Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path
AT and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi 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 – planning/construction
Latest updates
March 2024
Earlier this month, a series of mahi toi were unveiled along 2.7km long Section 2 of the path between Kohimarama Road and Orakei Basin. This includes two sets of pou at either path end acting as waharoa, and carved handrails at both ends of the two bridges.
All artworks relate to the central design theme “Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai” (from the land to the sea). The 4.5m tall green and red waka pou at Ōrākei Basin are named Ki Uta and Ki Tai respectively, marking the point between Sections 2 and 3.
The pou at Kohimarama Road represent the inhabitants of the Pourewa Valley below, specifically the piwakawaka and tuna. Designs along the carved handrails related to the connectivity of the path sections and te maunga (the land) and nga wai (the coast).
February 2024
We’re replacing faulty panels on the Ōrākei Basin Boardwalk.
Cracks have appeared on the surface edges on panels on the Orākei Basin Boardwalk. As an interim safety measure, these panels have been taped or temporarily replaced while we arrange a permanent replacement solution.
Please travel with care while we work to address this.
Section 4 (Ōrākei Basin to Tāmaki Drive) - the last link
The final stage to complete Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land to sea) is the 870m bridge and boardwalk in Hobson Bay, connecting from Orakei Road to Whakatakataka Reserve. With consent obtained, we are now planning the delivery of the work, including confirming cost, and expect to be able to confirm a delivery timeframe mid-year (2024).
In the meantime, pedestrians and cyclists can reach Tāmaki Drive using Ngapipi Road, which features a temporary uni-directional cycleway and newly widened footpaths to cater for the growing number of people traveling this route.
This is a priority project for AT as a key piece of the wider Strategic Cycling Network, providing healthier car-free choices for how people choose to travel around their neighbourhood and for their commute.
Other works completed on Section 4
Shared paths connecting Ōrākei Basin Boardwalk to and along Ngapipi Road from Whakatakataka Reserve past the boatsheds to Tāmaki Drive are complete.
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.
With over 5km completed, from Merton Road, Glen Innes to Ōrākei Basin, Section 4 - Ōrākei Basin to Tāmaki Drive is the remaining stage to connect people all the way to the waterfront.
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.
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. With consent obtained, we are now planning the delivery of the work, including confirming cost. We expect to be able to confirm a delivery timeframe mid-year (2024).
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.
For more information on this project
Email: projects@at.govt.nz