Join Auckland's Friendliest Walking Community

Explore Onehunga, Mangere Bridge, Te Papapa, One Tree Hill and Epsom with our free monthly walking challenges. Go at your own pace, discover cool local spots, and win amazing prizes.

Enter the competition and get your first walking map plus this month’s Nature Hunt for the kids.

We’ll email your map and a link to the Nature Hunt instantly.

How It Works

Getting started is as easy as putting on your walking shoes

Photo Competition Now Live Till The End of October

Share your best walking photos and win amazing prizes

📷

Spring Awakening Photo Challenge

Capture the beauty of Auckland’s spring blooms and wildlife on your walk. Share your best nature photos for a chance to win an amazing prize. Look for the daffodils along Twin Oaks Drive, white cherry blossom trees to the west of Pohutukawa Drive, native birds, and stunning harbour views.

🗓️ For the month of October 2025

How to Enter:

Join the Challenge and get this months map
Snap photos on your walk that match this month’s theme
Share them in our Facebook Group
Or email them to: comp@joyofwalking.nz
Our Facebook Group

Join Our Community

Connect with fellow walkers and share your Auckland adventures

Who’s Behind the Joy of Walking?

A community partnership between Rotary Club of Maungakiekie and Freewalks.nz

Your local Rotary club has been part of this community for over 50 years. We’re your neighbours, local business owners, and people who genuinely care about making our area an even better place to live.

Barry Stafford
Program Leader

“We wanted to create something that brings people together while encouraging them to see their local area with fresh eyes.”

New Zealand’s go-to website for quality walking routes. With over 600 walks across the country, they provide the professional digital platform management to make this program work seamlessly.

Sandra Tanner
Owner, Freewalks.nz

“We’re excited to partner with Rotary to bring walking to life in new ways. Our platform makes it easy to discover amazing walks, but Rotary’s community spirit makes it truly special.”

“It’s amazing what you notice when you slow down and really look around. We’re confident people will discover their neighbourhood has more hidden gems than they ever imagined.”

Barry Stafford, Rotary Club of Maungakiekie

FAQ

Do I need to be fit to join?

Not at all! Our routes are designed for all fitness levels. Start with what feels comfortable and go at your own pace.

Can I walk with friends and family?

Absolutely! Many people walk with partners, kids, or friends. The nature hunt is especially popular with families.

How long are the walks?

Each route takes about an hour, but you can take as long as you like. They’re loops, so you can start anywhere and always get back to your starting point.

When do new routes come out?

We release one new route each month, starting in September for entry till the end of October 2025. Each route is tested by our Rotary members before going live. You’ll receive an email at the beginning of each month with the new map once you’ve joined.

What if I can’t do the full route?

No worries! Turn back whenever you want. The point is to enjoy being outdoors, not to complete every walk.

How do I enter the photo competitions?

Share your walking photos in our Facebook Group or email them to us.

Do I have to use social media?

Not required! You can email photos for competitions and get all updates via our newsletter. The Facebook group is just an extra way to connect.

Is this really free?

Yes! No fees, no membership costs. The walks, maps, nature cards, and newsletters are completely free. Prizes are sponsored by local businesses and Rotary.