The Whangaparaoa Peninsula is narrow enough to walk from one side to the other in about an hour. This path does exactly that, starting at Gulf Harbour Marina on the southern coast and finishing at Fishermans Rock Reserve on Army Bay to the north. It’s flat, easy, mostly paved, and a good option if you’re catching the weekday ferry from Auckland or have kids in tow. Two playgrounds along the way help with that.

Quick FactsDetails
Distance3.5 km one way
Time1 hour one way
DifficultyEasy
Track surfacePaved path, some gravel sections
Starting pointGulf Harbour Marina, Gulf Harbour Drive
DogsYes, on leash
ToiletsYes, at various points along the route
ParkingFree at Gulf Harbour Marina

Getting There

  • From Auckland follow SH1 north to the Silverdale off-ramp, go through Silverdale, turn right onto Whangaparaoa Road and follow it to Gulf Harbour Drive. Turn left and follow Gulf Harbour Drive to the marina at the end. Free parking at the marina.
  • By ferry, the Gulf Harbour ferry runs weekdays only from downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal. It takes about 50 minutes and docks right at the marina. No weekend sailings.
  • By bus, take the NX1 north to Hibiscus Coast Station, then the 982 bus toward Gulf Harbour.

The Route

  • Start at Gulf Harbour Marina, take a look at the boats and the views back toward Auckland city and Rangitoto Island
  • Follow the path around the marina. There’s a short detour in one section to avoid the marina working zone, just follow the signs
  • Cross Laurie Southwick Parade and head north along the footpath, turning left into Gulf Harbour Drive
  • Pass Gulf Harbour Recreation Reserve on your right, there’s a good shaded playground here for kids
  • Cafes in Gulf Harbour village are just across the road if you need a coffee at this point
  • Cross Gulf Harbour Drive at the pedestrian crossing opposite Wentworth College and continue to Regency Park Drive
  • Walk along Regency Park Drive past the water, keep an eye out for ducks, black swans and pukeko
  • You’ll reach a small reserve with a second playground, two slides
  • Continue through the reserve and cross Whangaparaoa Road to reach Fishermans Rock Reserve
  • Follow the steep boat ramp down to the bay, views out to Kawau Island and the Mahurangi Peninsula
  • At low tide you can explore the small cave and walk further around the cliffs

Good to Know

  • One way walk — you’ll need to walk back the same way or arrange a pick-up at Fishermans Rock Reserve on Army Bay
  • Ferry is weekday only — the Gulf Harbour ferry to Auckland city runs Monday to Friday only, no weekend sailings. Don’t rely on it for a weekend day out
  • Dogs on leash — one of the few walks in the area where dogs are welcome
  • Fishermans Rock at low tide — the cave and cliff walk at the end are low tide only, check times before you go
  • Flat and easy — good for prams and kids, just watch the one steep section down the boat ramp at the end

Other Walks Nearby

Back to Whangaparaoa walks