Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path
Please note that for 8 weeks from the end of March, Stop/Go signs will be operating on the shared path between the end of Purewa Road and the start of the Ōrākei Basin boardwalk.
Visit the Meadowbank during the Rail Network Rebuild page for more information.
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.
Sections of the path which follow the road will be completed early 2023, and interim safety improvements on Ngapipi Road will provide a temporary, convenient, safe connection to Tāmaki Drive before Section 4 is fully open. The last stage to complete the path will be the spectacular 700m long bridge and boardwalk following the Hobson Bay coastline.
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 are delivering interim 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.
Work to be completed:
A short section (about 100m) of the path by Ōrākei Basin is to be completed.
We will complete this section once the apartment building construction in this vicinity has been completed.
Section 3 - Ōrākei Basin boardwalk
Section 4 - Ōrākei Basin to Tāmaki Drive
Work is underway
We are consenting and constructing Section 4 in three sections.
From June to early 2023 you will see our crews at work constructing the path between:
- Ngapipi Road, from outside the historic boatsheds to Whakatakataka Reserve
- Ōrākei Road, between 236 Ōrākei Road (Ōrākei Bay Village) and Purewa Bridge
Image: Cross section of shared path next to Ōrākei Road and Ngapipi Road
The bridge and boardwalk section of the path will be consented and will then take approximately 14 months to complete. To give people a convenient and safe connection to Tāmaki Drive before Section 4 the boardwalk is delivered, we are delivering interim safety improvements on Ngapipi Road. This involves:
- Widening the existing footpath to approximately 2.1m to 2.5m, depending on available space.
- Installing a 1.5m wide northbound separated cycle lane. This will require narrowing of the northbound lane to 3.5m wide. This width retains safe bus and large vehicle movement.
On Purewa Bridge we will:
- Temporarily lower the posted speed limit to 30km/hr to assist with safer cycling on-road. Speeds are moderated at peak periods by congestion, but a temporary lower sign-posted speed limit will help during times when traffic is free flowing and cars are traveling at higher speeds.
This work will take place from December 2022 to February/March 2023.
Design for Section 4
In 2021, we sought feedback on the design for Section 4.
We heard from 355 people. More than 80% of people told us that they like the design. This is a great result and reflects the care taken to include stakeholder feedback and community feedback from other sections of the path into the design process.
Read the feedback summary report.
The boardwalk
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.
Section 4 - design information
We’ve 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 shared 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 design
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.