Today we headed north out of Auckland to Orewa to walk around the Te Ara Tahuna shared path. This cycleway/walkway encircles the Orewa Estuary for a distance of 7.58km. It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to walk it at a leisurely pace.
The tide was going out as we walked around anti-clockwise. It is a diverse walk, starting from the carpark by the Orewa Visitor Centre (be sure to visit for information on what else there is to do within the Rodney District – this Visitor Centre is run by enthusiastic volunteers).
We walked past beautiful houses and gardens set along the path, crossed bridges, walked on the edge of farmland with picturesque bales of hay and past mangroves – arriving back to the view of the ocean along the Hibiscus Coast Highway.
Look out for all the different wetland birdlife. You will also see kauri trees, pohutukawa trees, cabbage trees and flax. There are picnic tables available at the Orewa end, as well as a skate park. Benches provide views of the estuary and take the time to admire the beautifully carved wooden seats (six in total as of today’s date).
The cycleway is ideal for families with children who are competent cyclists. The pathway is a mix of concrete, bitumen and loose gravel. Be sure to have snacks and drinks with you to keep up the energy levels. And if the weather is appropriate, take beach gear for a refreshing swim afterwards.
We stopped off at Olivers for a delicious lunch accompanied by a wonderful musician.
Download the Auckland Transport Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Map or pick up a free map from the Orewa Vistors Centre.
It takes only 30 minutes to walk around Panmure Basin – another Auckland volcanic crater, but if you take young children with you then it may take longer. Take the tricycles and scooters – this is a mostly flat walk, as there are only two steep bits.
This walk has a fitness trail.
