reservoir. An ideal early-morning walk that can see you home in time for lunch, it is steep in some places, but nothing too treacherous to note. Be sure to follow instructions to prevent the spread of kauri dieback while undertaking your walk.

Duder Regional Park
Distance: 4.3km / 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
With spectacular 360 degree views taking in the Hauraki coastline, picture book Kiwi farm scenes and serene beaches, this easy walk is a favourite with families and people with photographic aspirations that extend beyond iPhone selfies. Make sure you make a diversion from the Farm Loop along the Whakakaiwhara Pā Walk which winds its way out to Whakaiwhara Point where walkers climb a small mound for photographs that will score the most likes on social media.

Wenderholm Regional Park
Distance: 4.6km/ 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This one and half hour loop, nestled between the mouths of the Pūhoi and Waiwera rivers, is a fantastic way to get your body moving if you’ve found yourself particularly sedentary of late. The easy track takes in the pretty gardens of Coudrey House, before offering revealing views of the Te Akeake sand spit and the Puhoi River. The headlands of Mahurangi Harbour can be spied in the north while islands pepper the ocean out to Kawau. Consider it a spectacular and simple starter walk.

Takapuna-Milford Heritage Walk
Distance: 6.2km / 2 hours
Difficulty: Suitable for all fitness levels.
Your first experience getting back to nature here will involve checking the tide times, with this North Shore favourite requiring mid-to-low tide to access beaches and best appreciate the fossil forest. Start at the Takapuna boat ramp on The Promenade and take in the 200 year old pōhutukawa and the iconic Mon Desir. Then there’s the checklist of White Oaks, Hurstmere Homestead, Algie’s Castle, Mirror House, Firth Cottage, the Giant’s Chair, and the Fossil Forest to keep your eyes occupied while your legs do the hard work.

Tiri Tiri Track, Shakespear Regional Park
Distance: 5km / 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Lying right at the tip of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, this versatile walking and mountain biking trail lies on a wildlife reserve. Leading outdoor enthusiasts across sand dunes, farmland, beaches, camping grounds and a Māori settlement area, the Tiri Tiri track makes for an entirely unique escape. 

Dome Valley Summit Track
Distance: 6km / 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-hard
Luring you into a false sense of confidence with its relatively easy beginning, this trail quickly shows walkers its darker side with steep stairs, tricky-to-navigate sections and trip-inducing tree roots. Don’t be discouraged though, because for all the huffing and puffing, the view — a sprawling lookout across a lush Kauri grove — is worth it. Be sure to follow instructions to prevent the spread of kauri dieback while undertaking your walk.

Waikōwhai Walkway
Distance: 10km / 4 hours (but you can do smaller sections)
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
A versatile outing, the sprawling Waikōwhai Walkway offers bush trails, beachfront and more. With an extensive map that covers the entire area and the different trails available for download here, Hillsborough’s coastal walkway is an adventure for all.

Oakley Creek Pathway
Distance: 4.5km / 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Discover one of central Auckland’s best-kept secrets by taking a stroll along the serene Oakley Creek Pathway. Following along one of Auckland’s longest urban streams, this walkway leads you to the city’s only urban waterfall – a six-metre-high natural wonder. An easy walk, but one which involves some stairs, so it’s best to leave prams and bikes at home.