Auckland isn’t a city that was designed for running. The hills are relentless, the footpaths can be narrow, and the weather changes its mind three times before lunch. But somehow, despite all of that, it’s a brilliant city to run in.
The secret is variety. Within 30 minutes of the CBD you’ve got flat waterfront paths, volcanic summits, native bush trails, harbour loops, and beaches. No other New Zealand city gives you that range.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, looking for a casual weekend jog, or just trying to find somewhere scenic that isn’t packed with cyclists, here are the best routes in Auckland — organised by what you’re actually looking for.
Best Flat, Easy Routes
Tamaki Drive — Mission Bay to St Heliers (and beyond)
Distance: 4–10km (depending on your turnaround point) Surface: Paved shared path Best for: Beginners, long easy runs, anyone who wants harbour views without hills
This is Auckland’s most iconic running route for a reason. The path runs along the waterfront from the city through Ōkahu Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and out to St Heliers. It’s flat, wide, well-lit in parts, and the views across the Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto are hard to beat.
Start at Quay Street in the city and run east — you’ll pass the Parnell Baths, Ōkahu Bay, and the Mission Bay fountain. The full out-and-back from the city to St Heliers and back is about 16km, but most people pick a section. Mission Bay to St Heliers and back is a solid 6km with a coffee stop in the middle.
Tip: Early mornings are best. By 9am on weekends it gets busy with walkers, dogs, scooters, and families.
Ōrākei Basin Walkway
Distance: 3km loop Surface: Boardwalk and paved path Best for: Quick runs, beginners, lunchtime jogs
A hidden gem tucked between Ōrākei and Remuera. The wooden boardwalk wraps around an old volcanic crater that’s now a tidal basin. It’s flat, sheltered from wind, and quiet even on weekends. At just 3km, it’s perfect for beginners or a quick midweek run. You can extend it by connecting to Tamaki Drive.
Western Springs — parkrun Loop
Distance: 5km (3 laps of the lake) Surface: Mixed — paved and gravel paths Best for: parkrun regulars, easy social runs
Three laps around Western Springs lake makes up one of Auckland’s most popular parkrun courses. It’s flat, scenic, and you might hear the lions at Auckland Zoo while you’re at it. Outside of parkrun Saturdays, it’s a lovely spot for a relaxed jog any day of the week.
Hobsonville Point Coastal Walkway
Distance: 5–8km out-and-back Surface: Paved path Best for: West Auckland runners, pram-friendly, flat and wide
The coastal path at Hobsonville Point runs along the old air base site with views across the upper harbour. It’s flat, wide, modern, and rarely crowded. There’s a parkrun here on Saturdays too. A great option if you’re on the western side of the bridge.
Best Routes With Hills (For When You Want a Challenge)
Mount Eden / Maungawhau
Distance: 3–5km loop (depending on route) Surface: Mix of road, gravel paths, and trail Best for: Hill training, quick intense sessions, 360-degree views
Mount Eden is Auckland’s most famous volcanic cone, and running up it is a rite of passage. The summit sits at 196 metres and offers views in every direction — the harbour, the Sky Tower, Rangitoto, and across to the Waitākere Ranges.
You can run a short loop from the Tahaki Reserve car park that takes in the summit and the trails on the northern slopes — it’s only about 3km but the climb is steep and the trails are technical in places. For a longer session, link it with Mount Hobson and Mount St John for a “three volcanoes” run of about 12km starting from Newmarket or Britomart.
Cornwall Park / One Tree Hill
Distance: 4–7km depending on route Surface: Paved roads and grass paths Best for: Hill repeats, scenic loops, all levels
Cornwall Park is massive and surprisingly hilly. You can run the perimeter loop (about 5km) on quiet internal roads, or head off-road through the farmland and up to the One Tree Hill summit for panoramic views. The park is home to another popular Auckland parkrun and has a café for post-run coffee. It’s a favourite for good reason — varied terrain, gorgeous old trees, and sheep.
Three Volcanoes Loop — Mount Hobson, Mount St John, Mount Eden
Distance: 12.5km Surface: Mix of road, path, and trail Best for: Experienced runners, Auckland Marathon training, trail exploration
This is a cracker of a route if you want hills and variety. Start at Britomart or Newmarket Station and hit all three volcanic cones in a loop. Mount Hobson is quiet and forested. Mount St John is small but steep. Mount Eden is the showpiece. You’ll rack up about 240m of climbing across the run. It’s one of the best ways to experience Auckland’s volcanic landscape on foot.
