As we progressed we changed our mind and found a walk that neither of us had done before, taking in part of Onehunga’s foreshore (Taumanu Reserve).

View of Mangere Mountain from Onehunga Foreshore. The Foreshore has since been turned into Taumanu Reserve.

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 60 minutes
Distance: about 5.77 kms
Start from: Princes Street, Onehunga
Highlights: Views of Mangere Mountain, shore birds, Onehunga Wharf, mangroves, Waikaraka cemetery, industrial area, reclaimed beach at Taumanu Reserve.
Dog Friendly: Off leash area in Onehunga Bay Reserve (caution: muddy after rain). Dogs not allowed within Taumanu Reserve.
Facilities: Children’s Playgrounds: Onehunga Bay Reserve
FREE Map: Download your FREE map of this walk
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland

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The walk follows the edge of the Onehunga Bay Reserve and then the edge of Manukau Harbour along Orpheus Drive.

In summer, I would expect to see more shorebirds. Even though the walk passes through part of the industrial area of Onehunga, it is still interesting.

This mostly flat walk can be accessed from Mangere Village also.

Onehunga Bay Reserve has a great wide open space (off leash dog exercise area) for dogs to run around in, and, at high tide, a lagoon to swim in. At low tide, it is an estuarine mudflat full of stinky, black mud (gumboots required in winter/after rain in the reserve itself). Cycle paths and a children’s playground are included.

Auckland Council has restored the foreshore next to Orpheus Drive to bring back a natural coastal edge and create recreational opportunities for the community. The area now provides high-quality open space, beaches, a boat ramp and picnic areas. 

Photos from my walk along the Onehunga Foreshore – Taumanu