Best short & easy walks in Auckland for families
Looking for easy, flat walks in Auckland that are perfect for prams or kids on wheels? We’ve rounded up our favourites, all tried and tested with prams and little legs in mind. From bush boardwalks to coastal loops, there are so many beautiful spots throughout Tāmaki Makaurau. Just make sure to check local council pages before heading out in case of weather damage or closures.
Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
Spread across 64 hectares of curated gardens, lawns, and native bush, the Auckland Botanic Gardens is a great day out. Entry is free and there are plenty of paths to choose from, as well as a playground and café. We recommend starting at the Huikaiwaka Visitor Centre, where you can pick up a map and choose from one of many themed routes. There’s a Rose Garden, Children’s Garden, Native Forest Trail, and two Sculpture Trails (East and West).
Starting point: Huikaiwaka Visitor Centre, 102 Hill Road
Distance/time: Varies
Terrain: Flat garden paths
Amenities: Toilets, café, playground
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Birkenhead War Memorial Path
Tucked away in the heart of Birkenhead, this pram-friendly short walk loops through stunning bush. At just 1.5km, with mostly flat terrain, it’s a great place for a family stroll before enjoying everything else on offer at Birkenhead War Memorial Park: a playground, picnic tables and seating, cricket nets and pitches, rugby fields, BMX pump track, and skate park.
Starting point: Recreation Drive, Birkenhead
Distance/time: 1.5km / 20 mins return
Terrain: Boardwalks and pavements, mostly flat with a couple of steep sections
Amenities: Toilets, changing room, picnic tables, and plenty of parking
Dogs: Yes, on-leash
Cornwall Park Loop Path, Greenlane
This easy stroll loops around iconic Maungakieke / One Tree Hill, one of Auckland’s most iconic volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views over a working farm (kids will love spotting the sheep and cows), as well as out to Manukau Harbour, Rangitoto Island, and Mangawhau / Mount Eden. Cornwall Park Café is also a highlight, with both sit-down and takeaway options.
Starting point: Michael Horton Drive, just after the roundabout
Distance/time: 3km / 40 mins return
Terrain: Mostly flat and wide paths
Amenities: Café, toilets, BBQ areas, plenty of parking
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Kauri Glen Path, Birkenhead
This is a local favourite for good reason. It’s an easy, gentle bushwalk with a stunning tree-top boardwalk in the middle that rises 18 metres above the forest floor. Kids love walking among the tree tops! And at just 1.5km return, it’s perfect for little legs.
Starting point: 57 Tui Glen Road, Birkenhead
Distance/time: 1.5km / 20 minutes return
Terrain: Elevated boardwalks and flat gravel paths
Amenities: No toilets, limited parking nearby
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Hobsonville Point Coastal Walkway
Winding its way around the waterfront, the Hobsonville Point Coastal Walkway is a 5km loop that passes through several neighbourhoods, including Catalina Bay (home to the popular markets and several cafés, bars, and restaurants). You can do the whole loop or just a section. Keep an eye out for the gorgeous fairy houses along the way!
Starting point: Hobsonville Point Ferry Wharf
Distance/time: 5km / 5.5km
Terrain: Mostly flat, with a mix of off-road paths, boardwalks, and sealed gravel
Amenities: Toilets, drinking fountains, playground
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Maungawhau / Mount Eden Summit Walk, Central Auckland
Don’t be put off by the word ‘summit’ — this walk is short and pram-friendly, with a steady incline that’s very manageable. Follow the main loop road to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with one of Auckland’s best panoramic views.
Starting point: Puhi Huia Road (there’s a small carpark near the entrance)
Distance/time: 2.1km / 40 minutes return
Terrain: Smooth, sealed road with a gentle but consistent uphill gradient
Amenities: Limited parking, toilets near the summit
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Panmure Basin Path
This family-friendly loop circles the picturesque Panmure Basin, offering an easy, mostly flat track that’s perfect for prams and kids on bikes or scooters. There are multiple entry points to the path, including from Peterson Road, Lagoon Drive, Ireland Road, and Cove Lane. Best of all, the route is packed with things to do and see — three playgrounds are dotted around the track, and the Lagoon Pool & Leisure Centre is just off Lagoon Drive. With indoor and outdoor pools, plus a weekend hydro slide, it’s a great spot for a post-walk swim (and kids under 16 swim free!).
Starting point: 36-46 Lagoon Drive, Panmure
Distance/time: 3km / 35 mins
Terrain: Wide, sealed pathway — mostly flat, with just a few gentle inclines
Amenities: Playgrounds, public toilets, skate park
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Pakuranga Farm Cove Loop
This 5km loop follows the Tāmaki Estuary through Farm Cove and Sunny Hills, with lovely views of Mount Wellington and One Tree Hill. There’s also a cool ‘snakes and ladders’ themed playground near the Bramley Drive entrance.
Starting point: Fisher Parade, Farm Cove Village
Distance/time: 5km / 60 mins
Terrain: Mainly flat paths, with one small incline
Amenities: Playground
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Te Piringa / Cascade Kauri (Lower Trail), Waitākere Ranges
If you’re after a gentle walk that’s a bit special, the Lower Trail of the Te Piringa / Cascade Kauri bush walk takes you through some of Auckland’s oldest and most precious kauri stands. The path is mostly wide boardwalks and compacted gravel, so it’s super pram-friendly — though there are a couple of short, steep sections that’ll get your heart rate up!
Starting point: Main carpark at the end of Falls Road
Time: About 40 minutes return
Terrain: Mostly flat with wide boardwalks and compacted gravel
Amenities: Toilets and parking nearby
Dog-friendly: No
Please note this first is a tapu (sacred) place. In Māori tikanga (custom), it’s respectful to spiritually cleanse yourself with water when entering and leaving a place like this. At the entrance, you’ll find a wāhi whakanoa (special cleansing station). Please press the button for water and sprinkle it on your hands.
Smiths Bush Scenic Reserve, Northcote
Smiths Bush is such a hidden gem! Located just behind Onewa Domain, it’s a short, flat loop on an elevated boardwalk. It’s great for prams and also for letting little ones walk a bit on their own. It’s reasonably popular among locals on weekends — you’ll pass lots of runners and dog walkers — but it’s fairly quiet on weekdays.
Starting point: Entrance just left of the Takapuna Cricket clubrooms, behind Onewa Domain and off Northcote Road
Time: Around 20-30 minutes for the full loop
Terrain: Flat, elevated boardwalk
Amenities: Plenty of parking (especially during the week), but no toilets on-site
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Western Springs Path
This 1.75km loop winds around a picturesque lake teeming with birdlife, including ducks, geese, and pūkeko. The path is sealed and mostly flat, making it perfect for prams, scooters, and bikes. You’ll find plenty to enjoy along the way, including a large playground near Auckland Zoo, public art installations, and shady spots to stop for a picnic. There’s even the stunning Fukuoka Garden, filled with over 1800 native Japanese and New Zealand species and bonsai trees.
Starting point: 985 Great North Road, Western Springs
Distance/time: 1.75km / 25 mins
Terrain: Sealed, mostly flat
Amenities: Drinking fountain, playground, toilets
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