Best Waterfront and Coastal Routes
Westhaven Marina to Herne Bay
Distance: 5–6km out-and-back Surface: Paved promenade Best for: City runners, flat and scenic, sunrise runs
Start at Silo Park in Wynyard Quarter and run through Westhaven Marina along the promenade. You’ll pass under the Auckland Harbour Bridge and into Herne Bay. It’s flat, peaceful early in the morning, and the views of the bridge and harbour are excellent. Turn around at Herne Bay and you’ve got a solid 5–6km.
Pakuranga Pathway — Pakuranga to Bucklands Beach
Distance: Up to 13.5km one-way Surface: Paved shared path Best for: Long runs in East Auckland, flat and uninterrupted
An underrated gem on the eastern side of the city. This shared path runs along the Tāmaki River estuary all the way to Bucklands Beach peninsula. It’s flat, wide, and mostly traffic-free. Great for longer runs without having to stop at intersections every 500 metres.
Devonport — North Head and Mount Victoria
Distance: 5–8km loop Surface: Mix of road, path, and trail Best for: North Shore runners, visitors, harbour views
Catch the ferry to Devonport (or drive) and run a loop that takes in Mount Victoria, North Head, and the Narrow Neck coastline. Mount Victoria gives you arguably the best view of the Auckland skyline from any running route. The trails around North Head are short but fun, with old military tunnels and coastal cliffs.
Best Bush and Trail Runs
Waitākere Ranges — Cascade Kauri to Reservoir Loop
Distance: 8–12km Surface: Trail — muddy after rain, rooty, some steep sections Best for: Trail runners, nature lovers, weekend adventures
The Waitākere Ranges are Auckland’s backyard wilderness, and the trails around Cascade Kauri Park are some of the best. The main loop heads along the Auckland City Walkway to Fence Line Track, around the Waitākere Reservoir, and back via Long Road Track. It’s proper bush running — native forest, birdsong, and enough elevation to make your legs work. The 12km loop has about 300m of climbing.
Tip: Trails get very muddy after rain. Check kauri dieback restrictions before you go — some tracks require shoe cleaning stations.
Totara Park — Manurewa
Distance: 3–10km+ (multiple trail options) Surface: Trail and gravel Best for: South Auckland runners, mixed terrain, mountain bikers welcome too
Stretching over 200 hectares, Totara Park has native bush, farmland, streams, and enough trails to create loops of any distance. It’s less well-known than the Waitākere Ranges but just as good for a trail run. The Auckland Botanic Gardens are right next door for a post-run stretch.
Long Bay Regional Park
Distance: 5–10km out-and-back Surface: Coastal trail and gravel Best for: North Shore trail running, coastal scenery, family-friendly
The coastal walkway at Long Bay heads north along the cliffs with views out to the Hauraki Gulf. It’s not technical, but it’s scenic and a nice change from road running. Popular with North Shore runners, especially in summer.
Best Routes for Beginners
If you’re just starting out, these are the routes I’d point you to:
The Ōrākei Basin is flat, short, and sheltered — perfect for your first few runs. Western Springs is similarly gentle and has the parkrun community on Saturdays. Hobsonville Point is wide, paved, and forgiving. And the Mission Bay to Kohimarama section of Tamaki Drive is flat, beautiful, and about 4km return — just right for a Couch to 5K session.
Once you’re more confident, try Cornwall Park for some gentle hills, and then graduate to Mount Eden when you’re ready for a proper climb.
Auckland parkrun Locations
Auckland has 9 weekly parkruns — more than any other NZ city. They’re free, timed, and happen every Saturday at 8am. Here’s the full list:
- Cornwall Park parkrun — Epsom
- Western Springs parkrun — Western Springs
- Barry Curtis parkrun — Flat Bush
- Millwater parkrun — Silverdale
- Hobsonville Point parkrun — Hobsonville
- Sherwood Reserve parkrun — Browns Bay
- Owairaka parkrun — Mt Albert
- Northern Pathway parkrun — Albany
- Southern Path parkrun — Takanini
Read our complete guide to parkrun in New Zealand for everything you need to know about getting started.
Auckland Running Clubs
Running with other people makes it more fun and keeps you accountable. Auckland has dozens of running clubs and social run groups for every level. A few well-known ones include Auckland Joggers Club (Cornwall Park), TempoFit (various locations), Early Bird Run Crew, and parkrun communities across the city.
Browse the full list of Auckland running clubs to find one near you.
Final Thought
Auckland’s running scene is better than most people realise. You’ve got flat harbour paths for easy days, volcanic hills for when you want to suffer, native bush trails 30 minutes from the CBD, and a running community that’s genuinely welcoming.
Pick a route, lace up, and get out there. The city looks completely different at running pace.
Related articles on NZ Running: