Beachlands – Maraetai Walkway

Route Distance: 
8.4 kms

Approximate time: 
Various entry/exit points. One way walk up to 3 hours 

Date: 08/03/2020

Author: Annette Smart

This shared walkway and cycleway passes the picturesque beaches and reserves along the coast between Beachlands and Maraetai. It provides access to popular Omana Regional Park and breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island and the Coromandel Peninsula.

The 8.4km-long walkway starts at Pine Harbour Marina, which you can reach via ferry from Downtown Auckland within 40 minutes. This service is currently only available on weekdays.  Pepperjacks at the Marina is perfect for refreshments before or after your walk.

The walk allows you to view sites of historical significance, and an array of coastal flora and fauna. Highlights include the beautiful east coast beaches of Omana Regional Park, the Omana Esplanade Reserve, and Maraetai.  The walkway will take a reasonably fast walker about 180 minutes to complete one-way. Allow time to stop and enjoy the views and perhaps even a swim en route.  Fortunately you don’t need to do it all – you can drive to various spots along the way and just do a section.

Dogs are either on-lead or off-lead (but under control) most of the walkway – please refer to posted signage. Dogs are prohibited from Omana Regional Park, except for around the perimeter walk.

The walkway is suitable for wheelchairs and prams however, there are some unsealed sections. Toilets are available at Maraetai Park, Te Puru Park, Omana Esplanade Reserve and Omana Regional Park. Car parking is available at the above locations, including Te Puru Reserve and Spinnaker Bay (Beachlands end).

For those in need of coffee or a bite to eat, there are several cafes at Maraetai beach and Beachlands.

A bus service can take you back to Pine Harbour Marina (or Botany) from Maraetai beach. 

More information on this map: