Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path

Point to point

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Highlights & Must-See Features

• Rangitoto Island Views: You will get plenty of photos of this striking volcanic peak, but the shifting light throughout the day means the view never looks the same twice.
• Mission Bay Fountain: The iconic Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain is a heritage landmark in the centre of Mission Bay reserve. On warm days, it is a joyful hub of activity where children play in the splashing water.
• Bastion Point (Takaparawhau): A short, scenic detour up to this elevated headland is highly recommended. From this vantage point, you will get sweeping, 360-degree views of the Auckland skyline, the Waitematā Harbour, and the eastern bays. It is also home to the beautiful Michael Joseph Savage Memorial and its tranquil sunken gardens.
• Kohimarama Beach: For those who prefer a quieter beach experience, the sweeping curve of Kohimarama offers a peaceful spot to sit on the seawall and watch the world go by.
• St Heliers Village: The perfect finish line. This lovely seaside village boasts a relaxed, boutique feel with plenty of local shops, a playground for the kids, and a beautiful swimming beach.

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Getting There

The Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path is highly accessible by car, public transport, or foot from the central city.

If you are driving, parking is available along Tāmaki Drive itself, particularly near popular spots like Mission Bay and St Heliers. However, please note that these spaces can fill up very quickly on sunny weekends and public holidays. If you are starting at Mission Bay, The Promenade offers two customer car parks located just off Patteson Avenue with 93 spaces. Parking here is free for Promenade customers when using the ParkMate app.

For public transport, regular bus services run from the Britomart Transport Centre in downtown Auckland directly along Tāmaki Drive, making it incredibly easy to catch a bus to the start of the walk and ride another one back from the end. Public toilets are conveniently located at Mission Bay Beach, Kohimarama Beach, and near the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial at Bastion Point.

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Wildlife Spotting

Despite being close to the city, the coastal environment along Tāmaki Drive is teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes on the skies, the shoreline, and the leafy branches of the coastal pōhutukawa trees.

• Tūī (Common - Year-round): You will easily spot these glossy, dark birds flitting amongst the tree branches. Listen out for their loud, distinctive, and beautifully complex songs, which sound like a mix of tuneful whistles and mechanical clicks.
• Fantail / Pīwakawaka (Common - Year-round): These tiny, energetic birds love to follow walkers, darting and looping through the air to catch insects disturbed by your footsteps.
• Red-billed Gull / Tarāpunga (Common - Year-round): A constant presence along the sandy beaches and seawalls.
• Pied Shag / Kāruhiruhi (Occasional - Year-round): Look out for these large black-and-white water birds drying their wings on the wooden piers, or diving deep into the harbour for fish.
• Kererū (Occasional - Year-round): If you hear a heavy, rhythmic whoosh-whoosh of wings overhead, look up—it is likely the large, colourful New Zealand wood pigeon visiting the larger coastal trees.
• Silvereye / Tauhou and the sweet-sounding Grey Warbler / Riroriro can also be spotted or heard singing in the quieter, leafy sections of the path.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer: The absolute peak time to visit. The pōhutukawa trees (New Zealand’s Christmas trees) burst into vibrant crimson blooms, framing the blue harbour. The water is warm and incredibly inviting, making it the perfect time for a swim at Mission Bay or St Heliers.
• Autumn & Spring: These transitional seasons bring cooler, comfortable walking temperatures, spectacular sunrises, and fewer crowds on the path.
• Winter: On crisp, clear winter days, the air is incredibly fresh, and the views across the Hauraki Gulf are at their sharpest. Just rug up against the sea breeze!

Best time of day: Early mornings are peaceful and beautiful, but late afternoon is hard to beat. Watching the sunset cast a warm, golden glow over the Auckland city skyline and Rangitoto Island is pure magic.

What to bring: Because the path is highly exposed to the elements, sun protection is a must—bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Carry a refillable water bottle (there are drinking fountains along the way), swimwear, and a towel if you fancy a dip. Comfort is key, so wear a pair of supportive walking shoes, trainers, or even sturdy sandals.

Weather considerations: The path faces north, which means it can be subjected to strong northerly winds. If a big nor'wester is blowing, expect spectacular waves crashing against the seawall and a bit of salty sea spray on your face!

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Local & Regional Context

The land and sea along this route hold deep cultural, historical, and geological significance.

For Māori, particularly the local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, this area is rich in heritage. Bastion Point, known as Takaparawhau, is ancestral land. It was the site of a famous, historic 506-day land occupation in the late 1970s, which became a defining moment in New Zealand’s modern history regarding land rights and treaty partnership. Today, the headland stands as a place of peaceful reflection, cultural pride, and community connection.

Geologically, the entire landscape is shaped by Auckland’s volcanic past. Rangitoto Island erupted from the sea floor a mere 600 years ago, making it the youngest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. Its near-perfect symmetrical shape serves as an incredible reminder of the powerful earth forces that shaped this beautiful region.

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After the Walk

One of the best things about the Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path is the sheer abundance of fantastic food and drink options waiting for you at either end of your journey.

If you are looking for a quick pick-me-up near the start in Mission Bay, head to Tana Mera Espresso. This fantastic little 'hole in the wall' coffee shop is a favourite local secret, famous for its authentic, organic, Fair Trade African coffee blends. Pair your brew with one of their delicious 'grab and go' treats, like a warm brioche or a freshly baked muffin.

For a more sit-down, relaxed vibe in Mission Bay, the Mission Bay Cafe is highly recommended. Located directly beneath the Berkeley Cinema, this waterfront spot offers a fabulous all-day brunch menu, lunch, and dinner. It is the perfect place to sit back, enjoy sea views, and tuck into their famous cakes and high-quality coffees.

If you have completed the walk and made it to St Heliers, you are spoiled for choice. St Heliers Bay Bistro features beautiful high ceilings, large bay windows, and breathtaking sea views. It is a fantastic place to treat yourself to their famous Wagyu beef burger or banana prawns for a celebratory post-walk lunch.

Alternatively, pop into Moretons Bar & Restaurant, a welcoming beachfront bistro in the heart of St Heliers. Offering a bustling, friendly atmosphere, Moretons is the ultimate spot to enjoy premium New Zealand craft beers, tuck into some bistro-quality comfort food, and toast your 8-kilometre achievement while looking right back out at the majestic Rangitoto Island.

--- SEO--- Discover Auckland’s beautiful Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path on this easy 8km walk from Mission Bay to St Heliers, featuring stunning views of Rangitoto Island.

200m away

A local 'hole in the wall' coffee shop in Mission Bay, known for its authentic, organic, Fair Trade African coffee blends and a selection of 'grab and go' food options like brioche and muffins.