Last updated July 2026
The Nelson Street Cycleway is a protected urban cycling route that links Upper Queen Street near Karangahape Road with the Auckland waterfront at Quay Street. Its standout feature is Te Ara I Whiti (the Lightpath), an elevated hot-pink path built on a former motorway off-ramp with programmable LED lighting. The route was delivered in three stages over several years, with the final section opening in early 2023. It forms a key commuter and leisure link in Auckland’s central cycling network, connecting the Northwestern Cycleway to the Quay Street Cycleway and Tāmaki Drive waterfront paths.
Practical Information
| Total distance | Approximately 1.2 km (Upper Queen Street to Quay Street) |
| Difficulty | Easy — gentle descent with protected infrastructure |
| Start (upper) | Upper Queen Street near Karangahape Road, connecting to Northwestern Cycleway |
| End (lower) | Quay Street Cycleway and waterfront |
| Key section | Te Ara I Whiti (Lightpath) — 640 m elevated pink path, opened December 2015 |
| Stage 2 opened | December 2017 |
| Stage 3 opened | Early 2023 |
| Partners | Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council |
About the Nelson Street Cycleway
The Nelson Street Cycleway provides a continuous protected cycling connection through central Auckland. It begins at Upper Queen Street, where it meets the Northwestern Cycleway, and descends via Canada Street onto the distinctive Lightpath section before continuing along Nelson Street and into the city centre. The route enables largely off-road travel from western suburbs such as Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Kingsland through the CBD to the harbour edge.
Te Ara I Whiti (the Lightpath) gives the cycleway its visual identity. This 640-metre elevated pink pathway reuses a decommissioned motorway off-ramp and features dynamic LED lighting that responds to movement. It serves both daily commuters and visitors seeking a memorable urban ride. The full cycleway supports commuting, leisure cycling and connections to other central routes including the Quay Street Cycleway.
The project was developed in partnership by Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi and Auckland Council. It forms part of Auckland’s growing inner-city cycling network and has received multiple design and infrastructure awards for its innovative reuse of motorway infrastructure and striking public artwork elements.
The Three Stages
| Stage | Route | Opened |
| 1 — Te Ara I Whiti (Lightpath) | Canada Street to Nelson/Union Streets (elevated pink path) | 3 December 2015 |
| 2 — Nelson Street extension | Nelson Street south toward Victoria Street | December 2017 |
| 3 — CBD to waterfront | Victoria Street to Quay Street via Market Place and Lower Hobson Street | Early 2023 |
What Visitors Often Say
The completed route allows a smooth, traffic-free ride from Upper Queen Street straight to the waterfront in just a few minutes. Riders appreciate the continuous protection and the striking pink Lightpath section as a highlight of any central Auckland cycling trip.
Visitors often describe the Lightpath as exactly as vibrant as the photos suggest, with smooth surfaces and clear wayfinding. Many combine it with waterfront rides or use it as an easy, scenic link during city explorations.
Where to Learn More
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency: Project overview and background on the Nelson Street Cycleway stages.
Auckland Transport: Details on the cycleway and its connections within the Auckland cycling network.
Wikipedia — Nelson Street Cycleway: Route description, history and opening dates with cited sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stages does the Nelson Street Cycleway have?
Three stages. Stage 1 (Lightpath) opened in December 2015, Stage 2 in December 2017, and Stage 3 in early 2023, creating a continuous protected route from Upper Queen Street to Quay Street.
What is Te Ara I Whiti?
Te Ara I Whiti, known as the Lightpath, is the 640-metre elevated pink section of the cycleway built on a former motorway off-ramp. It features dynamic LED lighting and serves as both a functional cycling link and public artwork.
Does the cycleway connect to the Northwestern Cycleway?
Yes. At the Upper Queen Street end it links directly with the Northwestern Cycleway, allowing largely off-road travel from western suburbs through the CBD to the waterfront.
Is the cycleway suitable for all cyclists?
Yes. The route is mostly downhill, protected from traffic and suitable for commuters, leisure riders and less confident cyclists.
Is this the same as the Lightpath?
The Lightpath is Stage 1 of the Nelson Street Cycleway. The full route extends beyond the Lightpath in both directions to complete the connection to the waterfront.
How long does it take to ride the full route?
The approximately 1.2 km route takes around 5–8 minutes at a comfortable pace. Most riders use it as part of a longer journey.
Where does it connect at the waterfront end?
At Quay Street it joins the Quay Street Cycleway, which continues east toward Tāmaki Drive and west toward Wynyard Quarter.
Are dogs or pedestrians allowed on the Lightpath?
The Lightpath is primarily a cycling path but functions as a shared path in sections; check current signage for pedestrian and dog rules.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.