The Otara Creek Walkway in South Auckland, passes through some 220 hectares of waterway/tidal mudflats and forms a green corridor within Otara township.
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.)
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
Description: Mainly level paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Dog friendly.
To see: Otara Creek and estuary, mangrove mud flats
Time: approx. 75 minutes. (about 5.75 kms)
Start from: Fair Mall, Bairds Road, East Tamaki MAP
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Otara Creek (5.75kms)$1.95
Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AS-073 Otara Creek Walkway) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Dog Friendly Walks part 3” and “Best of the South”).
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.
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
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.
Hi Terri. We are glad you found us. Thank you for informing your members. Regards, Helen