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I lived in Auckland for four years, and have never been to Waiheke Island! So during our recent visit to New Zealand, when my mother-in-law suggested we take a day trip to Waiheke, I was all in! I had heard so many great things, and seen awesome pictures! Sign me up for the 9am ferry! I said. Little did I know the mishaps that would arise following that decision….
Fall is right around the corner here in Michigan… which means New Zealand is heading into spring! James and I are planning our next trip to NZ and it’s got us thinking about our favorite hikes. James lived in Auckland most of his life, and I lived there for 4 years while at Uni. There were many weekends when we couldn’t manage a weekend away to Rotorua or elsewhere, but needed to bust out of the city and into the the outdoors – going on a hike was typically the answer.
The Hillary Trail through the Waitakere Ranges was our favorite hiking trail in Auckland. According to the Auckland Council, the full Hillary Trail is about 77kms and would take about 4-6-days to complete. Here’s a map from Auckland Council of the full trail, and their site also has information about accommodation and safety if tackling the full Trail.
James and I have never done the full route, though it’s on our bucket list, we have done pieces of it. We’re not professionals. So maybe you don’t have 4-6 days to set aside, but you’re looking for a good day-hike. Here are three day (or few hour) hikes, which are pieces of this beautiful trail.
Continue reading “3 of Our Favorite Hiking Trails, Auckland Region”