The Judges Bay Path starts at the archway entrance to Dove Meyer Robinson Park on Gladstone Road.

Archway at the Dove Meyer Robinson Park at the start of the Judges Bay Path walk in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
Archway at the Dove Meyer Robinson Park at the start of the Judges Bay Path walk in Auckland

The start of this walk weaves its way through a series of rose gardens. However, as I was walking in the middle of winter there were no lovely roses to look at or smell.

I started at the archway, but you can drive in and park your car and start from there. You’ll find plenty of parking outside the cafe.

Parking area at the start of the Judges Bay Path walk in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
Parking area at the start of the Judges Bay Path in front of the cafe.

As you continue along the path, you will also see pōhutukawa trees before reaching the harbour. 

Pōhutukawa trees on the Judges Bay Path walk in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
Pōhutukawa trees on the Judges Bay Path walk

You will exit the park by heading down a set of steep stairs. At the bottom, you will see Judges Bay, which is a tidal inlet that is perfect for a swim on a summer’s day. This is an excellent little beach for the kids with safe swimming. There is also a big barbeque area and a modern toilet block.

Big barbeque area and modern toilet block Judges Bay beach in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
Big barbeque area and modern toilet block at Judges Bay beach

You can’t quite see the path in the photo above. I walked behind the toilet block then up the hill past St Stephens Church and through the historic graveyard. 

St Stephens Church and historic graveyard on the Judges Bay Path in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
St Stephens Church and historic graveyard

You’ll pop out on the road for a very short walk, then take the first left and head back down where you will find yourself in a Rose Gardens once more. Walk a little on and you’ll be standing at the top of the stairs with awesome views out over Judges Bay, the Parnell Baths and harbour. Unfortunately, again as I was walking in winter the baths were not so pretty. In summer they are full of people and look 100% better!

Views over Parnell Baths on the Judges Bay Path in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
Views over Parnell Baths and Judges Bay

Now it’s down all the steps. Just follow the path, it will take you right through the middle of Parnell Baths. Before you get to the baths you can walk over the footbridge onto the Auckland Waterfront Walk to St Heliers Bay via Mission Bay.

After you exit the baths you’ll be in another decent sized car park on the edge of Judges Bay. You could always start your walk from here if you wanted to park the car there. Walk past the BBQ area and toilets again along the beach to the end.

Uphill track after leaving Judges Bay beach in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
Uphill track after leaving Judges Bay beach
Judges Bay beach in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
Judges Bay beach in Auckland

One last uphill section takes you to the Nancy Steen Garden. Finally, a bushwalk leads back to to the carpark and cafe.

Cafe and carpark at Nancy Steen Garden on the Judges Bay walk in Auckland - Walk by Freewalks.nz
Cafe and carpark at Nancy Steen Garden

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 30 minute walk
  • Distance: 1.7 km – its a little bit further if you finish at the archway
  • Difficulty: Easy – although there are a few steps up and down
  • Bikes allowed: No
  • Route: Loop
  • Elevation: Steep sections and stairs – 50m
  • Wet Feet: No, it’s a great track
  • Toilets: There are two toilets on this walk, one on Judges Bay Rd and one in Dove Myer Robinson Park.
  • Dogs: Yes, on a lead
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
  • Last Updated: July, 2022

My 3d video of the Judges Bay Path walk in Auckland

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

This track takes you through a lovely rose garden onto Judges Bay beach. Great views of the Waitematā Harbour. You can go swimming in Judges Bay and the Parnell Baths (pools) in the summer time.

Track Quality

Very good quality walk. This track is made up of sealed pathways and a short bushwalk.

Hazards

Trying to swim at low tide will be dissappointing.

Transport

Take the 755 bus from the CBD all the way (about 8 minutes) to the Gladstone Rd outside Rose Gardens stop.

Water

There is a drinking fountain at the Judges Bay Rd intersection.

Driving Instructions

From the CBD, head towards Quay St, then turn right. Follow Quay St for about 1 km, then turn right onto SH16. After 100 meters, turn left onto Gladstone Rd, where you will see a car park.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

Luxerose Cafe at Dove Meyer Robinson Park is right at the start and end of the walk.

There are a few shops and restaurants near the path, but there are plenty more a short walk away, on Parnell Rd.

Area & Trail History

The walk goes through Dove Myer Robinson Park, also known as Parnell Rose Garden. The park hosts the Parnell Festival of Roses every November, which includes craft stalls, arty exhibitions, music and of course, roses. Dove Myer Robinson was the longest-serving mayor of Auckland: 18 years.

Map of Judges Bay Reserve and Dove Myer Robinson Park

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