The Whau River is almost full of mangroves but it does have a boardwalk going across thanks to Dawn Persson’s commitment to the Avondale Community.

Boadwalk on the Avondale Whau River walk
Boadwalk on the Avondale Whau River walk

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 50 minutes
Distance: about 6 kms
Track: A mix of mainly level paths and one slightly steep path
Difficulties: Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather.
Buggies/Wheelchairs: The walking route is also suitable for prams/buggies.
Dog Friendly: In off-leash exercise area
Highlights: Water birds, Mangroves, river views, boardwalk
Parking: Lynn Mall Shopping Centre Carpark
FREE Map: Download the FREE Map of this walk here
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash exercise area and is a mostly flat walk – just one gentle rise after the boardwalk. The walking route is also suitable for prams/buggies.

You may like to pack a picnic or take advantage of the nearby New Lynn Cafes.

Here are some key points about the Avondale Whau River Walk:

  • Location: The walk is situated in the suburb of Avondale, which is part of the larger Auckland metropolitan area. The Whau River runs through this area, and the walk allows you to follow its path.

  • Scenic Views: As you walk along the track, you’ll see picturesque views of the river, wetlands, and surrounding greenery. It’s a great way to experience a mix of nature and urban life.

  • Wildlife: The area along the Whau River is home to various bird species and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds and other animals as you explore the track.

  • Accessibility: The walk is generally well-maintained and accessible, but it’s a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and sunscreen, especially on sunny days.

  • Community Involvement: The Avondale Whau River Walk is often used by the local community for recreation and relaxation. You’ll find joggers, cyclists, and families enjoying the outdoors.

Photos from my walk along the Avondale Whau River Walk

Comments on Avondale Whau River Walk

Rachel Stansfield

Hi
Would it be possible for you to direct me to a map or some directions please.

Thanks

Helen

Map and directions in the post to you. have fun! Let me know how it goes. Thanks. Helen

Gaelene

Hi

I’d like to do the Avondale to New Lynn walkway from the New Lynn end. I notice it says to park at Lynn Mall. What street do you go from there to find the starting point of the track?

Thanks

Gaelene

Helen

Hi Gaelene. Thanks for your inquiry. Get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store (GS-030 Whau River Loop) http://walksinauckland.com/cart/index.php Cheers, Helen

Marie-Claude Lariviere

I have purchased the map on 8/11 but could not download it!

Richard Wagener

Hi Marie-Claude
Sorry for the hassle. I have sent you the file directly as we have made changes to the download software and some walks were still not transferred over – we are almost there. I trust you received this fine. Thanks.
Richard

Amy

Hello,
Is it possible to send me the link to the map for the Whau River Loop as the link above to the store has been changed or moved.
Thank you,
Amy

Richard Wagener

I have sent this through and will look at what the issue may have been.
Thanks for the message.
Richard

Ben

Are there any suitable places for dogs to swim?

Richard Wagener

Hi Ben.
I would think these days the council would not want dogs in the creek to protect the birdlife but can’t tell you for certain as haven’t been there for some time.
Thanks
Richard

More of my walks near Avondale in West Auckland

Olympic Park in New Lynn

Olympic Park, New Lynn

I have driven past Olympic Park New Lynn many times thinking it was only a children’s playground. Yesterday we decided to stop and explore.
Walk details →
Kayak on Manukau Harbour in Auckland

Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays

60 Minutes • Easy with steps • The Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays walk is one of the few walks in Auckland that does not ...
Walk details →
Flounder Bay in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

Blockhouse Bay Circuit

45 Minutes • Easy with steps • Have you ever wondered what a “Block House” is? Well, today I found out. Blockhouse Bay walk includes ...
Walk details →
Oakley Creek 6 foot waterfall in Auckland

Oakley Creek Loop Walk

4 km • 1 Hour • Easy • We have wanted to include Oakley Creek walkway in our walk guides for some time.
Walk details →
one of the view Blockhouse Bay Tiriwa Walk

Blockhouse Bay Tiriwa Walk

5 km • 1 hour • Easy • The Blockhouse Bay Tiriwa walk in Auckland follows the high cliff edge alongside Manukau Harbour to Green ...
Walk details →

