Why Hike Auckland’s Awesome Trails with Your Family?
Planning your next family Auckland hike but unsure where to find trails suitable for little legs?
Getting kids outdoors and exploring nature is a fantastic way to spend quality time together, away from screens.
Auckland’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to stunning coastlines, offer countless cool walking tracks perfect for young explorers.
It’s a chance for fresh air, exercise, and the simple joy of discovering something new together.
If you’re looking for even more outdoor family adventures, check out Ambury Park – a hidden gem offering FREE family fun!
This guide is here to help you find the best trails – ones that are manageable, engaging, and fun for the whole family.
Whether you’re regular hikers or just starting out with easy Auckland walks, you’ll find great options here. Let’s dive in!
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Hiking!
- Happy Hikes: Spending time in nature is great for your mood!
Studies show that even just a couple of hours outdoors each week can make both kids and grown-ups feel happier and less stressed. (Harvard Health Study) - Auckland’s Backyard: Auckland is like a giant playground!
It has over 4,000 parks and green spaces, with hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks ready for your family to explore.
How to Pick the Best Auckland Hike for Your Family
Not every walking track is good for families. So, what makes an Auckland hike “family-friendly”?
We picked hikes that are shorter or have short options. They also have ground that’s mostly easy to walk on, without too many steep hills.
Safety is important too, and so are cool things to see, like waterfalls or great views.
We also thought about things like if you can push a stroller (we’ll tell you for each track), and if there are toilets or spots for a picnic.
Before you go on any walk, always check the latest track conditions.
A great resource is the Auckland Council parks closures page for weather warnings and important Kauri dieback updates.
Think about your kids’ ages and energy levels when choosing your next trek.
Picking the right track means everyone will have a great time.
Kitekite Falls Track: Awesome Waterfall Fun!
You’ll find the Kitekite Falls Track near Piha beach in the Waitākere Ranges.
It’s a very popular family walk because it’s awesome!
The walk is pretty easy and goes through nice native bush next to a stream.
The best part? The amazing Kitekite Falls waterfall!
Seeing and hearing the big waterfall is a great prize for kids after their walk.
The track is mostly smooth but has some steps and roots, so it’s not stroller-friendly — but it’s great for kids who can walk well or babies in carriers.
The walk back takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Leave extra time for playing in the pools near the bottom (carefully!) or having a snack.
The parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends, so try to go early.
Toilets are available near the car park. Families love this fun waterfall adventure close to Auckland.
Maungawhau / Mt Eden Path: Amazing City Views!
Want a walk that’s super easy to get to and has stunning views?
Head to Maungawhau / Mt Eden!
This old volcano has smooth paths and boardwalks, making it one of the best stroller-friendly walks in Auckland.
Families can easily walk to the top and enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the city, the harbours, and islands like Rangitoto.
You can also look into the huge crater (stay on the boardwalk!) and learn about its history as an important Māori village site.
Because it’s so easy, this is a perfect first Auckland hike for toddlers.
Plus, there are cafes and toilets nearby, and you can even get there by bus.
After your walk, you might want to treat the family at Mt Albert BBQ Noodle House – a hidden Auckland gem for affordable family feasts!
Stillwater – Okura Bush Walkway: Quiet Coastal Walk
Seeking a quieter Auckland hike?
Try the Stillwater – Okura Bush Walkway, north of the city.
This track has a nice mix of sights: walking along the estuary edge, through native forest, and across fun boardwalks over muddy spots.
Depending on the tide (check first!), you might even walk over shelly beaches with water views.
The walk is mostly easy with just a few small hills.
While a tough stroller might handle some parts, a baby carrier is often easier.
Bring your own snacks and water — there aren’t many shops nearby.
This peaceful North Shore walkway feels worlds away from the city, making it a great weekend family escape.
Muriwai Gannet Colony Lookout: See Cool Seabirds!
For a truly unique outing, head to Muriwai Beach on the rugged West Coast.
An easy walk from the car park leads you to viewing platforms perched dramatically above a huge colony of Australasian Gannets (Tākapu).
From August to March, you can see thousands of these gorgeous seabirds nesting, preening, and soaring on the ocean breezes.
It’s loud, smelly, wild – and absolutely fascinating for kids!
The paths are generally accessible and can suit sturdy prams.
Just be extra careful around cliff edges, even with fences.
Besides the birds, the Tasman Sea and black sand views are unforgettable.
Mercer Bay Loop Track: Amazing Views on a Short Walk!
Ready for one of Auckland’s most breathtaking views?
The Mercer Bay Loop Track is perched high between Piha and Karekare and offers jaw-dropping coastal scenery.
The track is short (1 to 1.5 hours return) but has lots of stairs and hills, so it’s best for older kids and teens.
Stay strictly on the marked paths and keep young adventurers well away from cliff edges.
Parking is limited, so aim for early mornings or weekdays.
This West Coast Auckland hike rewards you with unforgettable ocean views — and a real sense of awe.
Top Tips for Fun Family Hikes in Auckland
A little planning makes a big difference when hiking with kids.
✅ Always check the weather forecast.
✅ Pack layers: sun hats, raincoats, and sunscreen year-round.
✅ Wear comfy, sturdy shoes.
✅ Bring lots of water and energy-rich snacks like fruit, trail mix, or sandwiches.
✅ Make it fun with games like ‘I Spy’ or scavenger hunts.
✅ Let kids lead when safe to do so!
✅ Bring a first-aid kit, tell someone your plans, and use shoe cleaning stations to help stop Kauri dieback.
✅ Most importantly — go at the kids’ pace and celebrate the adventure together!
Your Auckland Family Hike Questions Answered!
Q: What’s the easiest hike for toddlers or strollers?
A: Maungawhau / Mt Eden is definitely the easiest and most stroller-friendly option.
The main paths are paved. The Muriwai Gannet Colony walk is also quite short and easy.
Q: What are must-have things to pack for family hikes?
A: Always bring water, snacks, hats, sunscreen, a rain jacket, good shoes, and a small first-aid kit.
Q: How do I check if tracks are open (like for Kauri dieback)?
A: Check the Auckland Council maps of open and closure track page for latest updates.
Q: Can we bring our dog?
A: Some Auckland hikes allow dogs (on-leash), others don’t.
Always check rules on the Auckland Council or DOC websites.
Get Ready to Explore Auckland’s Great Outdoors!
As you can see, Auckland has so many fantastic trails for families — from waterfalls like Kitekite Falls to epic city views at Mt Eden.
If you love exploring beautiful places together, you’ll also want to check out our Top 10 Family-Friendly Destinations in New Zealand for more travel inspiration!
Fresh air, exercise, and awesome scenery — that’s what a perfect Auckland hike is all about.
Pick your trail, pack your snacks, and go make those amazing family memories.
Which Auckland hike will you try first?