Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path
AT and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency are creating a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians from Merton Road near Glen Innes Station to Tāmaki Drive, allowing you to walk, run or cycle from Auckland’s eastern suburbs to the Waitematā Harbour. The path will be built in 4 stages.
Project status
- Section 1 – completed, 2016
- Section 2 – completed, May 2022
- Section 3 – completed, July 2019
- Section 4 – consenting/construction
Section 4 (Ōrākei Basin to Tāmaki Drive) - the last link
With approximately 5km delivered, from Merton Road in Glen Innes right through to Ōrākei Basin, Section 4 - Ōrākei Basin to Tāmaki Drive - is the remaining stage of the shared path and will connect people all the way to the waterfront.
In Section 4, the shared paths connecting Ōrākei Basin Boardwalk to Purewa Bridge (along Ōrākei Road), and along Ngapipi Road (from Whakatakataka Reserve past the boatsheds to Tamaki Drive) are completed.
A 700m long boardwalk around Hobson Bay – currently in the consenting process - will be constructed connecting these two sections.
To fill the gap until the boardwalk is complete, we have widened parts of the footpath along the rest of Ngapipi Road and installed a temporary northbound cycle lane to cater for the increasing number of people travelling through on foot and bike, particularly the many families with children now using the route.
Find out more about Section 4 and the interim improvements on Ngapipi Road.
Project overview
The Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path - Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land and sea) project will deliver a 7km-long path connecting Auckland’s eastern suburbs to the city centre.
The path completes a missing link in Auckland’s cycle network and connect with cycle routes to Point England, the shared path along Tāmaki Drive, and the Tāmaki Drive Cycle Route.
The natural beauty and magnificent views along the route will appeal to people commuting into the city as well as those using the path for fitness and recreation.
Image: Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path route map.
Features
- Safe and convenient for people on foot or on the
bike . - Good lighting will extend hours of access, particularly during the winter months.
- The route’s geography is hilly in places, but the design of the path will keep gradients as low as possible.
- The path connects communities with public transport along the route.
- Community input will help shape aspects of the path.
Completing the project
We know that the community is eager to see the path completed. We aim to complete Section 4 as quickly as possible.
The timeline to complete the boardwalk will depend on the duration of the consenting phase. Construction planning is underway so if consent is granted, work can progress more quickly to complete the path. Construction of the boardwalk is estimated to take 14 months.
To give people a convenient and safe connection to Tāmaki Drive before the boardwalk is delivered and Section 4 fully opens, we have constructed sections of the path following the road (Ōrākei Basin to Purewa Bridge and on Ngapipi Road) and provided temporary improvements for people on bikes on Ngapipi Road.
Section 1 - Merton Road to St Johns Road
Section 2 - St Johns Road to Ōrākei Basin
Section 2 closes the gap between Section 1 and 3, providing an uninterrupted 5km of the full 7km route.
Section 3 - Ōrākei Basin boardwalk
Section 4 - Ōrākei Basin to Tāmaki Drive
Vital connections completed
The shared paths connecting Ōrākei Basin Boardwalk to Purewa Bridge (along Ōrākei Road), and along Ngapipi Road (from Whakatakataka Reserve past the boatsheds to Tamaki Drive) are completed.
One remaining piece of the puzzle
We know the community is eager to see the path completed to give them a continuous connection all the way to the waterfront and destinations beyond. We are in the consenting process for the remaining piece of the puzzle – the 700m long boardwalk.
A community asset, connecting with nature
We received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the design for the boardwalk, which follows the Hobson Bay coastline. Distanced from rail and traffic noise, it will provide a respite in people’s daily commute, and attract more people to opt for healthy, congestion free ways to travel. With its stunning surrounds it will also be a popular destination for Aucklanders.
Read the feedback summary report.
Designed with the community in mind
Community feedback received through this consultation and other sections of the path – including the Ōrākei Basin Boardwalk - has highlighted the importance of a low (1.2m) and more permeable (or ‘see through’) balustrade, so people can take in views of the surrounding environment. We received very positive feedback about the design, including about it being sympathetic and fitting with the environment.
We were asked during the consultation to show how the balustrade permeability compares with the Section 3 balustrade, so we produced a pack giving more detail about the design.
We also worked closely with our Mana Whenua project partners and key stakeholders including Ōrākei Local Board and Bike Auckland. Through our work with these stakeholders, we ensured the design:
- retains recreational water access
- complements Ōrākei Local Board and Auckland Council aspirations to restore Whakatakataka Reserve
- provides access for boatshed owners and safety for path shed users
- considers sea-level rise
- minimises the size of the boardwalk and bridge, and complements the natural environment.
We have also reflected feedback received from consultations on other sections of the path. We know it is important to the community that:
- lighting is unobtrusive, while still illuminating the path safety
- we preserve views from the path
- people are kept safe with surfaces that minimise the risk of slipping
- the balustrade height is kept low, while still being safe
- curves are smooth for cyclists
- a rest area is provided.
Bird's eye view of Section 4
Unless you get out in the bay to paddleboard or kayak, you probably won’t have seen the beautiful coastline up-close. Take a moment to watch our video to get a glimpse of what it will be like to travel along this path.
Ngā mahi toi – recognising Mana Whenua values
Cultural markers (pou) will be positioned in significant locations to tell important Mana Whenua narratives of this place. Developed in collaboration with Mana Whenua and artist Graham Tipene, they will provide wayfinding and cultural interpretation points along the pathway. The pou will include integrated carved creative expressions with backlighting and interpretive information.
Boardwalk lighting and materials
The bridge and boardwalk will comprise a concrete deck and timber and steel balustrades with LED downlighting in the handrail.
To determine the alignment of the boardwalk in Hobson Bay, we have considered user comfort, the potential impact on neighbours, marine traffic, water access and use, environmental impact and sea-level rise.
Subtle materials, finishes and design details have been selected to naturally complement the coastal landscape and its curved form.
Interim improvements on Ngapipi Road
With many more people travelling through the area, the interim facility on Ngapipi Road is much needed until the boardwalk in Hobson Bay is constructed, creating an alternative route. The 4.5m wide boardwalk will have smooth surfacing and low gradients making it a faster, more comfortable, and accessible route to take to and from Tāmaki Drive.
Ngapipi Road is a challenging location due to its topography, high traffic volumes, importance as a freight and bus route and lack of available space for new facilities. Space allows for a one-way cycle facility only, and the footpath has been widened as much as possible within the available space and other constraints. If travelling north (toward Tāmaki Drive) people on a scooter or bike can use the uni-directional cycleway. If heading south, travelling on the outside edge of the shared path (further from vehicles exits) is encouraged. Please travel safely at appropriate speeds for a shared space while using the route, be prepared to stop at driveways and bus stops and if walking, keep dogs on a short lead.
Our thanks to road users, people on foot and bike, locals and businesses for your patience as we progressively completed work along Ōrākei Road, the connection to Ōrākei Basin Boardwalk, and Ngapipi Road.