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.
Point View Reserve is a beautiful 39 hectares of native bush, forest and grasslands ascending from Gracechurch Drive up to the Caldwells Road car park.
There are interesting panoramic views to rural Clevedon, Auckland City, and new homes around Flat Bush and Manukau.
The six very well-made and -maintained walking loops meander up and down and around the hillsides.
Be prepared for a lot of steps on the side tracks, superb for cardio workouts.
There’s also a pushchair and cycle-friendly 1km circuit from the Gracechurch Drive entrance.
Stroll up to the impressive concrete water reservoir, around and back down again through native forest.
For a 7km walk, we recently started from Norwood Drive in Mission Heights, followed a 4km circle of bush reserves and paths through Norwood Estate, Salford and Topland Parks, then wandered most of the 3km of Point View Reserve walks and steps.
This extended walk also takes you past some interesting new housing developments and apartment complexes.
Salford and Topland Parks have a number of picnic tables and each has a small playground.
Check out the numerous pukeko wandering around private properties, and the fifteen or more roosters being fed by residents next to their homes in Topland Park.
Like to really stretch your legs? A 20km option I walked some time ago was from the Botany Town Centre, through Spencer and Cyril French Parks to Gracechurch Reserve to reach Point View Reserve.
Then follow Point View Drive to Hayley Lane to the top of the Mangemangeroa Walkway, to Shelly Park Beach, back via Somerville Road to the pretty Kilkenny Park and Logan Carr Reserve. A nice walk during the cooler winter months.
Toilets – none at Point View.
Dogs – on leash at all times.
I’ve uploaded many photos to https://www.facebook.com/walksouteastauckland.
Also an aerial view one minute video, see the QR code: www.relive.com/view/v36AVR7oYZq
Like to walk with others? 15-16 Virtual Village East senior walkers meet up at the Homestead Cafe by the Howick Historical Village 10am Thursdays for a 15-20-minute walk then coffee, everyone welcome.
