Oakley Creek / Te Auaunga Walkway is a 4.5-kilometre stream-side track in the inner Auckland suburb of Mt Albert, following the course of Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek) through a narrow bush corridor between Phyllis Reserve and New North Road. The walk is best known for two things: Auckland’s highest urban waterfall, a 6-metre drop hidden in the bush just minutes from the start, and the presence of tuna (NZ longfin eel) in the stream below. It is an easy to moderate track that feels surprisingly removed from the surrounding city.
Practical Information
| Location | Phyllis Reserve, Mt Albert — or New North Road end (linear track) |
| Distance | 4.5 km one way (linear) |
| Surface | Formed gravel path with some steps and rooted sections |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours one way; allow 2–3 hours return |
| Parking | Street parking at Phyllis Reserve, Herdman Street; also accessible via public transport (Mt Albert train station nearby) |
| Facilities | Toilets at Phyllis Reserve; no facilities mid-track |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | Permitted on lead throughout |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams — steps and uneven terrain |
About the Walkway
The track follows Te Auaunga — Oakley Creek — through an elongated bush remnant that runs between Mt Albert and Waterview. Despite being surrounded by suburbs on both sides, the creek corridor feels genuinely immersive: mature native plantings, regenerating bush, the constant sound of moving water and birdlife throughout. The track passes beneath motorway bridges, which adds an unexpected urban-industrial quality to the experience without diminishing the bush feel at ground level.
The waterfall — reached within the first section from Phyllis Reserve — is the centrepiece of the walk. At six metres, it is considered Auckland’s highest urban waterfall, a surprisingly dramatic feature tucked into a residential suburb. The drop creates a small plunge pool below and the surrounding rock face supports ferns and mosses. The spot is easy to miss if you are walking quickly, so keep an eye out for the signage near the cascade.
Below the waterfall, the creek hosts NZ longfin eel (tuna), a taonga species that can live for decades. Auckland Council and local iwi have been actively restoring the creek’s ecology — removing invasive fish, improving water quality and revegetating the banks — as part of a broader effort to re-establish native species along the full corridor. The eels are most visible in calmer, deeper sections of the stream.
Birdlife along the walkway includes tūī, korimako (bellbird), riroriro (grey warbler) and pīwakawaka (fantail). The planted native understory along the banks provides cover for small birds year-round. The track is linear rather than looped, so most visitors walk one way and return the same route, or arrange a car shuffle between Phyllis Reserve and the New North Road end.
Restoration and Cultural History
Te Auaunga holds significance for Waiohua, the original iwi of the Waitematā region. The creek was a traditional travel and food-gathering route, and its restoration is a collaboration between Auckland Council, local community groups and mana whenua. The name Te Auaunga refers to the flow and movement of the water — a name that reflects the creek’s importance as a living waterway rather than simply a drainage channel. Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters programme has been steadily improving stream health since the early 2010s, with native fish populations responding to the habitat improvements. Interpretive signage along the track explains the ecological and cultural history of the waterway.
What Visitors Say
Reviewers on AllTrails describe the Oakley Creek Walkway as a genuine urban escape — the waterfall is consistently singled out as a highlight, with several walkers noting surprise at finding a six-metre cascade so close to the city. The eels in the stream are also frequently mentioned as an unexpected and memorable encounter.
Local walkers rate the track highly for its combination of birdlife, stream sounds and accessible length — it works well as an after-work walk or a half-day outing with children. The native planting along the banks is noted as particularly well-established compared to many other urban green corridors in Auckland.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Te Auaunga Oakley Creek Walkway — official track information including access points, facilities and the council’s ecological restoration programme for the creek corridor.
AllTrails — Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek Walkway — downloadable trail map, user photos, recent reviews and current track conditions reported by walkers.
DOC — NZ Longfin Eel (Tuna) — Department of Conservation page on the NZ longfin eel, a taonga species present in Te Auaunga, with information on its ecology, lifespan and conservation status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Oakley Creek Walkway start?
The most popular starting point is Phyllis Reserve in Mt Albert — there is street parking on Herdman Street and toilets at the reserve. The track is also accessible from the New North Road end near Waterview.
How long is the Te Auaunga Oakley Creek Walkway?
The track is 4.5 kilometres one way. Walking both ways from Phyllis Reserve and back takes around 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace.
Where is the waterfall on the Oakley Creek Walkway?
The 6-metre waterfall is located in the first section of the track from Phyllis Reserve — follow the signage from the reserve entrance. It is reached within about 10–15 minutes of starting from that end.
Are there eels in Oakley Creek?
Yes — NZ longfin eel (tuna) are present in the stream. They are most easily spotted in deeper, slower sections of the creek.
Are dogs allowed on the Oakley Creek Walkway?
Yes, dogs are permitted on lead throughout the track.
Is the walkway suitable for young children?
The track has some steps and uneven terrain — it is not suitable for prams or pushchairs. Children who can walk independently should manage the easier sections without difficulty.
Is the Oakley Creek Walkway free?
Yes, the track is free to use at any time.
For more walks across Auckland, see the full guide to walking tracks in Auckland. The summit at Maungawhau / Mount Eden is close by and makes a good pairing — short, steep and rewarding with city and harbour views from the top.