Deputy Mayor and the Minister for Auckland turn the first sod for final section of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path) Deputy Mayor and the Minister for Auckland turn the first sod for final section of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path)

Date: 02 May 2025

Auckland is one step closer to having a safe, accessible and iconic path connecting the Eastern Bays and city centre as work begins on the final stage of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai – the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path.

Jointly funded by the Government and Auckland Council, the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Dr shared path - ‘Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai’ (the path of land and sea) is a 7km path that connects Glen Innes, Meadowbank, Kohimarama with the city centre via Ōrākei Basin, Hobson Bay and Tāmaki Drive.

Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown Ōrākei Local Board Chairperson Scott Milne and Deputy Chair Sarah Powrie, and AT Board Chair Richard Leggat gathered in Ōrākei earlier this afternoon to turn the first sod for the shared path’s vital final stage.

Works on the fourth and final section, an 870m concrete boardwalk in Hobson Bay next to Ngapipi Road, began this week and will take around 20 months to complete. This final section will replace the temporary walking and cycling path on Ngapipi Road installed as an interim measure to offer a safer link to Tāmaki Drive.

Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Ta already becoming a cherished community asset

As well as providing improved travel options for the local community, the completed sections of the path have already become a popular visitor attraction says Deputy Mayor and Ōrākei Ward Councillor Desley Simpson.

“The Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land and sea) is not only a stunning community asset which locals have advocated for over a decade, but also a great visitor attraction as well due to its proximity to the city centre,” Councillor Simpson says.

“The path runs through lush green spaces and across the water linking to other walkways around the Ōrākei Basin and Hobson Bay. Whether commuting or exploring, people of all ages can safely experience Auckland's stunning natural environment by foot, scooter, or bicycle.

“Already cherished by the community, the pathway's upcoming Stage 4 completion will open this coastal treasure to even more people. With construction underway, there's a real buzz of anticipation (relief) in the air by many who have wanted to see this main route finally competed," she says.

Boardwalk rest area and ramp included following community feedback

Ōrākei Local Board Chairperson Scott Milne says the community is excited about this final section and work getting underway

“This pathway is not just one of the most impressive transport solutions in New Zealand, it is an exercise opportunity, a sightseeing opportunity and a feel-good opportunity,” Mr Mline says.

“We already have some great connections to the path along the route and there will be more over time as funding becomes available.

“Auckland Transport listened to community feedback and have included a rest area for people to take in the surroundings and where the boardwalk connects to the reserve on Ngapipi Road a ramp is being provided for ongoing water access.”

Shared path giving Eastern Bays communities real travel choices

With more than 6km of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai already completed, the shared path is already proving hugely popular and providing Eastern Bays communities with great transport choices, says AT Board Chair Richard Leggat.

“Hundreds of people already use the shared path each day and that number will grow sharply when this final section is completed,” Mr Leggat says.

“This shared path benefits everyone who lives in this wider part of Auckland, because providing safer travel choices for those who want to walk and cycle helps reduce congestion on local roads for those driving.

“Connecting to the popular Tāmaki Drive shared path, this connection is part of a growing network of walking and cycling routes that provides Aucklanders and visitors with improved travel choice.

“People can also walk, cycle or scooter on the path to the Glen Innes, Meadowbank or Ōrākei Train stations to travel across the region on Auckland Transport’s public transport network.”

The design of the boardwalk has been carefully developed to minimise the effects of construction and the long-term infrastructure on the tidal inlet ecosystem of Hobson Bay.

The boardwalk has been carefully designed to blend in the with local environment, with a textured finish on the piles that will darken over time and will encourage healthy marine growth. It features concrete piles, a concrete deck and steel balustrades meaning it will be built to last in the tough marine environment.