Last updated July 2026
Waterview is a residential suburb on Auckland’s western isthmus, lying between Avondale and Point Chevalier. It sits beside the Waitematā Harbour and Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve, with Oakley Creek (Te Auaunga) forming much of its eastern edge. The suburb was reshaped by the SH20 Waterview Connection project, which delivered twin road tunnels and high-quality walking and cycling links. Today it offers established housing, strong motorway access via the Western Ring Route, and easy connections into Auckland’s central-west cycle network and green spaces.
Practical Information
| Location | Inner-west Auckland isthmus, between Avondale and Point Chevalier |
| Local board | Albert-Eden Local Board |
| Distance to CBD | Approximately 8 km via SH16 |
| Key features | Waterview Tunnel (SH20), Waterview Shared Path, Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek and Falls, Waterview Reserve |
| Transport | SH20 Waterview Tunnel and SH16 Northwestern Motorway; Northwestern Cycleway connections; bus services |
| Character | Residential suburb with strong cycle and walking infrastructure created by the Western Ring Route project |
| Dogs | On-leash in parks and walkways unless otherwise signed |
About Waterview
Waterview occupies a compact area of about 1.12 km² on the western side of the Auckland isthmus. Its boundaries are defined by Oakley Creek to the east, the Waitematā Harbour and Motu Manawa Marine Reserve to the west, Heron Park to the south, and the Northwestern Motorway and Oakley Creek inlet to the north. The suburb has a mix of housing styles, including mid-20th-century state houses and later developments, and forms part of the Albert-Eden Local Board area alongside Point Chevalier, Mount Albert and Ōwairaka.
The area has a long history of Māori and early European settlement, with archaeological sites along the coast and inlet. A large state housing programme took place in the mid-1940s. In more recent decades the suburb was significantly affected by planning and construction of the Waterview Connection, which required the removal of some homes and the rebuilding of Waterview Primary School. The completed infrastructure has left improved recreational facilities, landscaping and protected stream environments.
Residents and visitors benefit from proximity to the harbour, marine reserve, and a network of paths along Te Auaunga. The suburb provides convenient motorway access to the airport, Manukau and the northwest while remaining close to central Auckland amenities. Public transport and the growing cycle network make it one of the better-connected inner-west residential areas.
Waterview Tunnel and the Western Ring Route
The Waterview Connection is the final link in Auckland’s Western Ring Route, a 48 km motorway corridor that bypasses the central city and Harbour Bridge. It joins State Highway 20 (Southwestern Motorway) with State Highway 16 (Northwestern Motorway) via twin bored tunnels under Avondale and Waterview. Each tunnel is 2.4 km long and 13.1 m in diameter, making them New Zealand’s longest and deepest road tunnels (up to 45 m below ground). The overall project length is about 4.8 km of six-lane motorway.
Construction began in early 2012 under the Well-Connected Alliance. The official opening ceremony took place on 17 June 2017, with the tunnels opening to traffic in early July 2017. The $1.4 billion project was designated a Road of National Significance. It provides a direct motorway link between the airport and the northwest and reduces reliance on SH1 through the city centre. Surface works also delivered new interchanges, landscaping, sports facilities and protection for Oakley Creek and heritage sites.
Waterview Shared Path and Cycling
Above and alongside the tunnel works, the Waterview Shared Path (also called the Waterview Path) was created as a high-quality walking and cycling route. The scenic 3.5 km path follows Te Auaunga – Oakley Creek through green spaces and connects into the Northwestern Cycleway and the wider central-west network. It links southward toward Māngere Bridge and westward toward Henderson, and provides a useful route for both commuting and recreation.
Key stops along or near the path include Waterview Reserve (playground with water play, pump track, skatepark and volleyball courts), Eric Armishaw Reserve, Harbutt Reserve and connections toward Western Springs, MOTAT and Auckland Zoo. The path forms part of a continuous network of shared paths and is popular with families, commuters and recreational riders. Auckland Transport promotes it as a scenic ride through some of Auckland’s best urban green spaces.
Oakley Creek (Te Auaunga) and Walkways
Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek is one of Auckland’s longest urban streams. It flows from Hillsborough through Mount Roskill, Ōwairaka and Waterview before entering the Waitematā Harbour at the Motu Manawa Marine Reserve. The lower reaches run through Waterview and support a network of walkways and reserves. The stream has rich Māori and European heritage and supports native and exotic flora and fauna, including the threatened longfin eel (fishing is not permitted).
The standout natural feature is Oakley Creek Falls, a 6 m high waterfall that is the only natural waterfall within the Auckland city area and often described as New Zealand’s highest urban waterfall. It is reached via the Te Auaunga Oakley Creek Walkway, which runs alongside Great North Road. Access points include Great North Road (near Blockhouse Bay Road and opposite Alverston Street), Phyllis Reserve (end of Springleigh Avenue) and through Unitec campus. From Phyllis Reserve the waterfall is roughly a 20-minute walk north.
