Nature Heritage and Panoramic Views

A hike across Auckland, from Waitematā to Manukau which takes you through landscapes shaped by 600 years of Māori occupation, and through some of our finest natural and built heritage areas offering panoramic views along the way.
Native birds include the iridescent blue kingfishers (kōtare), fantail (pīwakawaka), tūī and the wood pigeon (kererū). You will see other bird species including the sparrow, blackbird, thrush, and rock pigeons in the parks.
Large grassy areas attract the large black and white magpie and bright green and red rosella, both Australian immigrants.
Whau trees still grow on Maungawhau (the hill of the whau tree). The trail passes a small forest of tōtara and rimu on the old volcano's southern slopes. Cornwall Park's many native trees include an avenue of pūriri, which the trail follows, and a young kauri grove.

The 16km walk is in three easy parts.
Do one at a time, or if you're adventurous you could tackle all three in one day.

Routes
Stage One
City to Auckland Domain (50 minutes approximately)

Stage Two 
Grafton to Maungakiekie (90 minutes approximately)

Stage Three 
Cornwall Park to Manukau Harbour (90 minutes approximately)