Heritage trails upgraded

The Auckland Regional Council has upgraded and added to two popular heritage trails in its regional parks, making them a great option to visit during the Easter school holidays.

The popular Heritage Trail at Shakespear Regional Park has been upgraded to include informative interpretive panels.

The varied 3.9km walk takes in an historic WWII gun emplacement, native forest, wetlands and a lookout with one of Auckland’s most spectacular 360-degree views.

“The new interpretive panels bring another dimension to a unique and already very popular Heritage trail, making it both educational and fun for the whole family,” ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Bill Burrill says.

To get to Shakespear Regional Park follow State Highway 1 and exit at Silverdale. Go through Silverdale, turn right on to Whangaparaoa Rd and follow it to the park at the end of the peninsula. Buses run daily from Downtown Auckland to the park entrance. (Phone Rideline on 09 366 6400 for details)

The Maungatauhoro Te Hikoi walk in Wenderholm Regional Park has also been upgraded to include interpretive panels, which give walkers a variety of interesting information.

This 2.9km (1 hour) walk begins at the pou whenua (Maori carving) near Couldrey House. It takes you through some of Auckland’s most beautiful native forest, with opportunities to take in stunning views and see rare birds such as the North Island Robin.

The entrance to Wenderholm Regional Park is on State Highway 1 just north of Waiwera.

Shakespear Regional Park and Wenderholm Regional Park are just two of the 21 regional parks managed by the Auckland Regional Council. For more information on regional parks visit www.arc.govt.nz or call 09 366 2000.

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