The Best Summer Bushwalks
Posted:
Whether it's an overnight hike or leaving the big smoke for the afternoon, nature lovers from local initiative Epic Little Missions have tried and tested each of these summer bush walks, providing details on everything from length of track to what sort of footwear you should prepare. With summer in full swing, we thought it would be perfect timing to share the best walking spots around town so you can kick back and cool off... — 
01. Mokoroa Falls. 1 HOUR RETURN. 39KM FROM AKL CBD. Set inside a basin surrounded by native bush, Mokoroa Falls features two stunning waterfalls, which cascade directly onto rocks, meaning if it's warm enough you can stand underneath them for a refreshing shower. There's spots around the falls that are perfect for picnic blanket, and even a swimming hole ten minutes down stream. 
02. Cascade Falls. 1.5 HOURS RETURN. 20KM FROM AKL CBD. Part of the Auckland City Walk in Cascade Regional Park, the Cascade Falls are a great introduction to the beautiful Waitakere Ranges. Nestled behind some impressive boulders and set into the towering cliff face, the falls plunge into a large swimming hole. The perfect spot for a mid-summer swim, complete with large rocks to relax and dry out on afterwards. 
03. Fairy Falls. 1.5 HOURS RETURN. 25KM FROM AKL CBD. The walk through the Nikau groves and Kauri trees to get to Fairy Falls is a magical experience in itself, but the falls themselves are truly something else. The upper section of the falls are tiered and offer some amazing spots to swim, hidden under the intertwined branches of the native surrounds. The lower section boasts an impressive section of falling water and some nice flat rocks for a picnic. 
04. Lake Waimanu. 1.5 HOURS LOOP. 45KM FROM AKL CBD. Traversing sand dunes along the way means you work up a healthy sweat before you even get the see the lake, however the end results are worth it. The area is known for being a popular sand boarding spot, so be sure to bring a body board or two if you or any kids want to give it a go! As well as the beautiful blue lake, this walk has a few swimming holes and a waterfall. Make a day of it and bring a picnic lunch, or if you time it right, you may even catch the beach-side cafe which serves delicious burgers and hot coffee. 
05. Karamatura Falls. 1.5 HOURS RETURN. 45KM FROM AKL CBD. Set deep inside Huia Regional Park, the secluded Karamatura Falls are a great spot to visit this summer. Surrounded by dense bush, the falls are perfect for a private swim. We recommend taking a packed lunch and leaving the kids at home! 
06. Whatipu Caves. 45 MINUTES RETURN. 40KM FROM AKL CBD. The Whatipu Caves are the perfect place to escape the summer sun and although there's no place to swim, you pass a beautiful little beach the way out, so if needed, there's a place to rinse off on the way home. The walk is short, so it's a good one if you feel like escaping the city for an afternoon. There are a number of amazing caves of all different sizes, and one in particular used to host a dancehall in the early 20th century! Make sure to bring a torch to explore the inside of the caves, and the surrounding area is swampland so gumboots wouldn't go amiss too. — Content originally created for The Periodic Journal summer issue, available (for free) at The Shelter now. Read more from Epic Little Missions [here]
01. Mokoroa Falls. 1 HOUR RETURN. 39KM FROM AKL CBD. Set inside a basin surrounded by native bush, Mokoroa Falls features two stunning waterfalls, which cascade directly onto rocks, meaning if it's warm enough you can stand underneath them for a refreshing shower. There's spots around the falls that are perfect for picnic blanket, and even a swimming hole ten minutes down stream. 02. Cascade Falls. 1.5 HOURS RETURN. 20KM FROM AKL CBD. Part of the Auckland City Walk in Cascade Regional Park, the Cascade Falls are a great introduction to the beautiful Waitakere Ranges. Nestled behind some impressive boulders and set into the towering cliff face, the falls plunge into a large swimming hole. The perfect spot for a mid-summer swim, complete with large rocks to relax and dry out on afterwards. 03. Fairy Falls. 1.5 HOURS RETURN. 25KM FROM AKL CBD. The walk through the Nikau groves and Kauri trees to get to Fairy Falls is a magical experience in itself, but the falls themselves are truly something else. The upper section of the falls are tiered and offer some amazing spots to swim, hidden under the intertwined branches of the native surrounds. The lower section boasts an impressive section of falling water and some nice flat rocks for a picnic. 04. Lake Waimanu. 1.5 HOURS LOOP. 45KM FROM AKL CBD. Traversing sand dunes along the way means you work up a healthy sweat before you even get the see the lake, however the end results are worth it. The area is known for being a popular sand boarding spot, so be sure to bring a body board or two if you or any kids want to give it a go! As well as the beautiful blue lake, this walk has a few swimming holes and a waterfall. Make a day of it and bring a picnic lunch, or if you time it right, you may even catch the beach-side cafe which serves delicious burgers and hot coffee. 05. Karamatura Falls. 1.5 HOURS RETURN. 45KM FROM AKL CBD. Set deep inside Huia Regional Park, the secluded Karamatura Falls are a great spot to visit this summer. Surrounded by dense bush, the falls are perfect for a private swim. We recommend taking a packed lunch and leaving the kids at home! 06. Whatipu Caves. 45 MINUTES RETURN. 40KM FROM AKL CBD. The Whatipu Caves are the perfect place to escape the summer sun and although there's no place to swim, you pass a beautiful little beach the way out, so if needed, there's a place to rinse off on the way home. The walk is short, so it's a good one if you feel like escaping the city for an afternoon. There are a number of amazing caves of all different sizes, and one in particular used to host a dancehall in the early 20th century! Make sure to bring a torch to explore the inside of the caves, and the surrounding area is swampland so gumboots wouldn't go amiss too. — Content originally created for The Periodic Journal summer issue, available (for free) at The Shelter now. Read more from Epic Little Missions [here]
