Remuera Adventure: Your Top 5 Tours for Thrills and Really Great Views

Looking for a way to experience Remuera that is so much more exciting than just your everyday walk? We are so glad to report there are lots of fun adventure offerings around here! If you feel like trying some new outdoor activities that still feel really doable, this is it. Basically, we have scoped out five top tour options in Remuera that are interesting, and will maybe even surprise you a little. They give you some different perspectives on this well-known area. These local outings highlight some really interesting stuff that should appeal to residents, visitors and pretty much anyone who is just looking to add some pizzazz to their day out.

1. The Coastline Walk at Low Tide

Yeah, it is almost easy to take this part of Auckland for granted, yet Remuera’s coastline is great for some of those peaceful explorations. One good option is this walk at low tide that you might not have even considered. At really low tide, you can almost walk from one bay to another, which gives a fun perspective on the area’s beaches and some quite surprising rock formations that might well spark your curiosity. This activity depends on when the tides actually roll in, it is almost best to look up the local tide charts before you go and try and time it so you have plenty of daylight, as it were. This means checking out “Auckland tides” before planning the adventure.

What makes it adventurous, in a way, is seeing things most people actually don’t – like small marine creatures or unusual tidal patterns. Too, you want to wear footwear that is ok for clambering over rocks, and even though you are pretty close to the city, it really does feel like you’re discovering your own secret beach. Sometimes I stop for snacks at Benson Road beforehand at the shops to make a day of it. Don’t forget to keep an eye out, still, on those tide changes. I like doing a looped circuit from one side back around, to Benson Road.

2. The Volcanic Peak Tour

Did you realize how many accessible peaks are around this part of Auckland? One thing people just tend not to appreciate, perhaps, is Auckland’s cluster of old volcanoes, and, too it’s almost worth checking out a tour to see some interesting vantage points. Most Aucklanders can pick out One Tree Hill from about anywhere, yet Mount Saint John in Remuera offers something quite unique, in that it is still actually within the residential zone, with some very sweeping views, so the tour gives a great local twist. This little trip often includes tales and background stuff on each peak and the geographical reasons for them. This activity also tends to be good for learning the general history.

What could make it really good, I think, is taking the walk during sunrise or sunset, you see the shadows of the suburbs grow or shorten as you wander around, the houses lighting up with a warm glow or a few distant lights flicking on. It feels great being in that open space and enjoying the views of this green area. Most times a reasonable fitness level means you can trot along at a moderate pace so too it’s almost not hard at all! Still, dress correctly. Layer up!

3. A “High Society” Heritage Walk

This part of Auckland has, it has to be said, quite a few elegant buildings. Exploring old Remuera can be achieved with some heritage walking tours that show off the well-established places of the Auckland society figures who shaped the area, still, many decades before. These tours aren’t really hardcore expeditions, more like gentle saunters with little stories peppered about. That is, you explore the architecture and history of old stately homes and grounds and uncover quite a few anecdotes that you could relay about key influential families. A good local guide makes a difference, but even using information off the Internet works just as well, pretty much. Check into downloading an audio tour.

Something which makes this fun in a way is just envisioning life a hundred or so years ago. As you stroll around, picture the fancy balls, the tea parties, and even all those secret love affairs that might have happened in those huge houses and private gardens, really. It gets you imagining!

4. Bike Riding in Waiatarua Wetland Park

Want something which still connects you with green areas but also lets you bike around on two wheels? I think this park is it. Bike tours are another way you could actually discover some of the slightly wilder patches. Consider a ride in Waiatarua Wetland Park and enjoy this amazing reclaimed space on the border of Remuera! While you get exercise, and it is almost effortless with electric bike options that are out there now, there’s an educational angle: namely the birds you can spot in these important nature-filled zones as well as just relaxing! If biking ain’t your thing, consider scootering to give it a go!

Why I find this interesting is all those changes since the area has been re-engineered to attract wildlife. It shows, I feel, how nature and local residents actually can co-exist and benefit from each other! Watching some different birds soar or waddle around makes it rather lovely and interesting, still, don’t expect to go tearing along at super speed. If you do take time to just observe and think of the local volunteers replanting the area in the cold, and sometimes mud, you can definitely reflect a little bit. A definite “add-on” activity could involve picnicking, since a packed lunch makes that day great!

5. Local Food and Craft Outing

Alright, this might seem pretty ordinary in some ways yet you can find surprising ingredients and artisan creations that you might not know exist just by stepping outside of big supermarket chains. Remuera actually has great access to foodie suppliers! This kind of day really becomes exciting once you step back to view your haul and the opportunities they provide; as a matter of fact, most often what it leads to is trying interesting local cuisines. Too it’s almost the perfect chance to see producers showing some passion when they talk shop about how their stuff got from that farm to you and this sort of adds to the day outing vibe. I like to wander and people-watch a little bit at markets myself, and just to get an idea of who the regulars might be and all that. It is also kind of soothing doing food shopping outside! Then of course, maybe you can try the product out!

Why does it make things feel a little bit of a thrill, almost? Well, it is something which supports little merchants that, at the end of the day, might not have massive marketing budgets. Trying some unique cheeses or that bread, or even getting some seasonal fruits, creates almost a culinary scavenger style exploration that makes weekends good! Even when the weather ain’t that flash, most stalls usually operate no matter what.