Sanders Reserve is a 41-hectare multi-use park in Paremoremo on Auckland’s North Shore, combining a well-developed mountain bike trail network with walking tracks, a playground, fenced dog exercise area, and Waitemata Harbour views. The park has over 20 kilometres of mountain bike trails across all skill levels, a 4-kilometre recreation loop suitable for walkers, and is managed by Auckland Council as a free public reserve. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the park, with a separate fenced off-leash area near the entrance.
Practical Information
| Location | Sanders Road, Paremoremo, North Shore, Auckland |
| Walking distance | 4 km recreation loop; shorter options available |
| Mountain bike trails | 20+ km of MTB trails across all grades; 500m children’s trail |
| Difficulty (walking) | Easy — relatively flat loop through coastal forest |
| Facilities | Toilets, changing rooms, playground, picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountains, car park |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | On lead throughout; fenced off-leash area near entrance |
| Opening hours | Gates open 6am–8:30pm (summer); 6am–6:30pm (winter) |
About the Reserve
Sanders Reserve sits on the Upper Waitemata Harbour edge in Paremoremo, giving the park an attractive coastal forest setting that most North Shore reserves don’t have access to. The 4-kilometre walking loop takes visitors through native coastal bush with occasional harbour views through the canopy — a quiet outing that contrasts with the faster-paced activity on the mountain bike trails sharing the same land.
The mountain bike network is the primary draw for most visitors. With 20-plus kilometres of purpose-built trails spread across all skill grades, the park serves everyone from complete beginners on the 500-metre children’s trail to experienced riders on the more technical lines through the forest. The Auckland MTB Club is active at Sanders and helps maintain the trail network. Trails are generally well-signed throughout the reserve.
Facilities are better than most free public parks. The changing rooms and toilets near the car park are well-maintained, picnic tables and barbecues are scattered through the reserve, and the playground suits families making a day of it. The fenced dog exercise area is a practical addition for dog owners who want to combine a walk with off-leash time without managing a dog on the MTB trails.
What Visitors Say
AllTrails reviewers rate the walking track at Sanders as a solid easy outing through coastal native bush — well-suited for families and dog walkers. Several reviewers note the combination of activities available in one park as a standout feature, and the harbour glimpses through the trees as a highlight of the loop. The free access is consistently mentioned as a positive.
Visitors with children regularly rate Sanders as one of the better family parks on the North Shore — the playground, off-leash dog area, bike trails and barbecue facilities in a single free park is a combination that’s hard to find elsewhere in Auckland.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Sanders Reserve — official park page with facilities information, opening hours, access details and park rules.
Auckland MTB Club — Sanders Reserve — trail descriptions, difficulty ratings and current condition updates from the club that maintains the mountain bike network at Sanders.
AllTrails — Sanders Reserve Walk — trail map, user photos, and current reviews from walkers and cyclists who have recently visited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sanders Reserve?
Sanders Reserve is on Sanders Road in Paremoremo, on Auckland’s North Shore. It is approximately 20–25 kilometres from Auckland CBD.
Is Sanders Reserve free?
Yes — the reserve and car park are free to access.
Are dogs allowed at Sanders Reserve?
Yes — dogs are permitted on lead throughout the reserve, and there is a separate fenced off-leash exercise area near the entrance.
What facilities are at Sanders Reserve?
The reserve has toilets and changing rooms, a playground, picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountains, and a large car park.
What are the opening hours at Sanders Reserve?
Gates are open 6am–8:30pm in summer and 6am–6:30pm in winter.
Is Sanders Reserve suitable for beginners on bikes?
Yes — there is a 500-metre children’s trail and several easy green-grade routes suitable for beginners and younger riders.
For more cycling and outdoor riding options across the region, see the full guide to cycling tracks in Auckland. Mercer Bay Loop near Piha offers a very different kind of outing — a short coastal walk above dramatic sea cliffs.