Shakespear Park Loop

TWO COMBINED TRACKS SHOWCASING INCREDIBLE VIEWS

24 AUGUST 2022

Sheeps butts and great views

A Picture Perfect View

These two tracks combined make one hell of a walk and are right at the end of the Whangaparaoa peninsular in north Auckland. These tracks takes you out to the cliffs that showcase incredible views out towards Tiritiri Matangi and beyond. Be generous and give yourself a good solid 2.5hrs to complete this track, especially if you like to stop off and grab photos and all that good stuff.

This is one of our favourite walks in Auckland and we never get sick of doing it or sick of the amazing views it offers. As you get into Shakespear Park, you will see a pest proof fence which automatically opens and closes. Shakespear Regional Park is a 500 ha sanctuary for native wildlife and plants so absolutely no doggies allowed on this walk (you're not even allowed them in your car if you are driving through).

We always like to park at the top carpark right beside the giant picture frame and start the track this way (you can always park down by the beach and walk the loop track that way). There are a few regional parks around Auckland that have these giant frames which are amazing to capture beautiful views and you can have a lot of fun with them. The kids might need a hand to jump up into the frame as they are a little way off the ground.

The start of the walk is a really nice primer to get your blood flowing and to get your legs moving. Its a nice gradual incline which you know will offer incredible views once you get to the top. Once the path starts to flatten out, you'll often be greeted by a flock of curious sheep. Mind the poos and they'll be sure to jump out of your way (jumping poos? No, we mean the sheep will jump out of your way).

A giant photo frame to have some fun with!

Heading up the hill at the beginning of the track

Shakespear Park is named after the Shakespear family who bought the land in the 1880's

Heeeeaps of sheep grazing and pooping

WATCH OUT! NO ACTUALLY....LOOKOUT!

When we first did this track and we conquered the first 10 minutes up the first hill, we noticed some sort of building in the distance. We were thinking, is that some type of little shack or something? Not sure what to expect and in true Tartan Coconut like fashion, our curiosity got the better of us and we headed straight over. As we got closer, we realised it was a two story viewing platform which offered absolutely incredible 360 degree views of Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf and Tiritiri Matangi.

There are a couple of bench seats to chill on, so its a nice place to have a rest, eat some food, down some water and enjoy the views.

On the top level there is a map which shows you which islands you are looking at across the ocean and if you are super lucky, you might get to meet Maggy the Magpie. She seemed very friendly and didn't mind us getting up close to take a picture before she flew away.

If you are limited on time and don't want to do the whole track, this is a great place to walk to and then just simply turn around and head back the same way you came. The first time we did this walk we could see how incredible the views were along the way so we continued on the track.

Bella and Sienna

The first level offering views of Rangitoto Island

The photo showing which islands are in the distance

Maggie the Magpie

Two Paths To Take - Which Will You Choose?

Not long after the viewing platform you'll see a sign to go via Kowhai Glen. We have done the walk many times and we somehow missed that there was an alternative route that actually takes you through bush. So you either go through Kowhai Glen which will give you some reprieve from the hot sun and gives the kids a chance to explore, or simply continue straight through on the track which hugs the coastline with ocean views.

It's not much of a detour, but man alive it was a fantastic part of the walk with WOW's all around.

The path down to Kowhai Glen

The path starts off as grass then heads into the bush

Sienna watching a bird in one of the trees

Into The Bush

From the top of the track before you head down you get the feeling that you'll be walking through quite low scrub but you actually are dwarfed by everything so it was a very nice surprise. The track starts off as grass then heads into a forest!

The fiorest had tropical vibes, with giant vines hanging down (the ones Tarzan would be proud to swing from) beautiful green moss covering the trees, and birds we hadn't seen before.

It was actually really nice to catch a break from the sun and allowed all of us to cool down and just enjoy the walk a little more. The track was beautifully maintained and the birds were really nice to listen to. The sun beaming through the trees was stunning and the forest was vibrant and very much alive.

