Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Walkway

Skirting the beautiful Ōrewa Estuary, this picturesque pathway offers an easy, flat walk for the entire family.

Where is it?

The walk follows Ōrewa Estuary, a five-minute drive south of Ōrewa town on the Hibiscus Coast.

Terrain

Easy, flat and family-friendly.

Good to Know

The trail path is shared by both walkers and cyclists.

TIME & DISTANCE: Approximately 1hr 45min; 7.5km return

FITNESS: Suitable for all fitness levels

Dogs are allowed on leash

Track Overview

Don’t be alarmed if you hear the shrill of a bicycle bell, the pathway is co-shared with cyclists, and when the weather’s good, it’s popular with both walkers and riders. With good reason: this family-friendly walkway is flat, wide and sealed, with plenty to see along the way including Maori carvings, mangroves and crystalline water flecked with kayakers. Follow the water’s edge and explore the natural and historical significance of the area. You’ll pass beautiful homes with spectacular gardens overlooking the estuary, as well as farmland freckled with hay bales. About halfway around, you can stop in Millwater for refreshments and the Estuary Arts Centre is worth a gander, too. Look out for diverse birdlife, and should nature call in a different manner, there are several public toilets en route. In summer, it’s not a bad idea to take swimwear for a post-walk dip in the sea.

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels

Main Image - Auckland, Getty Images