Starting on the Kaipara Hills Rd, the walkway follows an airstrip and logging track along the ridge to the Atuanui forest, which has fine stands of regenerating rimu and kauri. We followed this to the summit of Mount Auckland (Atuanui - 305 m) where we had lunch at the trig station, with spectacular panoramic views over the nearby Kaipara Harbour and Hoteo River estuary. From here we followed the track westward to the Kaipara Coast Highway exit, which was a steeper descent and because of the recent heavy rain, meant we had to watch our footing. Even descending further down the track, the views were still stunning.