Last updated May 2026
The Auckland Waterfront ride connects the city’s two coastlines — starting near the Harbour Bridge at Westhaven Marina and following dedicated cycle paths and shared waterfront space 13km east to St Heliers. Along the way it passes the bars and restaurants of the Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour, rounds the eastern fringe of the CBD, and joins Tāmaki Drive for the scenic coastal stretch past Mission Bay and Kohimarama. It’s flat, well-maintained, and entirely urban — Auckland’s best single ride for getting a feel for the waterfront from one end to the other.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~13km one-way (Westhaven to St Heliers); ~26km return |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat throughout, mostly dedicated paths |
| Start | Westhaven Marina, near the Harbour Bridge on-ramp |
| Finish | St Heliers Bay |
| Surface | Sealed paths and cycle lanes; some shared pedestrian sections |
| Bike hire | Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct area (multiple providers) |
| Suitable for | All ages; families, casual cyclists, and road riders |
| Toilets | Wynyard Quarter, waterfront, Mission Bay, St Heliers |
| Cafés | Wynyard Quarter, Viaduct, Mission Bay, St Heliers |
About the Route
Starting at Westhaven Marina — Auckland’s main marina at the foot of the Harbour Bridge — the route heads east along the waterfront through Silo Park and the Wynyard Quarter, a redeveloped industrial waterfront precinct with bars, restaurants, and a weekly markets area. This leads into the Viaduct Harbour and the City Works Depot area — the busiest and most urban section of the ride, popular with commuter cyclists as well as leisure riders.
From the CBD waterfront, the route continues east through the Quay Street cycleway and picks up Tāmaki Drive — the main cycling spine of the eastern waterfront. From here it’s a long, largely flat run past Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, and Kohimarama to the endpoint at St Heliers. Rangitoto Island sits across the water for almost the entire Tāmaki Drive section — one of the more recognisable views in Auckland.
The AA describes it as “one of Auckland’s best-loved cycling routes” covering 13–15km of waterfront between the Harbour Bridge and St Heliers. The ride works in both directions; heading west from St Heliers in the morning gives riders the city skyline ahead of them with the sun behind. Riders wanting to extend further can join the Northwestern Cycleway from Westhaven and continue north, or push past St Heliers toward Glendowie and the Tāmaki Estuary for a quieter extension.
Along the Way
| Stop | What’s There |
|---|---|
| Westhaven Marina | Largest marina in Australasia, views to Harbour Bridge and North Shore |
| Silo Park / Wynyard Quarter | Redeveloped waterfront — bars, restaurants, Silo Cinema in summer |
| Viaduct Harbour | Superyacht harbour, waterfront dining, busy on weekends |
| Mission Bay | Main swimming beach, fountain, cafés — the natural midpoint stop |
| Kohimarama | Quieter beach suburb, sailing club, neighbourhood cafés |
| St Heliers | Village beach, café strip — good turnaround point |
What Visitors Say
“Rode the full waterfront from Westhaven to St Heliers on a Saturday morning. The Wynyard Quarter section was surprisingly fun — good path, lots of activity. Mission Bay was predictably busy but Mission Bay always is. Brilliant ride overall, flat the whole way.”
— AA Traveller review, Auckland waterfront cycling
“Did this as an out-and-back from the CBD — started at the Viaduct and rode to St Heliers, then back. Takes about 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace with a coffee stop at Mission Bay. Rangitoto is stunning the whole way. One of the best things to do in Auckland.”
— TripAdvisor review, Auckland cycling
Where to Learn More
AA — Bike Around Auckland’s Waterfront
The AA’s guide to the Westhaven to St Heliers waterfront ride, including route overview and what to expect along the way.
Auckland NZ — Best Cycle Tracks and Trails
Auckland’s official tourism guide to cycling routes including the waterfront ride, with maps and practical tips.
Auckland Transport — AT Cycleways
Information on Auckland’s cycleway network, including the routes that connect the waterfront corridor from Westhaven east.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the full Westhaven to St Heliers route flat?
Yes — the entire 13km route is essentially flat, making it one of the most accessible longer rides in Auckland. There are no significant climbs.
How long does it take to ride from Westhaven to St Heliers?
At a leisurely pace with a café stop at Mission Bay, allow around 2–2.5 hours one-way. Faster riders cover it in under an hour. The return trip by bike takes the same time, or buses run along Tāmaki Drive for those who prefer not to ride back.
Is there a dedicated cycle path the whole way?
For most of the route, yes — dedicated paths or cycle lanes run from Westhaven through the CBD waterfront and along Tāmaki Drive. Some short sections near the CBD require sharing road space with traffic.
Where can I hire a bike for this ride?
Multiple hire options are available in the Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct area in central Auckland. Check Auckland Transport’s cycle hire information for current providers.
Can I swim along the way?
Yes — Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and St Heliers all have swimming beaches accessible from the route. Mission Bay is the most popular and has the best facilities.
Is this suitable for a family ride?
Yes — flat, well-signed, and with café and beach stops along the way, it’s one of Auckland’s best family cycling options. Younger children should ride or be carried rather than use a trailer in the busier CBD waterfront sections.
Can I extend the ride past St Heliers?
Yes — quieter residential roads continue through Glendowie toward the Tāmaki Estuary. From Westhaven in the other direction, you can join the Northwestern Cycleway to continue north.
Where should I park if I’m starting from Westhaven?
Parking is available at Westhaven Marina. Alternatively, starting from the CBD and riding west to Westhaven then east to St Heliers adds distance but gives you a circular ride from any central city hotel.
For a focused look at the Tāmaki Drive section of this route, see cycling Tāmaki Drive and the Eastern Bays. All Auckland cycling routes are on the Cycling Tracks in Auckland hub.
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