Last updated May 2026
Te Ara I Whiti — the Lightpath — is Auckland’s most distinctive piece of cycling infrastructure: a hot-pink elevated cycle path built on a disused motorway off-ramp in the central city. The 850-metre path runs from Canada Street to the corner of Nelson and Union Streets, and is lit at night by a programmable LED system that shifts colour gradually across the structure. It’s short, urban, and unlike anything else in the city — part commuter connection, part public art installation.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~850 metres (one-way) |
| Difficulty | Easy — gently graded descent/ascent |
| Start | Canada Street, near K’ Road / Karangahape Road |
| End | Nelson Street / Union Street intersection, Auckland CBD |
| Surface | Smooth sealed path; raised elevated structure for most of the route |
| Opened | Stage 1: December 2015 |
| Part of | Nelson Street Cycleway (Stage 1 of 3) |
| LED lighting | Programmable colour-changing system — visible at night and dusk |
| Suitable for | All cyclists; also a popular pedestrian walk |
About Te Ara I Whiti
Te Ara I Whiti translates roughly as “the path of light” — a name that refers both to the LED installation and to the idea of illuminating a new route through the city. The structure itself is a repurposed section of the Central Motorway Junction off-ramp, which was no longer needed for traffic after the motorway interchange was reconfigured. Rather than demolish it, Auckland Transport and NZTA converted it into a cycling and walking path, giving it a distinctive identity with hot-pink surfacing and a dynamic lighting system designed by architects Monk Mackenzie and lighting specialist Ross Schneideman.
The path opened in December 2015 as Stage 1 of the broader Nelson Street Cycleway project, which extended the route further in subsequent stages — connecting through to Quay Street and the waterfront by 2023. The Lightpath itself is the most visually striking section: elevated above street level, it gives riders views over the motorway junction and toward the Sky Tower, with the pink surface glowing beneath wheels on dry days and reflecting off wet pavement at night.
The route is short enough that most people use it as a connector rather than a destination — it links the K’ Road / Karangahape Road area to the lower CBD, filling a gap that previously meant navigating busy surface streets. But it’s also frequently visited on foot by people who come specifically for the experience of walking the pink path at night, when the LED system is most visible.
What Visitors Say
“Rode it at dusk — the pink path with the colour-changing lights coming on underneath was genuinely impressive. It’s only 850 metres but it’s one of those things that feels more like an art experience than just a bike path. Worth going out of your way for.”
— Bike Auckland rider account
“I use this to get into town from Ponsonby most days. It’s fast, smooth, and I still get a kick out of riding a neon-pink elevated path over the motorway every morning. Auckland did something genuinely cool here.”
— aucklandpublicart.com visitor comment
Where to Learn More
Auckland NZ — Te Ara I Whiti / The Lightpath
Official Auckland tourism page with overview, photos, and visitor information for the Lightpath.
Bike Auckland — Lightpath / Te Ara I Whiti
Bike Auckland’s guide to the Lightpath including route details, connections, and the history of the repurposed off-ramp.
Waka Kotahi — Nelson Street Cycleway
NZTA’s project page covering all three stages of the Nelson Street Cycleway, of which Te Ara I Whiti is Stage 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Te Ara I Whiti pink?
The hot-pink colour was chosen by the design team — architects Monk Mackenzie with lighting designer Ross Schneideman — to give the repurposed off-ramp a strong identity distinct from the grey motorway infrastructure around it. The LED system adds to the effect at night.
When is the best time to visit?
At dusk or after dark, when the LED lighting system is most visible. The path is accessible 24 hours. Daytime gives better views of the city and Sky Tower.
Is it just for cyclists?
No — pedestrians use it too, and it’s a popular walk as well as a bike route. Cyclists should give way to pedestrians and keep speeds reasonable given the shared use.
How does it connect to the rest of the cycling network?
Te Ara I Whiti is Stage 1 of the Nelson Street Cycleway, which continues in further stages down to Quay Street and the waterfront. At the upper end near K’ Road, it connects to surface streets toward Ponsonby and Grey Lynn.
Is there parking nearby?
Street parking exists in the surrounding streets. The path is primarily accessed by cyclists coming from the CBD or inner suburbs rather than drivers.
How long does it take to ride?
At a leisurely pace it takes around 5 minutes. Most riders use it as a commuter connector rather than a destination ride — but it’s worth pausing at the top for the view.
Is it accessible at night?
Yes — the LED lighting makes it one of the few paths that is actively better to experience at night than during the day. It’s well-lit throughout.
Te Ara I Whiti is part of the Nelson Street Cycleway. All Auckland cycling routes are listed on the Cycling Tracks in Auckland hub.
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