The Tamaki Drive walkway follows Auckland’s most scenic coastal road from Mission Bay to St Heliers — roughly 8 kilometres of flat, sealed shared path with the Hauraki Gulf on one side and pohutukawa-lined shore on the other. The walk passes through several of Auckland’s most popular eastern beaches: Ōkahu Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama Beach and St Heliers, each with its own character. Rangitoto Island sits offshore throughout the walk, close enough on clear days to seem almost touchable.
The path is popular year-round with walkers, runners, cyclists and families. It’s easy terrain — the entire route is flat and paved — and there’s no shortage of cafes, playgrounds and toilets at regular intervals. Most people walk one way and take public transport back, though the return trip on the same path is equally pleasant in the other direction.
Practical Information
| Start | Mission Bay Beach, Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay |
|---|---|
| End | St Heliers Beach, Tamaki Drive, St Heliers |
| Distance | Approximately 8 km one-way |
| Duration | Approximately 2 hours one-way at a comfortable walking pace |
| Surface | Sealed shared path; flat throughout |
| Difficulty | Easy — suitable for all fitness levels and ages |
| Parking | Mission Bay: street parking on Tamaki Drive and surrounding streets | St Heliers: Tamaki Drive and nearby streets — both can be busy on weekends |
| Toilets | Available at Mission Bay, Kohimarama Beach and St Heliers |
| Facilities | Playgrounds at Mission Bay and St Heliers; cafes and food at both ends and along the route; water fountains along the path; dedicated cycle lane |
| Dogs | Permitted on leash; check current beach rules at each beach for on-sand access |
About the Walk
Tamaki Drive is one of Auckland’s great urban coastal routes. The walk begins at Mission Bay — a busy beachfront with a fountain, playground and a row of cafes along the waterfront. From here the sealed path follows the coastline east, passing Ōkahu Bay (a quieter, sheltered bay popular with kayakers), then Kohimarama Beach, before arriving at the more village-like St Heliers with its shops, cafes and calmer swimming beach.
Throughout the walk, Rangitoto Island dominates the view north — the symmetrical volcanic cone that defines the northern edge of the Hauraki Gulf. The path runs alongside Tamaki Drive but is separated from traffic, and a dedicated cycle lane runs parallel for much of the route. Water fountains are spaced along the route.
Along the Way
Each beach along the route has its own feel. Mission Bay is the most visited, with a wide sandy beach and iconic waterfront fountain. Ōkahu Bay is quieter, sheltered from the easterly, popular with locals in kayaks and on paddleboards. Kohimarama Beach is a favourite with local families and often less crowded than Mission Bay. St Heliers Beach at the eastern end is the most sheltered — calmer water and a pleasant village feel with streets of cafes and a more relaxed pace.
If you want to extend the walk, St Heliers connects onwards to Glendowie and the coastal cliff path towards Karaka Bay — adding another hour or more to the day.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Tamaki Drive Coastal Path — official track notes and map.
Auckland NZ Tourism — Tamaki Drive — visitor overview with highlights and practical tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tamaki Drive walkway take?
Allow approximately 2 hours to walk from Mission Bay to St Heliers at a relaxed pace with time to stop at beaches. The distance is around 8 km one-way.
Is the walk flat?
Yes — the entire Tamaki Drive path is flat and paved, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including prams.
Can I get a bus back after walking one-way?
Yes — Auckland Transport buses run along Tamaki Drive. Walking one-way and busing back is a popular option. Check the AT journey planner at at.govt.nz for current routes and times.
Is there parking at Mission Bay?
Street parking is available on Tamaki Drive and surrounding streets at Mission Bay. It can fill up on sunny weekends — arriving early or using public transport is recommended.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on leads are permitted on the shared path. Check current beach access rules at Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers regarding dogs on the sand, as these vary by beach and season.
What is the best time to walk it?
The walk is enjoyable year-round. Summer evenings — when the light falls across the harbour and Rangitoto glows at sunset — are particularly popular. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends.
For more Auckland coastal and urban walks, see our guide to Auckland walking tracks. For a volcanic summit experience on the North Shore, Maungawhau / Mount Eden in the inner suburbs is Auckland’s highest accessible tūpuna maunga.