Te Ara I Whiti — translated as “The Light Path” — is a 650-metre elevated walking and cycling path in central Auckland, built on a decommissioned motorway off-ramp. The path is coated in bright magenta and lit by pink LED lights along its full length, making it one of the more visually distinctive pieces of public infrastructure in New Zealand. Opened in 2015, it connects the Grafton/Symonds Street area to the Nelson Street cycling network on the edge of the CBD. Entry is free, it operates 24 hours, and it’s a genuinely different urban experience — particularly at dusk and after dark when the lighting is at its most vivid.
Practical Information
| Location | Nelson Street / Lightpath, Auckland CBD fringe |
| Length | 650 metres |
| Access | Grafton/Symonds Street end or Nelson Street end — both accessible on foot or by bike |
| Opened | June 2015 |
| Hours | 24 hours — lit at night by pink LED lighting |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Suitable for | Walking and cycling — shared path, manageable gradient |
The Path
Te Ara I Whiti was built on a former motorway off-ramp connecting the Nelson Street motorway to the CBD street network — a ramp that had been redundant since 1977 following motorway changes. Rather than demolishing the concrete structure, Auckland Transport converted it into a shared walking and cycling path with a distinctive magenta surface and LED lighting. The gradient is steady but manageable for most cyclists and pedestrians. The path descends from Grafton/Symonds Street level down to Nelson Street, offering elevated views over the motorway interchange and across towards Mt Eden and the CBD.
The Lighting
The pink LED lights embedded along the full length of the path are what make Te Ara I Whiti a genuine attraction rather than just transport infrastructure. At dusk and at night the path glows — a vivid contrast against the surrounding grey motorway infrastructure. The colour references the traditional Māori concept of aho — a thread or pathway — and the light itself. The path is best visited on a dry evening when the colour is most intense and the path isn’t slippery.
Getting There
Te Ara I Whiti is easily reached on foot or by bike from the CBD. From the city end, walk up Nelson Street from Victoria Street West — the path entrance is signed from the footpath. From the Grafton/Symonds end, it connects to the Upper Queen Street cycle route. The path is part of Auckland’s wider cycling network and links to routes continuing west and south. St Kevin’s Arcade on K Road (Karangāhape Road), a well-known laneway market and café precinct, is about 10 minutes’ walk from the Grafton end of the path.
Nearby: Karangāhape Road
Karangāhape Road (K Road) is Auckland’s most eclectic commercial strip — bars, independent restaurants, vintage stores, record shops and art galleries within easy walking distance of the path’s upper end. K Road has undergone significant change over the past decade and is now one of Auckland’s more interesting streets for food and culture. St Kevin’s Arcade, a heritage laneway mid-block, hosts independent retailers and is worth exploring before or after the Lightpath.
What Visitors Say
“Go at night — that’s when it really comes alive. The pink glow against the city lights is something I haven’t seen in any other city. It took about 10 minutes to walk the whole thing but I stayed much longer taking photos.”
— TripAdvisor review, Te Ara I Whiti
“Surprisingly good — I’d walked past the entrance several times without realising what it was. The elevated view of the motorway and city is genuinely interesting, and the colour at night is wild. Free, 5 minutes from the CBD, worth doing.”
— Google review
Where to Learn More
Auckland Transport — Te Ara I Whiti
Official project page with background, design and cycling network context.
Auckland NZ — Te Ara I Whiti
Visitor guide from the official Auckland tourism site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Te Ara I Whiti / the Lightpath?
The path is on the CBD fringe, accessed from Nelson Street or from the Grafton/Symonds Street end. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Auckland CBD core.
Is Te Ara I Whiti free?
Yes — the path is free to use, 24 hours a day.
Can I cycle on Te Ara I Whiti?
Yes — it’s a shared walking and cycling path. The gradient is steady and manageable for most cyclists. It connects to Auckland’s broader cycling network at both ends.
When is the best time to visit?
Dusk or after dark, when the pink LED lighting is brightest. The path can be slippery in wet weather — dry evenings give the best experience.
How long does it take to walk?
The path is 650 metres and takes roughly 10 minutes to walk end to end. Most people spend longer photographing it or simply taking in the view.
What’s nearby?
Karangāhape Road (K Road) is about 10 minutes’ walk from the upper end — Auckland’s most eclectic dining and shopping strip. St Kevin’s Arcade on K Road is a good first stop.
Te Ara I Whiti is a central Auckland landmark. For more things to do nearby, see Day Trips from Auckland and Devonport.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.