The best way to spend a holiday weekend? Exploring these hikes perfect for a long weekend. And what’s even better is that they are all close to Auckland. It’s a great excuse to lace up and hit the trails!
Sure, totally agree–long weekends are made for relaxing. But if you’re anything like me, a walk through the bush clears the head and gets those endorphins pumping.
Read on for five hikes that offer incredible views, native bush, and a solid adventure fix.. All without leaving the city.
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OMANAWANUI
Distance: 7.7 km | 4.8 miles
Elevation: 347m
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: There-and-back
Open: Year-round
If your legs are ready for a challenge, this is one of Auckland’s most rewarding ridge walks, perfect for a long weekend near Auckland. Omanawanui Track features over 2,400 stairs. Yep, you read that right.. Expect a serious leg workout. But the payoff is next level.
This is what I would consider a “type 2 fun” hike with the track being steep and exposed in parts. However, as you climb, you’ll get uninterrupted views over Manukau Harbour, Whatipū Beach, and the dramatic Waitākere coastline. The views are easily among the best in the Waitākere Ranges.
I’ve hiked this track multiple times, and trust me, it doesn’t get easier, but it never disappoints.
If you’re ready to take it on, my Omanawanui Track guide has everything you need to prepare.
COMANS TRACK AND MERCER BAY LOOP
Distance: 7.2km | 4.5 miles
Elevation: 490m
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy – medium
Trail Type: Loop
Open: Year-round
If your legs are ready for a challenge, this is one of the most rewarding hikes perfect for a long weekend near Auckland. The coastal drama and bush vibes also makes it a no-brainer.
Comans Track winds through dense native bush before linking with the Mercer Bay Loop. The full walk is 7.2 km (4.5 miles), combining both sections for the perfect nature escape.
Mercer Bay Loop, the shorter circuit at 2.3 km, packs in panoramic ocean views that rival anywhere in the region. The cliffs here are steep and dramatic–perfect for photography, especially during golden hour. I’d also highly suggest an early morning or late afternoon as they are quieter too, giving you space to enjoy the views.
This track is well-maintained and beginner-friendly, so it’s a great introduction to the Waitākere Ranges, especially if you’re new to the area.
For more tips and track details, head to my guide to Comans Track or take a look at my Mercer Bay Loop post.
TE HENGA WALKWAY
Distance: 3.7 km | 2.2 miles
Elevation: 170 meters
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: There-and-back
Open: Year-round
Want a shorter walk that is an easy win for hikes perfect for a long weekend? This one’s a great all-rounder.
The Te Henga Walkway is part of the Hillary Trail and links Bethells Beach and Muriwai. While a main section remains closed due to 2023 slips, the open track is still stunning.
Start from Constable Road, where you’ll wander through both farmland and native bush. Along the way, there are two stops–Cliff Viewpoint and Tirikohua Point. The views here stretch north to Muriwai and south to Bethells and I can confirm, it’s pretty stunning.
You’ll want good shoes for this one—the track can be narrow with steep drop-offs. Also, please don’t forget your camera, there are some epic picture opportunities on this hike.
And lastly, before heading out, check the latest track status via DOC. This is one of the long weekend hikes that deserves a spot on your list so if you’f like to read more before you go, I’ve got you covered in my blog post here.
TE WAHA POINT
Distance: 2.1 km | 1.3 miles
Elevation: 116 meters
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Trail Type: There-and-back
Open: Year-round
For a quiet trail with epic views, Te Waha Point is hard to beat.
This lesser-known lookout sits above Anawhata Beach and offers a more peaceful experience than the better-known tracks. Unfortunately flooding did close the beach access from Piha a couple of years ago, so the best way in now is from Anawhata Road.
You’ll descend first, then climb on the way out, so make sure to save some energy for the return. Even though it’s a bit tough at times, it’s definitely worth every step.
And the best part (for me particularly) is from the lookout, you’ll see the coast stretch endlessly north, with Whites Beach below and waves crashing on the beach and against the cliffs.
Also, if you’ve got time to spare, add on the nearby Anawhata Beach lookout for a sunset combo. Both of these combined are a micro-adventure for those seeking hikes and are perfect for a long weekend, minus the crowds.
Keen to have this as your next hike? Check out my full guide to Te Waha Point and Anawhata Beach; complete with tips, views, and a few hidden gems along the way.
WAIROA LOOP AND SUSPENSION BRIDGE TRACK
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Elevation: 363m
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Loop
Open: Year-round
Looking for a hike that ticks all the boxes on a long weekend? This one’s an easy win for scenic payoff.
Tucked away in the Hunua Ranges, the Wairoa Loop and Suspension Bridge Track offers a forest escape that feels far from the city. The 8km loop takes you through native bush, as well as across a stunning suspension bridge, and along the valley beside a flowing stream.
Additionally, you can expect a good mix of flat ground, shaded forest, short steep stair climbs, and lookouts with views over the Wairoa Reservoir and Dam. It’s one of the longer day hikes on this list, but the well-maintained track and varied terrain make it flow nicely.
As I mostly stick to the hikes in the Waitākere Ranges, this was a great option to shake things up and is one of those hikes perfect for a long weekend.
For full trail details, gear tips, and when to go, check out my guide to the Wairoa Loop and Suspension Bridge Track.
SUMMARY
In this post, we’ve explored five stunning hikes perfect for a long weekend near Auckland, each offering their own mix of coastal views, forest trails, and peaceful escapes. Whether you’re chasing clifftop lookouts, native bush adventures, or just want to stretch your legs and reset, these tracks are all easy to reach, and even easier to love.
I really hope they inspire your next long weekend adventure!
For more inspiration, check out our comprehensive travel guides or explore some of our ultimate New Zealand destinations—curated with expert tips, personal stories, and practical advice for every kind of explorer.