Waikōwhai Walkway: Manukau coastal walk

Description of the walk

This walkway follows the northern shore of the Manukau Harbour from the Onehunga Foreshore to Lynfield Cove in the west.

Along the way, you can take in sheltered coves, regenerating native bush and stunning views across the harbour.

Follow the track along the shoreline at low tide, or through a series of reserve tracks at high tide.

You can complete the walkway in one go in about five hours, or take one of the four stroll-sized loops:

• Wattle Bay Loop
• Cape Horn Lookout Loop
  
• Captains Bush Reserve Loop
  
• Hillsborough Cemetery Loop
  

Length of the walkway

10km

Duration of the walk

5 hours

What to expect on this walk

For two hours before and after low tide, you can access the entire route along the foreshore.

Check the tides before you venture out and take care outside of these times, especially at the narrower 'pinch points' (marked on the map below by a pink dotted line).

Low tide routes are muddy and slippery, so wear good walking shoes and consider taking a walking pole.

Keep safe on this walk 

For your safety:

• Walk along the foreshore only two hours before or after the daily low tides.
• Wear good walking shoes.
• Protect yourself from sun and rain.
• Take plenty of drinking water.

Avoid being caught out by the Manukau Harbour tides. Plan your low tide sections so you can make it back to dry land in good time. Get to solid land, stay put, and call the Coastguard.

Dog access

Dogs must be on-leash along the foreshore and through most of the walk. There are off-leash areas in Manukau Domain and Waikōwhai Park.

Map of the Waikōwhai Walkway