Last updated October 2026
Te Ara Manawa, the Hobsonville Point coastal walkway, is a loop around the shoreline of the Hobsonville peninsula in north-west Auckland, crossing back through the township from coast to coast.
Auckland Council gives the route as 5.5 km and about 60 minutes on foot, starting from the Hobsonville Point Ferry Wharf. It is an easy, almost flat walk on sealed paths, boardwalk and short gravel stretches near the coast, shared with people on bikes. Along the way you pass mangroves, harbour lookouts and reminders of the area’s past as an Air Force base.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check with Auckland Council for updates on Te Ara Manawa on the day you walk.
More from Auckland Council
Practical Information
- Start
- Hobsonville Point Ferry Wharf (walk the loop in either direction)
- Distance from the city
- About 11 km from Auckland
- Walking time
- About 60 minutes (about 40 minutes by bike)
- Track length
- 5.5 km loop
- Surface
- Mostly sealed, with boardwalk and short gravel sections by the coast; buggy and pushchair friendly
- Shared use
- Walkers and cyclists
- Dogs
- On a lead; fenced off-leash dog park at Bomb Point
- Toilets
- At the Farmers Market at Catalina Bay and at the Information Centre on Hastings Street
- Parking
- Large public car park near the end of Launch Road, close to the wharf; accessible parking at Catalina Bay
- Status
- Check Auckland Council’s open and closed tracks map before you go.
About Te Ara Manawa
Te Ara Manawa means “the pathway amongst the mangroves”, and Onekiritea is the traditional name for Hobsonville Point. The walkway lives up to its name, with boardwalks carrying you over mangroves at the water’s edge and lookouts across the upper Waitematā Harbour.
The route hugs the shore of the peninsula for much of its length, then cuts across the township to close the loop.
Hobsonville Point is an old Air Force community that is being redeveloped, and the walkway keeps that history in view. Near the wharf you pass the Old Wharf Lookout, Chichester Cottage and former officers’ accommodation.
Te Onekiritea Point, also called Bomb Point, was once the site of New Zealand’s largest Air Force explosives depot. Its old munitions stores are now decorated with art.
Art turns up all along the route. At the wharf there’s a sculpture by Virginia King inspired by traditional Māori hīnaki, or eel traps, and in Whakahuia Park you’ll find Te Kanohi o Te Manu (The Eye of the Bird). Information panels explain the area’s natural and cultural history.
The route crosses two bridges: the East Sunderland bridge is 98 m long and the West Sunderland bridge 35 m. There are also important bird breeding grounds along the walkway, so keep to the path and keep dogs on a lead.
The council calls it an easy recreational route that suits children cycling with adults and less experienced riders. With sealed paths, an almost flat route and plenty of places to stop, it works well for families, buggies and anyone after a relaxed coastal walk.
Catalina Bay and the Ferry
Catalina Bay is a 1.8 hectare stretch of waterfront land on the walkway, with public toilets and accessible parking. A farmers market runs there at weekends from 9am to 1pm, which makes a good start or finish point for a Saturday or Sunday walk.
If you’d rather not drive, ferries run to the Hobsonville Point wharf, including at weekends, so you can step off the boat and start walking.
Dogs and Bikes
Dogs are welcome on the walkway on a lead. Bomb Point Dog Park, on Boundary Road, is a fenced off-leash area where they can run; check the signs there for details.
Cyclists share the path and are asked to keep left, give way to people on foot and be respectful of other users. There’s a bike maintenance stand at the wharf.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council: Te Ara Manawa / Hobsonville Point Path: route, length, time, parking, ferry and facilities.
Hobsonville Point: The coastal walkway: highlights around the loop, bridges, toilets and dog rules.
OurAuckland: Paws, paths and plenty of places to explore: dog walking at Bomb Point Dog Park and on Te Ara Manawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Te Ara Manawa start?
Auckland Council starts it at the Hobsonville Point Ferry Wharf. It is a loop, so you can join it anywhere and walk either way.
How long does the walk take?
The council gives 5.5 km and about 60 minutes on foot, or about 40 minutes by bike.
Is it a hard walk?
No. It is almost flat, mostly sealed, and suitable for buggies and pushchairs.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a lead. Bomb Point Dog Park on Boundary Road is a fenced off-leash area.
Where can I park?
There’s a large public car park near the end of Launch Road, close to the wharf, and accessible parking at Catalina Bay.
Are there toilets?
Yes, at the Farmers Market at Catalina Bay and at the Information Centre on Hastings Street.
Can I get there by ferry?
Yes. Ferries run to Hobsonville Point, including at weekends. Check the Auckland Transport timetable.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check Auckland Council’s open and closed tracks map before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track line and facts: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0). Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.