The Tāmaki Drive Cycleway is one of Auckland’s iconic waterfront rides — approximately 9.6 km along the Waitematā Harbour from central Auckland out to St Heliers, passing through Ōrākei, Mission Bay and Kohimarama. Dedicated cycle infrastructure for most of the route, with sweeping views of Rangitoto Island throughout. Flat, accessible to all skill levels, with cafes and beach stops along the way. Forms one of three connected paths making up Auckland’s 15 km harbour-edge cycling network (alongside the Westhaven Path and the Mission Bay-Wynyard Quarter Path).
Practical Information
| Length | ~9.6 km along Tāmaki Drive |
| Suburbs | Ōrākei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, St Heliers |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat throughout, dedicated cycle infrastructure |
| Views | Sweeping Waitematā Harbour views, Rangitoto Island visible most of the way |
| Wider network | Part of the ~15 km waterfront route combining Westhaven Path + Mission Bay-Wynyard Quarter Path + Tāmaki Drive |
| Stops | Mission Bay beach + cafes, Kohi Beach café, St Heliers village |
| Cost | Free |
About the Ride
Tāmaki Drive is the eastern half of Auckland’s central waterfront cycle network — a flat, scenic ride running approximately 9.6 km from the central city along the harbour edge through Ōrākei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers. The route uses dedicated cycle infrastructure for most of its length, with traffic-protected sections along the popular Mission Bay and St Heliers stretches.
The views are the route’s central appeal: the Waitematā Harbour is alongside the entire route, Rangitoto Island fills the horizon, and the city skyline reveals itself looking back west. Cafes and beach stops at Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers give natural break opportunities, particularly on the return leg.
Combine With Other Paths
Tāmaki Drive joins the central waterfront cycle network — combined with the Westhaven Path and the Mission Bay-Wynyard Quarter Path, the full waterfront stretches around 15 km between Harbour Bridge and St Heliers. The combination gives cyclists a long, flat, scenic ride that’s accessible to all skill levels.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Transport — AT Cycleways — official cycle network maps including the Tāmaki Drive segments.
AllTrails — Tāmaki Drive Cycleway — community ride listing with current GPS, photos and user reviews.
OurAuckland — Best Auckland cycle routes — Auckland Council’s roundup of top cycle routes including Tāmaki Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Tāmaki Drive Cycleway?
Approximately 9.6 km from the central city to St Heliers.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes — flat throughout with dedicated cycle infrastructure most of the way.
What suburbs does it pass through?
Ōrākei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers.
Are there places to stop?
Yes — Mission Bay beach and cafes, Kohi Beach café, and St Heliers village.
How does it connect to other cycle routes?
It joins the Westhaven Path and the Mission Bay-Wynyard Quarter Path to form a ~15 km waterfront route from Harbour Bridge to St Heliers.
For more Auckland cycling see Auckland cycling tracks guide.
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