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Mission Bay to St Heliers
8 km
2 hours
40 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
Discover the Magic of Auckland’s Waterfront: The Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path
If there is one walk that truly captures the energetic, coastal soul of Auckland, it is the Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path. This iconic 8-kilometre, point-to-point pathway serves up a beautiful slice of the City of Sails, stretching from the vibrant seaside hub of Mission Bay all the way to the relaxed, charming village of St Heliers. Whether you are a local looking for your morning exercise fix or a visitor wanting to soak in Auckland's world-famous harbour views, this easy, flat stroll is a must-do experience.
With a gentle 40-metre elevation gain and a fully sealed, well-maintained path, this trail is exceptionally accessible. It is a shared pathway that welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, and families alike. Because it is flat and wide, it is incredibly kid-friendly and perfect for parents pushing prams. Your four-legged friends do not have to miss out either—this path is highly dog-friendly, provided your pup is kept on a leash.
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The journey along the Tāmaki Drive Coastal Path is a visual feast from start to finish. Starting in Mission Bay, you are instantly greeted by a lively, holiday-like atmosphere. The path hugs the edge of the sparkling Waitematā Harbour, offering completely uninterrupted, panoramic views across the water. The constant companion on your left is the magnificent, symmetrical volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest and most iconic volcano, standing proudly in the Hauraki Gulf.
As you head east, the path guides you past the quiet, sheltered waters of Ōkahu Bay—a favourite spot for local kayakers and paddleboarders—before transitioning into the beautiful golden sands of Kohimarama Beach. This middle stretch has a noticeably calmer, more laid-back vibe, where you can hear the gentle lap of the waves and the wind rustling through the seaside trees.
The flat terrain makes for effortless walking, allowing you to lift your gaze and take in the yacht sails dotting the harbour and the distant outline of the Coromandel Peninsula on a clear day. Finally, the path winds its way into St Heliers, a picturesque coastal village that feels a world away from the bustling city centre, despite being just a short distance down the road.
Parking is available along Tāmaki Drive, particularly near popular spots like Mission Bay and St Heliers, though it can be busy on weekends and holidays. In Mission Bay, The Promenade offers two customer car parks off Patteson Avenue with 93 spaces. Parking is free for Promenade customers when using the ParkMate app. Public toilets are also available at Mission Bay Beach and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial at Bastion Point.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
A local favourite situated directly under the Berkeley Cinema, offering an all-day brunch menu, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed waterfront setting with sea views. Known for its cakes and coffees.
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Point to point
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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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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.
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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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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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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.
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Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus
This native New Zealand gull is a common sight in coastal towns, easily identified by its bright red bill, eye-ring, and legs.
Best time: Year-round
Phalacrocorax varius
This large black and white shag is a proficient underwater hunter, using its feet for propulsion, and is often seen drying its wings on coastal perches.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
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.
7.3km away
With high ceilings and large bay windows, this bistro offers breathtaking sea views and is known for its Wagyu beef burger and banana prawns, serving breakfast through dinner.
7.5km away
A beachfront bistro in St Heliers offering panoramic views of Rangitoto Island, a bustling atmosphere, bistro-quality food, and premium NZ beers.