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Long Bay to Devonport
31.4 km
7 hours
350 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a day walk that perfectly captures the essence of Auckland’s lifestyle, natural beauty, and rich history, the Te Araroa Trail: North Shore Coastal Walk is hard to beat. This magnificent 31.4-kilometre point-to-point journey takes you from the wild, sweeping sands of Long Bay Regional Park all the way to the charming, historic streets of Devonport.
As a portion of the famous Te Araroa Trail—New Zealand’s long-distance walking route—this section offers a spectacular mix of rugged clifftops, golden beaches, native bush, and vibrant seaside suburbs. Whether you are a local wanting to rediscover your backyard or a visitor seeking an immersive Auckland experience, this walk serves up some of the best coastal views in the country.
* Distance: 31.4km * Duration: 7 hours * Elevation Gain: 350m * Difficulty: Moderate * Trail Type: Point-to-point * Dog Friendly: No (to protect sensitive coastal birdlife) * Kid Friendly: Yes (the full distance is best for older kids, but the trail can easily be broken into shorter, family-friendly segments)
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Stepping onto the trail at the northern end of Long Bay Regional Park, near the Marine Education Recreation Centre, you are immediately greeted by the salty breeze of the Hauraki Gulf. The walk begins on well-formed tracks that hug the clifftops, offering dramatic vantage points over the sparkling ocean. To your right, the iconic volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island stands sentinel on the horizon, a constant companion for much of your journey.
The terrain here is beautifully diverse. One minute you are walking beneath the cool canopy of regenerating native bush, and the next you are descending onto a secluded beach. As you make your way south, the trail seamlessly transitions between wild coastal paths, sandy shorelines, and suburban footpaths.
While the walk is incredibly scenic, it does require a bit of strategy. Several beach sections are tidal, meaning you’ll need to time your trek to traverse them safely at low tide. There are also areas beneath the towering sandstone cliffs that are prone to rockfalls, so keep your wits about you and avoid lingering directly below the cliff faces. With a series of climbs and descents, steep stairs, and undulating paths, your legs will certainly get a workout, making that final stretch into Devonport feel incredibly rewarding.
Ample free parking is available at Long Bay Regional Park, specifically at the car park located at the end of Beach Road, which serves as the starting point for the coastal track.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Haematopus unicolor
Coastal wading bird with a distinctive long orange-red bill. Found on beaches and estuaries around New Zealand.
Best time: Year-round
Anarhynchus obscurus
A threatened shorebird, the southern subspecies is critically endangered and breeds on sandy beaches and exposed hilltops.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
Located right on the Devonport waterfront, this highly regarded eatery offers a modern atmosphere and beautifully presented dishes with a Turkish-inspired menu and lovely waterside vibe.
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Point to point
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The walk officially begins at the northern end of Long Bay Regional Park, which is located at the end of Beach Road in Long Bay.
By Car: There is ample free parking available at the main Long Bay Regional Park car park right by the beach. Because this is a point-to-point walk, you will need to plan your return. Many hikers choose to leave a car at the Devonport end, or simply use Auckland's public transport network to get back to their starting point. By Public Transport: You can take a bus from Auckland CBD to Long Bay, and at the end of your walk, jump on the passenger ferry from Devonport back to the city centre—a highly recommended and scenic way to end the day!
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Auckland’s coastline is teeming with birdlife, and this walk offers fantastic opportunities for birdwatching.
Along the sandy estuaries and rocky shorelines, you are highly likely to spot the Variable Oystercatcher (tōrea pango) with its distinctive pitch-black plumage and bright orange beak. If you are lucky, you might also spot the rare, critically endangered New Zealand Dotterel (tūturiwhatu) nesting on the upper sections of the beaches during spring and summer—please give these little guys plenty of space.
Looking out to sea, you will see White-fronted Terns (tara) diving gracefully for fish, and Silver Gulls (tarāpunga) gliding on the sea breezes. As you pass through the pockets of native bush, listen out for the beautiful, bell-like song of the Tūī and look for the cheeky Fantail (pīwakawaka) flitting around your head as it hunts for insects stirred up by your footsteps.
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This walk is deeply connected to both Māori and European history. For centuries, the coastal cliffs and bays of the North Shore were vital mahinga kai (food gathering areas) and travel routes for local iwi (tribes). Volcanic cones like Maungauika (North Head) held immense strategic value.
Later, during the late 19th century and WWII, these same headlands were converted into military forts to defend Auckland from feared invasions. Today, the trail is a shining example of community conservation, with local groups working tirelessly to restore native bush, control pests, and protect the fragile coastal ecosystems that make the North Shore so incredibly special.
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After 31 kilometres of walking, you will have worked up a massive appetite, and thankfully, both ends of the trail offer spectacular dining options.
Near the Start (Long Bay): If you want to fuel up before you head out, head to Kinfolk Cafe & Eatery in Long Bay Village for a specialty coffee and a gourmet seasonal brunch. For a relaxed lunch or dinner with a Mediterranean twist, Obella Long Bay serves up fantastic homemade breads, dips, and wood-fired treats right near the beach.
At the Finish (Devonport): Once you reach Devonport, celebrate your achievement at The Devonport Public House, a warm, friendly pub located just a stone's throw from the ferry terminal, offering hearty pub meals and cold craft beers. Alternatively, head to Devon On The Wharf right on the waterfront. It features a fantastic Turkish-inspired menu and a lovely waterside vibe—the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Auckland skyline with a cold drink in hand.
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus
The Silver Gull, often seen in coastal New Zealand, is a common sight in estuaries and along the Wairoa River.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Spring-Summer
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
200m away
A popular restaurant and pub just a short walk from the Devonport ferry terminal, offering a great atmosphere and a range of food and drinks.
800m away
A community-focused eatery in Long Bay Village, offering seasonal brunches, handcrafted salads, gourmet sandwiches, and specialty coffee in a relaxed setting, perfect for a pre-hike fuel-up or post-walk treat.
1km away
An up-market Mediterranean-inspired eatery with stunning views over Long Bay, known for its homemade food from scratch, including bread, dips, and desserts.