This huge reserve was almost empty today; we saw two cyclists and one stray dog.

This walkway is ideal for family cycling and for taking your dog for an off-leash walk. (Dogs are welcome along the walkway provided they are kept under control and do not disturb wildlife or other park users. Dogs are not permitted on sport fields or near children’s playgrounds.)

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 75 minutes
Distance: about 5.75 kms
Start From: Fair Mall, Bairds Road, East Tamaki
Track: Mainly level paths
Difficulty: Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: Otara Creek and estuary, mangrove mud flats
FREE Map: Download the FREE printable map with directions, of this walk
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

The creek has mangrove mud flats and is sadly polluted – the locals seems to take delight in dropping shopping trolleys into the creek. However, if you can overlook the neglect, you may find enjoyment in the bigger view: the sounds of the birds and the trees and the native plants within the Otara Creek Reserve.

When I got home the thought came to me what it was that was missing here. Other walks along waterways in Auckland like Wattle Downs and Conifer Grove have homes facing the waterway, but here alongside Otara Creek, there are only fenced off back yards. Would people feel a sense of ownership, if another row of houses inside the reserve faced the creek?

History: An Otara timeline from 1955 to 2010

The closest cafe is The Alexander Cafe.

Map location and how to find Otara Creek Walkway

Photos from my walk along Otara Creek Walkway

Comments on Otara Creek Walkway

Peter

Hi guys
I find this website very interesting as I love walking somewhere different. As I am a relative new comer to NZ and have no idea where some destinations are located. To save time searching the web for details it would be useful to have a map on the page.

Helen

Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment. We figure that most people visiting Auckland would have a hard copy map or are able to google a map using a smart phone/laptop etc, that would help them to locate our walks.
Each of our walk guides comes with a map and detailed directions. We have also designated each walk into an area of Auckland – central, east, west, north, south.
I spent 16 years living in the UK (before Google) and I used my own maps extensively to find my own way walking, cycling (and catching the London Tube!).
We encourage walkers to discover and explore Auckland – it is part of the discovery process, and it is the best way to get to know a place.
Have fun!
Helen

Terri Marchant-Secretary/Education Officer

Tamaki Estuary Protection Society likes this site.
Great walks for everyone and encourages people to enjoy thevast Tamaki River area.
We will encourage people to look at this page, and put details in our newsletter.

Helen

Hi Terri. We are glad you found us. Thank you for informing your members. Regards, Helen

More of my walks near East Tamaki in South Auckland

Hunua Falls Walk

Massey Cossey Loop Track

9 kms • 3 Hours • Medium • This combines two Hunua Tracks, the Cossey Gorge Track, and the Massey Track
Walk details →
Trees and track at Murphys Bush Scenic Reserve, Flatbush

Murphys Bush Scenic Reserve

There is a variety of walks through the mature native bush at Murphys Bush with stands of Kahikatea, Puriri, Totara and Rimu, as well as ...
Walk details →
Pond at Barry Curtis Park in Flatbush

Barry Curtis Park

Sir Barry Curtis Park in Flatbush was farmland and some of the farm’s old stone walls remain.
Walk details →
Picnic table at Seaside Park at Otahuhu

Seaside Park Otahuhu

2 km • Less than 1 hour • Easy • Seaside Park at Otahuhu is a small and delightful park.
Walk details →
Mangere Bridge with Mangere Mountain in the background

Mangere Bridge Walks

Mangere Bridge Village is a great little spot to start exploring Auckland’s Manukau Harbour area. Here are our 5 loop walks.
Walk details →
Seat next to the path looking out to Mangere Bridge

Manukau Harbour Coastal Walks

Manukau Harbour has many nooks and crannies to explore. Here are 10 places where you can walk beside Auckland’s Manukau Harbour and enjoy the diverse ...
Walk details →
Volcanic Kohuora Park Walk in Auckland

Volcanic Kohuora Park

15-40 Minutes • Easy • This is one of our smaller Auckland loop walks but a delightful one, boasting native bush and many birds.
Walk details →
2 woman standing near the pond

Waiatarua Reserve – Fun for All

3.3 km • 30 to 60 mins depending on which way you go • Easy • Waiatarua Reserve has something for everyone.
Walk details →
magnificent old tree at onhunga to pah homestead walk

Onehunga to Pah Homestead

5.77 km • 1 hour • Easy • Another fine autumn day. And a wonderful walk in Auckland up through Onehunga Mall and across to ...
Walk details →
Onehunga Foreshore and carpark with Mangere Mountain in the background

Onehunga Foreshore – Taumanu

5.77 km • 1 hour • Easy • We began our walk today with a route in mind, starting off from Onehunga Train Station.
Walk details →
View from the old Mangere Bridge of Mangere Mountain

Mangere Bridge to Onehunga Loop walk

7.5 km • 1.5 hours • Easy • Another short walk in Auckland in Mangere. The walk takes in views of Mangere Mountain and Manukau ...
Walk details →
View of the sea on the Lynfield Coastal Walk

Lynfield Coastal Walk

3.75 km • 45 minutes • Medium • The views across to Blockhouse Bay and Manukau Heads in the far distance along the Lynfield coastal ...
Walk details →