Now open
The Horowai Connection is a beautiful new 4 metre-wide section that will flow along the river’s edge, connecting the Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai (Roberts Field) in Te Atatū South — creating a serene blue-green experience through mangroves. It is particularly pretty at high tide.
Designed in collaboration with mana whenua with local engineers, the boardwalk embodies the flow of the Whau River and the spirit of kaitiakitanga that guides this project. Once open, it will provide a vital link between neighbourhoods, schools, and green spaces — a glimpse of the full vision for Te Whau Pathway.
What you can expect
- A 4 metre wide boardwalk that flows naturally with the river’s contours
- Safe, scenic connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Horowai (Roberts Field)
- Durable, high-quality decking designed to last over 50 years
- Cultural design elements gifted by mana whenua
- A true blue-green space experience along the Whau River corridor
Why this section matters
The look of these first sections of boardwalk will one day be replicated along the whole alignment. On the Horowai Connection, you will be able to experience first-hand that great design fosters connections – of paths, parks and people – and also enhances transport choices. Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust also hopes it will strengthen West Auckland’s relationship with the Whau River.
How to access the boardwalks
The boardwalk section can be accessed from:
• Northwestern Cycleway near the Te Atatū South off-ramp, accessible from the top of Bridge Avenue
• Bridge Avenue lower end, where you can head either north or south along the boardwalk
• Roberts Field | Horowai, located at the end of Roberts Road
The kingfisher | kōtare on the map below shows the access points to the boardwalks in Te Atatū South.
Getting there
Parking near the pathway entrance is very limited, so we strongly encourage people to walk, cycle or take public transport where possible.
🚌 Public Transport
Bus via Roberts Road
- Catch the 131 or 133 along Te Atatū Road
- Walk down Roberts Road to the pathway
Bus via Woolworths Te Atatū
- Catch the 134 or 138
- Get off near Woolworths Te Atatū
- Walk via Lyndhurst Road → Tiroroa Street → Tiroroa Esplanade to Roberts Field | Horowai
🚲 Cycling
- Access the pathway via the Northwestern Cycleway
- You can also reach it via the bottom of Roberts Road
🚶 Walking
Approximate walking times:
- Top of Roberts Road: about 10 minutes downhill
- Top of Lyndhurst Road: about 10 minutes downhill
- Top of Bridge Ave: about 5 minutes downhill
🚗 Parking
Very limited parking is available at:
- Bridge Ave
- Bottom of Roberts Road