The Ōrākei Basin boardwalk and cycle loop follows the edge of Ōrākei Basin — a tidal lagoon east of central Auckland — with a 3.5 km path that’s part of the wider Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path connecting east Auckland to the central city. Flat, scenic, and one of the more popular short cycling and walking loops on this side of the city.
Practical Information
| Distance | 3.5 km loop around Ōrākei Basin; part of the longer 7 km Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path |
| Duration | ~45 min walk; 15–20 min cycle |
| Use | Shared walking and cycling path |
| Surface | Sealed path and timber boardwalk over the basin |
| Setting | Tidal lagoon, Ōrākei, central-east Auckland |
| Access | Ōrākei train station; multiple street entrances |
| Cost | Free |
About the Loop
Ōrākei Basin is a tidal lagoon separated from the Waitematā Harbour by Hobson Bay and the railway causeway. The loop around its edge was opened progressively from the late 2010s as part of Auckland Transport’s wider Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path project, which created a continuous walking and cycling route from Glen Innes through Mission Bay to the central city. The Ōrākei Basin section is the flattest and most scenic part of that longer corridor, threading boardwalks across the basin and connecting back to Ōrākei train station.
Route in Order
From the Ōrākei train station the path crosses to the southern edge of the basin, then traces boardwalk and shared path around the western shore beside the basin’s water-ski lane. The northern edge passes the Ōrākei Basin Wakeboarding Club facility before turning east along the foreshore. The longer Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive route continues east from the loop through bush-edge boardwalks, eventually joining Tāmaki Drive at Hobson Bay — making this loop a natural part of either a short basin ride or a longer commuter/recreational route.
Combining With Other Cycleways
The Ōrākei Basin loop connects directly to the longer Glen Innes–Tāmaki Drive Shared Path, which then joins the Tāmaki Drive cycleway along the eastern bays to the central city. For a substantial morning ride, link the basin loop with Tāmaki Drive west to Quay Street, returning via Te Ara I Whiti (Lightpath) and the central city cycleways — roughly 30 km depending on the exact loop.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Transport — Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path — official AT page for the longer path that includes this loop.
Auckland Council — Ōrākei Basin Walk — official council walkway page with current condition.
Bike Auckland — local advocacy group with rider reports and route variations.
AllTrails — Ōrākei Basin Walkway — GPS route with recent walker and rider reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the loop?
3.5 km around Ōrākei Basin — about 45 minutes walking or 15–20 minutes cycling.
Can I do longer rides from here?
Yes — the loop is part of the 7 km Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path, which connects east Auckland to central via Tāmaki Drive.
Is it suitable for beginner cyclists?
Yes — flat, sealed, separated from traffic for almost all of its length.
Is the boardwalk solid?
Yes — timber boardwalk built for shared walking and cycling use.
How do I get there by public transport?
Ōrākei train station is at the southern edge — the path starts immediately from the station.
For more central-east cycling see Cycling in Auckland — including Tāmaki Drive at the eastern continuation of the wider shared path.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.