What is Te Whau Pathway?
Te Whau pathway starts in Te Atatū near the second exit on SH16 and finishes in Green Bay. It will be Auckland’s only off-road route to connect the Waitematā and Manukau harbours. For details about its location, please see our route map.
The pathway aims to connect people and places to each other and to green spaces and waterways.
‘Pathway’ describes a wide smooth path that does not allow vehicles such as cars, vans and trucks. Sometimes we call it a shared pathway as all active modes of transport – from wheelchair users to cyclists – are encouraged to share the route.
The pathway is accessible and is for everyone to enjoy. Some parts of the path are already finished and you can enjoy these now. The majority of the pathway is still to be built and will be done in stages. Once complete the pathway will be a boardwalk across waterways and through mangrove areas.
Project history
It has been a collaborative effort for the pathway to get this far. Here are the major project milestones from 2014 to 2021.
A build timeline and a consultation timeline are also available.
Why is it in five sections?
Te Whau Pathway is a complex project because of its length and the fact that it goes through different environments – through water and overland. It was also needed to connect to other transport projects such as the New Lynn Transport interchange, the New Lynn – Avondale cycleway and the proposed Te Atatu Bus Interchange. To ensure it would be delivered well, the pathway was split up into five sections.
- Portage Road to Olympic Park
- Olympic Park to Ken Maunder Park
- Ken Maunder Park to Archibald Park
- Archibald Park to Laurieston Park
- Laurieston Park to State Highway 16 North Western cycleway.
See our Section Map page to see an overview.
Project focus 2021-2023
The current focus is on designing and constructing two areas within Sections 2 and 5, providing valuable connections to the local community.
Area 1 in Te Atatū South (Section 5)
Roberts Field to State Highway 16
This area of the pathway will connect Roberts Field to State Highway 16 via Bridge Ave. This priority connection within the Henderson-Massey Local Board will be the entry point to Te Whau Pathway and a key connection point between the existing North Western cycleway and the proposed bus interchange at Te Atatu. It will provide a safe off-road alternative route to Te Atatu Road, connect several businesses and sports clubs, and serve a large residential area.
View detailed Area 1 maps. You can view both areas that currently have funding on the Section Overview map.
Area 2 in Avondale and New Lynn (Section 2)
Rizal Reserve to Ken Maunder Park
This area will connect Rizal Reserve to Ken Maunder Park via a new bridge crossing over Te Whau River. This is a high priority zone for the Whau Local Board, connecting the New Lynn and Avondale communities and building on the existing walking and cycling network.
View detailed Area 2 maps. You can view both areas that currently have funding on the Section Overview map.