Connecting our communities — one boardwalk, one park at a time
Te Whau Pathway Boardwalks (coming February 2026!)
The big news: the first boardwalk section of the Te Whau Pathway will open in February 2026 🎉
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.
Te Whau Pathway in Parks
Explore what’s already complete
Many land-based sections are already complete — connecting these sections with boardwalks is the next big step so we have a continuous chain of paths and parks between Green Bay on the Manukau Harbour to Te Atatū South on the Waitematā Harbour.
Rotary Reserve / Te Pae Kawau — Te Atatū South 🛝
A peaceful riverside reserve beside the Whau River, Rotary Reserve offers wide paths, mature trees, and birdlife — a hidden gem for quiet walks or short runs.
“Stunning park, very tidy. The playground is well maintained and ideal for toddlers.” — Jay Raman (2020)
“It’s a nice part of my run training. Love seeing the birds and looking at the boats. Quite peaceful 😍.” — James White (2019)
📍 View map of Rotary Reserve
🔍 Read more reviews about Rotary Reserve
🌐 Rotary Reserve info at Auckland Council
Roberts Field / Horowai Reserve — Te Atatū South 🌿
Roberts Field (Horowai Reserve) is a community hub and green space that connects directly to the new boardwalk. It’s great for sports, local gatherings, and will soon be a key access point for two boardwalk sections. Includes a Te Whau Pathway connector path on which cyclists will need to dismount.
“Good for a family stroll … nice wide path, interesting trees, jetty and mangroves.” — Tim Galea (2021)
“Nice walkway around this peaceful area today.” — David Purvis (2023)
📍 View map of Roberts Field / Horowai
🔍 Read more reviews about Roberts Field / Horowai
🌐 Roberts Field / Horowai Reserve info at Auckland Council
McLeod Park — Te Atatū South ⚽
McLeod Park provides a spacious, family-friendly environment with walking tracks, playgrounds, and sports fields — perfect for a stroll or game day.
“McLeod Park is a nice and quiet place … good for kids to play and have a picnic.” — Nesh Khalifa (2025)
“Great little park with a flat and smooth track all the way around … great for dogs and families.” — Bianca T (2023)
📍 View map of McLeod Park
🔍 Read more reviews about McLeod Park
🌐 McLeod Park info at Auckland Council
Archibald Park — Kelston 🛶
Archibald Park offers riverside access via a boat ramp and pontoon — perfect for kayaks and paddleboards. Shared paths wind through open green space with playgrounds and picnic areas for families. Have you walked The Kelston Loop? This also includes Brains / Onewherowhero Park/
“The fields are nicely kept and maintained every week … such a nice place for a walk along the riverbank of Whau River.” — Deevanyah Frost (2024)
“The park is well maintained and the walking path is flat and safe for elders. Kids will surely enjoy!” — Han Gi (2024)
📍 View map of Archibald Park
🔍 Read more reviews about Archibald Park
🌐 Archibald Park info at Auckland Council
Ken Maunder Park — New Lynn 🏃
Ken Maunder Park features wide, paved pathways beside the Whau River, open sports fields, and links to the local shared-path network — perfect for walking, running, or a weekend ride. By 2027, it will also be part of another boardwalk section, The Wingate Connection.
“Great little park with a flat and smooth track all the way around … kids playground and lots of street parking.” — Bianca T (2023)
“Lovely park with well-kept fields, easy parking, and great facilities for sports and families.” — Local Visitor (2024)
📍 View map of Ken Maunder Park
🔍 Read more reviews about Ken Maunder Park
🌐 Ken Maunder Park info at Auckland Council
Olympic Park — New Lynn 🏖️
Olympic Park combines art, play, and nature along the river’s edge. The pathway winds past sculptures, a large adventure playground, and peaceful wetlands — offering something for everyone. Olympic Park Walk in New Lynn is a fun activity to do!
“What a lovely park for kids … big sandpit, zipline, lots of benches and a little stream.” — Yu Jin Thong (2025)
“A spacious park with trees, stream, walkways, and a soccer field connected by a beautiful bridge. Really recommend!” — Robin Kurien (2024)
📍 View map of Olympic Park
🔍 Read more reviews about Olympic Park
🌐 Olympic Park info at Auckland Council