Keen walker David Mallowes offers suggestions about fun and interesting routes people can take to get some exercise and enjoy the area in his latest column.
This 4.5km walk from Eastern Beach up, through, and around Macleans Park can be easily shortened or lengthened.
Eastern Beach is a beautiful white sand safe swimming beach with Macleans Park backing onto the southern end.
Macleans Park has long been a green lung for the eastern suburbs. It’s 36 hectares and popular with walkers, runners, families and dog owners.
Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki lived along these shores and the park takes its name from the Maclean family farm dating back to the 1850s.
Later in the same century, the land was purchased by Auckland lawyer John Bacot and then by Sir William Goodfellow, who in 1973 donated the land to Auckland City Council, and the adjoining land to Macleans College.
From the park there are sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf, with Rangitoto and Browns Islands in the distance.
From the ridge, tracks lead down into gullies of regenerating native bush, home to many tui, kereru and piwaka.
From the southern end of Eastern Beach and behind the free barbecues and public toilets, head up the metalled path and veer left towards Bleakhouse Road.
Follow the path to stay within the reserve, up to the flying fox and swings, then back down the valley towards the beach, and left again uphill towards the tennis courts.
From there you can follow the path to behind the clifftops and exit down the beach steps.
At low tide you can continue north along the beach and around Musick Point, or south to Mellons Bay, Howick Beach, Cockle Bay and Mangemangeroa.
Dogs – off-leash in Macleans Park, Eastern Beach, prohibited summer 10am-5pm.
Pushchairs – yes, but metal uphill track from the beach.
Playgrounds – 200m along the beach from the car park is a very popular playground, and toilets.
Cafes – an excellent cafe/restaurant, Golden Sands, is near the playground, dairy and restaurants further along the beach.
For many photos of the park and walk, visit Facebook page WalksOutEast. For a 7km walking map including the above with waypoints, see https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/draft-macleans-park-167434f.
Like to enjoy free guided walks to explore further? The East Auckland Walkfest runs to October 5, 3km-12km park walks, well organised, limited numbers, visit https://eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest/.
