Te Araroa Trail: North Shore Coastal Walk

Point to point

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Highlights & Must-See Features

• The Clifftop Vistas: The views from the cliffs above Long Bay and the northern bays are sensational. On a clear day, you can see right across the gulf to the islands beyond.
• Ancient Pōhutukawa Trees: Gnarled, ancient pōhutukawa trees cling precariously to the clay cliffs. If you tackle this walk in December or January, you will be treated to a spectacular blaze of crimson blossoms—the classic Kiwi Christmas card scene.
• WWII History: This walk is a dream for history buffs. Keep an eye out for wartime relics, including old gun emplacements at Rahopara Historic Reserve in Castor Bay and the extensive military tunnels at North Head (Maungauika) near the end of the walk.
• Picturesque Swimming Bays: From Browns Bay and Mairangi Bay to Takapuna and Cheltenham, the trail winds past some of Auckland’s most beautiful beaches. Pack your swimwear, because it is impossible to resist a refreshing dip on a warm day.

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Getting There

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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Wildlife Spotting

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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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: This walk is fantastic year-round. Summer offers the best swimming and the crimson pōhutukawa blooms, while autumn and winter bring crisp, clear, and crowd-free days that are perfect for long-distance walking.
• Start Time: It is highly recommended to start early in the morning. A 7-hour walk requires plenty of daylight, and starting early allows you to beat the midday heat and time your beach crossings with the low tide.
• Tide Times are Crucial: Always check the local tide charts before you set off. Some rocky shelves and beach passages are completely cut off at high tide.
• What to Pack: Sturdy walking shoes are a must to handle the mix of sand, rocks, and paved pathways. Bring a sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and plenty of water, as the coastal sun can be fierce. A windbreaker is also essential, as the coast can experience strong nor'west winds and cool sea breezes.

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Local & Regional Context

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 the Walk

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.

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.