A fallen tree with really cool patterns on the trunk

The forest was filled with giant vines

The tall trees were totally unexpected from the start of the track

Popping Out The Other Side

Just 15 minutes later (and that's us taking our time to snap photos, enjoy the forest and chill) we popped back out on to the main track.
Straight away, you are back to the ocean views! This part of the track takes you downhill more towards the coastline.

The track is really well maintained and is mainly loose gravel but doesn't appear to be very slippery. The loop track is not sheltered (apart from Kowhai Glen) so if its a cooler day, we'd recommend taking a jacket because the wind can rip right through you and if its a sunny day remember to bring a hat.

The end of the Kowhai Glen track that leads back onto the main track

Stunning views across the coastline

Looking out over Pink Beach

Whats Is This Concrete Bunker Looking Thingy?

As we reached the bottom of the windy track after leaving the forest we came across this concrete bunker which was completely sealed shut and of course we had to explore what was going on with this thing. We can't go through it, we can't go over it, we can't go under it... so we just had a photo with it instead.

This building also overlooks Pink Beach.

Posing at the concrete building near Pink Beach

Cool rock formations at Pink Beach

Pink Beach access

Pink Beach? Looks Normal To Us!

We tried and we tried but we couldn't find any pink on the beach! It actually gets its name because sometimes it looks pink due to broken up shells that have pink colour buuuut it's always looked like a normal beach to us.

There are stairs to take you down on to the beach where you can explore the rocks or even go fishing. It's not a sandy beach as such for relaxing on and you can only access it at low tide.

The stairs down to Pink Beach

Pink Beach

Looking back the way we came

Almost There

The final part of the track takes you down to the main carpark (not where we started our walk from) and Te Haruhi Bay.

This is a great beach to stop off and enjoy a swim and chill before you make the final 15 minute walk back to your car. When we first popped out at the end of the track we were a little confused as we ended up walking through a campsite and we thought the loop track may of taken us right back to where we started. Don't freak out when you arrive here, just keep following the road along and hang a right which takes you back up the road to your carpark where you started.

If you want to stop at the beach, it's literally beside the track on the left. It's quite a sheltered beach and we've always enjoyed swimming here with the kids as every time we've been it's been quite calm. I remember coming here as a kid growing and I couldn't believe after all these years that there was an amazing loop track walk just tucked in behind the beach! The things you learn later on in life.

If you head to the beach, you might spot some swans! Ever been chased by a Peacock? I remember so many times as a kid seeing peacocks at Shakespear Regional Park, so keep an eye out for them too, although we haven't seen them here in a long time.

Be aware that there is no footpath on the road as you are heading back to your car. It can be a busy road in summer so stick to the grass.

The girls heading to the beach

Te Haruhi Bay

Te Harhui Bay / Shakespear Bay Beach

Know Before You Go

The park is open from 6am - 9-pm Monday - Sunday (make sure you're out before 9pm or your car will be stuck there!)
Allow approx 2.5hrs to complete this track
Bring sturdy shoes as the track is mainly loose metal
The pest control gate opens automatically so no need to push any buttons or get out of your vehicle
The walk is free, no charge here folks!
There are toilets at the main carpark down by the beach
The track is mainly exposed so prepare for any and all elements
Have you packed your camera? You'll need it, because the views are amazing
Bring plenty of food and water before you go. If you forget, there is a diary a few minutes before you get to the park
There are no rubbish bins here, so take all your rubbish home with you

Mappy McMap Face

Getting There

Sharespear Park is approximately 50 minutes from Auckland CBD and only 20 minutes from Orewa. It's a beautiful drive along the Whangaparaoa Peninsular.

The entrance to Shakespear park is on the right just after Army Bay Beach and is well signposted.

To make life super easy, click the image above with the loop track showing and you'll get a Google Map link.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a really nice walk with the family which is fairly easy with fantastic views, then don't let this one slip by. We've done this track many times now and each time is just seems to get better. It's also a great place to spend the rest of the day swimming, picnicking or kayaking!
Enjoy