Last updated October 2026
The Waipareira Walkway is a 1.5 km harbourside path in West Harbour, running from Luckens Reserve to Clearwater Cove Reserve on the upper Waitematā Harbour. Auckland Council says it suits bikes, buggies and wheelchairs, with seats along the way to watch the harbour and a small beach for paddling.
Near the start, a sculpture marks the area’s clay and ceramics history, and at the Clearwater Cove end you can watch the boats at the marina. If you want to keep going, the council’s separate Clearwater Cove Path starts at Mansion Court, one of the walkway’s access points, and follows the coast for 3.5 km to Hobsonville Marina.
Practical Information
- Start
- Luckens Reserve, 84 Marina View Drive, West Harbour
- Finish
- Clearwater Cove Reserve
- Other access points
- Marina View Drive, Seacrest Drive, Mansion Court, Clearwater Cove and Renoir Street
- Distance from the city
- About 12 km from Auckland
- Track length
- 1.5 km one way
- Suitable for
- Walkers, bikes, buggies and wheelchairs
- Dogs
- Off-leash dog exercise area in Luckens Reserve; on a leash near the playground when it’s in use, and not allowed in the playground
- Facilities
- Playground, skate park, basketball half-court, barbecue, picnic tables, seating and drinking fountain at Luckens Reserve
- Managed by
- Auckland Council
- Status
- Check Auckland Council’s open and closed tracks map before you go.
About Waipareira Walkway
This is an easy coastal path that links two West Harbour reserves along the water’s edge. Luckens Reserve, where the walkway starts, is a large reserve with lots of space for children to run around, and the council suggests a picnic and a play under its tall pines.
Before you set off, look for the sculpture that commemorates the area’s ceramic and clay history. From there the path follows the shore, with seats along the way where you can stop and watch the harbour’s changing conditions. There’s a beach for paddling on the way, and at Clearwater Cove you reach the West Park Marina, where you can watch the boats come and go.
Because the walkway is short and suitable for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs, it works well for families, a gentle walk with a pram, or children on bikes. The council’s Luckens Reserve walk page describes the reserve’s sealed paths as ideal for dog walking, pram walks and kids learning to ride.
Carrying On to Hobsonville Marina
For a longer outing, join the Clearwater Cove Path, which the council gives as 3.5 km and about 40 minutes. It starts at 28 Mansion Court and follows the West Harbour coastline through regenerating forest to Hobsonville Marina. The concrete path has a few slopes but is a good walk for a pram.
The council highlights views of the upper Waitematā Harbour and the Auckland city skyline, and calls the marina a good spot to watch an early morning sunrise. There are cafés, restaurants and shops at the marina, though the council warns that car parking there may be limited, particularly in summer.
Dogs at Luckens Reserve
Luckens Reserve has an off-leash dog exercise area at the start of the walk. Dogs must be on a leash near the children’s playground while it’s in use and aren’t allowed in the playground itself. Elsewhere in council parks, the general rule is that dogs stay on a leash unless the dog rules for that park say otherwise.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council: Waipareira Walkway: route, access points and highlights from Luckens Reserve to Clearwater Cove.
Auckland Council: Clearwater Cove Path: the 3.5 km extension along the coast to Hobsonville Marina.
Auckland Council: Luckens Reserve walk: parking, dog rules and facilities at the start of the walkway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Waipareira Walkway start?
At Luckens Reserve, 84 Marina View Drive, West Harbour. You can also join it from Marina View Drive, Seacrest Drive, Mansion Court, Clearwater Cove or Renoir Street.
How long is the walkway?
It’s 1.5 km from Luckens Reserve to Clearwater Cove Reserve, one way.
Can I take a pram, bike or wheelchair?
Yes. Auckland Council says the walkway suits bikes, buggies and wheelchairs.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Luckens Reserve has an off-leash dog exercise area. Keep dogs on a leash near the playground when it’s in use, and out of the playground.
Where can I park?
There’s parking at Luckens Reserve and plenty on the surrounding suburban streets.
Can I walk further?
Yes. The Clearwater Cove Path continues 3.5 km, about 40 minutes, to Hobsonville Marina, where there are cafés, restaurants and shops.
Are there toilets?
The council’s Clearwater Cove Path page lists toilets at Luckens Reserve.
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.