The day was very calm – the water was like a mirror, and there were also threatening grey clouds hanging overhead. The walking route is also great for cyclists, prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash and off leash dog exercise areas).

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 1 hour 40 mins
Distance: about 8.7 kms
Start: Wattle Farm Reserve
Track: Mainly level paths, one set of steps (which can be avoided)
Difficulty: Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. Suitable for cyclists.
Buggies/Wheelchairs: Suitable for cyclists, prams/buggies
Dog Friendly: on leash and off leash dog exercise areas
Facilities: Childrens playgrounds No cafe. Public Toilets may not be open due to vandalism issues (see image below).
Highlights: Manukau Heads, Manukau Harbour, Wattle Farm Wetland Reserve, shore birds
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

There are many points of interest along the way, and friendly people to say hello to. We stopped and spoke to a resident whose house looked out towards Manukau Heads – he told us that they get to view amazing sunsets over the harbour.

There are wetlands and ponds active with shore birds – if you are a keen bird watcher be sure to take your binoculars.

The only thing missing in the area is a cafe.

The shared walkway/cycleway extends from Hadley Wood Drive to Aberdeen Crescent.

Cyclist on the Wattle Downs Walkway
Cyclist on the Wattle Downs Walkway

Suitable for Family cycling: Frangipani Ave to Bluewater place, 10km each way.

Map location and how to find Wattle Downs Walkway

Photos from my walk along the Wattle Downs Walkway

More of my walks near Manurewa in South Auckland

Conifer Grove Circuit

Conifer Grove Circuit

The walk along Conifer Grove Esplanade offers views across Manukau Harbour north to Wattle Downs and south to Karaka.
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Botanic Gardens and Totara Park Loops

Botanic Gardens and Totara Park Loops

A beautiful sunny morning made our trip south for a walk around the Auckland Botanic Gardens and Totara Park walking tracks and the Puhinui Stream ...
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Weymouth Walkway Loop

Weymouth Walkway Loop

The Weymouth Walkway south of Auckland, is a mainly flat (suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs), concrete paved path that follows the coastline of Manukau Harbour ...
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