The Waterview Shared Path is a 2.5km off-road cycling and walking track in inner-west Auckland, running from Alan Wood Reserve off New North Road, through the Oakley Creek valley, to Great North Road in Waterview. Built as part of the Waterview Connection motorway project and completed in 2017, it’s one of the greenest urban cycling paths in the city — following a natural creek corridor through native bush rather than alongside a road. It connects with the Northwestern Cycleway at one end and extends toward Onehunga and New Lynn at the other.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~2.5km one-way |
| Difficulty | Easy — mostly flat, off-road throughout |
| North start | Alan Wood Reserve, New North Road |
| South end | Great North Road, Waterview |
| Surface | Sealed shared path, ~3.5 metres wide |
| Completed | 2017 (final stage) |
| Built as part of | Waterview Connection (SH20) motorway project |
| Connection | Northwestern Cycleway (SH16); links toward Onehunga and New Lynn |
| Creek corridor | Follows Oakley Creek through native bush and wetland |
About the Path
The Waterview Shared Path follows the valley of Oakley Creek — a natural green corridor through the inner-west suburbs that connects the Alan Wood Reserve (near the north portal of the Waterview Tunnel) south to Great North Road. The path was a required mitigation in the consent for the Waterview motorway project: because the tunnel construction displaced open space in the surrounding suburbs, NZTA was required to fund a replacement walking and cycling connection along the same alignment.
The result is a path that feels far removed from its urban motorway origins. The Oakley Creek corridor has been progressively planted in native species, and the path runs through a mix of restored riparian bush, open grassland, and quiet reserve land rather than alongside traffic. It’s one of the more genuinely pleasant urban cycling routes in Auckland — quiet, green, and car-free the entire way.
At the northern end, the path connects to the Northwestern Cycleway network, extending the off-road cycling corridor westward. At the southern end, connections toward Onehunga and New Lynn link it into the southwestern cycleway network. For city cyclists, the Waterview path is most useful as a scenic alternative to road routes through the inner west, or as a segment in a longer cross-city ride.
What Visitors Say
“I had no idea this was here — I’d been cycling past the entrance for years. Once you’re on it, it feels nothing like the surrounding suburbs. Green, quiet, birds in the creek. A genuine hidden gem for an urban path.”
— Bike Auckland rider account, Waterview Shared Path
“Great with kids — wide, flat, no cars, and the creek running alongside is a nice distraction. We walked the whole thing in about 40 minutes. Much better than we expected from a path next to a motorway project.”
— Our Auckland reader comment, Waterview path opening
Where to Learn More
Bike Auckland — Waterview Shared Path
Detailed guide to the Waterview Shared Path including route description, access points, connections, and what to expect along the way.
Our Auckland — Waterview Shared Path Final Stage Open
Auckland Council’s announcement of the path completion in 2017, with route details and access information.
Auckland Bike Map — South Western Cycleway
Interactive map showing the Waterview path and its connections to the Northwestern and South Western cycleway networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Waterview Shared Path?
Approximately 2.5km one-way, following Oakley Creek from Alan Wood Reserve to Great North Road in Waterview.
Why was it built alongside a motorway project?
The Waterview Connection motorway required the displacement of open space in surrounding suburbs. A Board of Inquiry ruled that NZTA had to fund a walking and cycling path as mitigation — the shared path was the result.
Is it off-road the whole way?
Yes — the path is completely off-road from Alan Wood Reserve to Great North Road, following the Oakley Creek corridor through native bush and reserve land.
What does it connect to?
At the northern end, it connects to the Northwestern Cycleway network. At the southern end, connections extend toward Onehunga and New Lynn via the southwestern cycleway.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes — flat, wide, car-free, and alongside a natural creek. One of Auckland’s more family-friendly urban cycling paths. The green setting makes it more interesting than a typical urban cycle path for children.
How long does it take to walk or ride?
On a bike, the 2.5km takes about 10–15 minutes. On foot, allow around 35–45 minutes. Most people do an out-and-back, which doubles those times.
Is there parking at the trailhead?
There is some parking near Alan Wood Reserve on New North Road. The path is also accessible by public transport — check AT Journey Planner for bus routes to nearby stops.
The Waterview path connects to the Northwestern Cycleway at its northern end. All Auckland cycling routes are on the Cycling Tracks in Auckland hub.
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