Extensive planting, stream restoration and path improvements have been carried out through the Waterview Connection project and ongoing Te Auaunga regeneration work. Friends of Oakley Creek, established in 2004, continues to support protection and water-quality improvements. Note that a permanent public health warning applies to swimming in Oakley Creek; check Safeswim for current advice and alternative spots. Dogs must be on a leash in the parks and walkways.
Parks, Reserves and Local Amenities
Waterview Reserve is a major community hub created or upgraded as part of the tunnel project. It features a playground with water play, pump track, skatepark, volleyball courts and open space, making it popular with families. Nearby reserves along the creek and harbour edge include Phyllis Reserve, Harbutt Reserve, Howlett Reserve (coastal walkway at the creek mouth) and connections to Heron Park. These spaces offer picnic areas, playgrounds, shade trees and access to the shared path network.
The suburb is close to larger attractions such as Western Springs, Auckland Zoo and MOTAT via the cycle and walking paths. Local schools include Waterview Primary School (rebuilt after tunnel works). Secondary options are nearby in Avondale, Western Springs and Mount Albert. The combination of harbour edge, stream corridors and new recreational facilities gives Waterview a strong outdoor character for an inner-city suburb.
Getting There and Around
By car, Waterview is reached via the SH16 Northwestern Motorway or SH20 through the Waterview Tunnel. Great North Road is the main surface arterial. Parking is available at reserves such as Waterview Reserve and Phyllis Reserve, though spaces can fill at busy times. Public buses serve the area and connect to the wider Auckland network. The shared path and Northwestern Cycleway provide excellent active-mode options for short and medium trips into the city centre, Point Chevalier, Mount Albert and beyond.
The suburb’s position on the Western Ring Route makes it convenient for travel to Auckland Airport and southern destinations without crossing the Harbour Bridge. Cycle and walking infrastructure continues to improve connectivity across the central-west isthmus.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently describe the Oakley Creek Walkway as a serene and peaceful urban bush escape right beside busy Great North Road. Many highlight the surprise of finding a natural waterfall so close to the city centre, along with bird life, running water, flowers and a sense of nature taking over once you drop down to the creek. It is often called well worth the short visit and a lovely half-day outing.
People also praise the wider path network and Waterview Reserve facilities for families. Reviewers note easy access, good connections to other green spaces and the harbour edge, and the convenience of combining a waterfall walk with playgrounds, skate facilities or a longer cycle ride. The area is valued as a hidden-in-plain-sight green corridor that feels removed from traffic yet remains very close to town.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Te Auaunga Oakley Creek Walkway: Official park details, access points, waterfall information and rules for dogs and use.
NZ Transport Agency – Waterview Connection project overview: Details on the tunnels, Western Ring Route, construction and community facilities delivered.
Auckland Transport – Waterview Path ride guide: Map and highlights of the 3.5 km shared path, reserves and connections to the wider cycle network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Waterview in Auckland?
Waterview is an inner-west suburb on the Auckland isthmus between Avondale and Point Chevalier, bordering the Waitematā Harbour and Motu Manawa Marine Reserve. It is in the Albert-Eden Local Board area.
When did the Waterview Tunnel open?
The official opening ceremony was held on 17 June 2017. The tunnels opened to traffic in early July 2017 as the final link in the Western Ring Route.
How long are the Waterview Tunnels?
Each of the twin bored tunnels is 2.4 km long. They are New Zealand’s longest and deepest road tunnels and form part of a 4.8 km motorway connection between SH20 and SH16.
What is the Waterview Shared Path?
It is a high-quality 3.5 km walking and cycling path that follows Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek through Waterview. It connects to the Northwestern Cycleway and the wider central-west network and was built as part of the tunnel project.
Where is Oakley Creek Waterfall and how do I get there?
Oakley Creek Falls is a 6 m natural waterfall on Te Auaunga, the only one within the Auckland city area. Access is via the Oakley Creek Walkway from Great North Road or Phyllis Reserve (about a 20-minute walk from the reserve entrance).
Can I swim in Oakley Creek?
No. There is a permanent public health warning for swimming in Oakley Creek. Check Safeswim for current water-quality advice and alternative swimming locations.
Are dogs allowed on the walkways and in the reserves?
Dogs are generally allowed but must be on a leash at all times in parks and walkways unless a specific off-leash area is signed. Always check local signage.
What facilities are at Waterview Reserve?
Waterview Reserve has a playground with water play, a pump track, skatepark, volleyball courts and open space. It is a popular family destination linked to the shared path.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.