Exploring Auckland on Foot: A Walking Guide from the CBD
Explore Auckland on foot with this CBD walking guide, from Albert Park to Wynyard Quarter, staying central at Parkside Hotel.
One of the easiest ways to explore Auckland is on foot. With summer comes longer daylight hours and warm weather, and many of the city’s best walks start directly from the CBD, no car required.
Parkside Hotel & Apartments, located on Greys Avenue near the CBD, sits within walking distance of several established parks, eateries and waterfront areas, making it a convenient base for visitors who prefer to explore the city at street level.
Albert Park and the University Precinct
Albert Park is a long-established inner-city park located just uphill from Queen Street. It features formal gardens, mature trees, historic fountains and elevated viewpoints that look back toward the city and harbour.
From Albert Park, walkers can move through parts of the University of Auckland’s city campus. Pedestrian paths connect to Princes Street and Symonds Street, offering a quieter route compared with Queen Street, and a leafy setting that is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Walking time:
Parkside Hotel & Apartments to Albert Park: Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Queen Street to the Viaduct Harbour
From Greys Avenue, it is a short walk to Queen Street, Auckland’s main central thoroughfare. Heading downhill toward the waterfront, the route is largely flat once past the upper city area.
The Viaduct Harbour precinct is designed with pedestrians in mind, featuring boardwalks around the marina, public seating and uninterrupted views across the water. The area connects easily with other waterfront paths and is commonly used for casual walks throughout the day.
Highlights include:
Harbour and marina views
Flat, well-maintained walking surfaces
Multiple places to pause and sit along the route
Viaduct Harbour - Auckland
Wynyard Quarter and Silo Park
From the Viaduct, the walking route continues naturally into Wynyard Quarter, a redeveloped waterfront area with wide promenades, open spaces and views back toward the city skyline.
Silo Park sits at the western end of the precinct and includes grassy areas, boardwalk access and open sightlines over the harbour. Vehicle access is limited within much of the area, making it particularly comfortable for walking.
Walking time:
Viaduct Harbour to Silo Park: approximately 15–25 minutes at an easy pace.
Boardwalk near Silo Park
Auckland Domain and the Museum Loop
In addition to major routes, several central city streets are great to explore:
High Street – A narrow street with historic buildings and independent retailers
Lorne Street – A pedestrian-friendly connection between Queen Street, the Art Gallery and Albert Park
Federal Street – A direct route toward the Sky Tower and nearby dining areas
These streets provide alternatives to the main arterial routes and add variety to city walks.
Staying Central at Parkside Hotel & Apartments
Parkside Hotel & Apartments is within walking distance of central parks, waterfront precincts and many pedestrian-friendly streets. Staying centrally allows visitors to structure days flexibly, and heading out on foot, returning to rest, and heading back out again, without relying on transport.
Book your stay with us and get ready to explore the Auckland CBD on foot.
Parkside Hotel and Apartments - Auckland