Titirangi and French Bay Loop

This walk begins near the village of Titirangi and follows the path down through Atkinson Park to Titirangi Beach and French Bay.
Walk details →
Westgate Loop Walk

Westgate Loop Walk

It has been a challenge to find an interesting walk from Westgate Shopping Centre that meets our criteria – this one is not one of ...
Walk details →
Te Atatu Peninsula Walk

Te Atatu Peninsula Walk

The Te Atatu Peninsula Walk provides wonderful views of Auckland harbour – the Chelsea sugar factory, the Sky Tower, Rangitoto Island and the Harbour Bridge. ...
Walk details →
Old chapel Glen Eden and Waikumete Cemetery Circuit Walk

Glen Eden and Waikumete Cemetery Circuit Walk

When I first came to live in New Zealand, I lived in Glen Eden. I had never visited Waikumete Cemetery until today. What an amazingly ...
Walk details →
Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit

Henderson Opanuku Stream Circuit

The Henderson Opanuku Stream walk comes under Project Twin Streams.
Walk details →
Moire Park Bush Walk

Moire Park Bush Walk

We have done this Moire Park Bush Walk in Massey, West Auckland, twice previously and this time we returned to make use of the yellow ...
Walk details →
New Lynn Pottery and Parks

New Lynn Pottery and Parks

This walk in New Lynn (West Auckland) explores either side of the town centre and takes in Olympic Park and it’s popular children’s playgrounds, and ...
Walk details →
Henderson Creek Loop

Henderson Creek Loop

It turned out to be a wonderful warm spring day – perfect for exploring the pathways beside Henderson Creek in West Auckland
Walk details →
Glen Eden Bush and Stream Walk

Glen Eden Bush and Stream Walk

Glen Eden has undergone stream restoration and cycleways development as part of the Twin Streams Project, so we set out for an exploratory walk to ...
Walk details →
West Harbour Loop

West Harbour Loop

Starting by the West Harbour Marina, the West Harbour Loop walk is fully paved, winds through wonderful bush and provides stunning views over the water ...
Walk details →
Waikowhai park with Foreshore beach view and bench

Waikōwhai Walkway and Park

Waikowhai Park is a large piece of bushland and attractive parkland off Hillsborough Road. There are several excellent walks in the park.
Walk details →
Waitakaere Dam Walk - Auckland - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Waitakere Dam Walk, Turn off for Waitakere Tramline Track Walk

6.50 km • 2 Hours • Easy • Waitakere Ranges • Auckland
Walk details →
Oratia Stream Loop Walk - view of the stream

Oratia Stream Loop

We decided to check out the Oratia Twin Streams walk and cycleway to see if we could include it as part of a fun circular walk. We ...
Walk details →
Boardwalk with kids on the Hobsonville Point coastal walkway in West Auckland

Hobsonville Point Path – The Coastal Walkway

5.5 km • 1.5 hours • Easy • Also known as The Coastal Walkway, this is a great loop walk around the point is suitable ...
Walk details →
Sea views on the Herald Island Path in Hobsonville, Auckland by Sandra at Freewalks.nz

Herald Island Path

2.7 km • 40 minutes • Easy • Herald Island Path is an easy loop walk in Hobsonville, Auckland.
Walk details →
Walk out to the beach at Pararaha Point on the Gibbons Track in the Waitakere Ranges

Gibbons Track Walk

14 kms • 3 Hours • Medium • The Gibbons Track is one of our favourite walks in the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland © Freewalks.nz
Walk details →
Whites Beach Walk from Piha

Whites Beach Walk

3.30 km • 2 hours return • Very easy • White’s Beach is a beautiful sandy beach 3.3 km to the north of Piha.
Walk details →
Cornwallis Beach Walk

Cornwallis Beach Walk

2 kms • 1 Hour • Very Easy
Walk details →
Cascade Walkway Auckland walks

Cascade Walkway

4 kms • 4 Hours • Medium
Walk details →
Upper Huia Reservoir |||||||Upper Huia Reservoir Walk

Upper Huia Reservoir Walk

17.00 kms • 4 Hours 30 Minutes Round Trip • Medium
Walk details →
Looking back to the car park|Mt Zion Walking Track

Mt Zion Hill Walking Track

7.80 kms • 3 Hours 40 Minutes • Medium
Walk details →