I walked this route on a beautiful spring day in early October, and it was a delightful experience. The Kiwi Esplanade pathway offers wonderful views across the Manukau Harbour to One Tree Hill and Mangere Mountain, and I was particularly excited to check on the refuge area where the migratory birds arrive.
A word about parking: Parking in Mangere Bridge is a challenge and a lot of traffic traverses the roundabout at the intersection of Coronation and Church Roads. I recommend starting at the designated parking area at the corner of Coronation Road and Kiwi Esplanade instead, where there are more parking spaces available. The car park is a sealed and curbed area set amongst mature Pohutukawas with some picnic tables nearby and an outlook to the new walking bridge and Onehunga Port. The walkway starts from the Western side of the car park. It’s also only 50 metres from a very good fresh fish and fish and chip shop behind the fuel station – perfect for a post-walk treat!
Although there were no obvious migratory arrivals yet during my walk, this time of year (from October onwards) is when they are due to arrive. The bar-tailed godwits are truly remarkable, having seen them myself on previous visits, they are an impressive sight both on the ground and in the air. There are plenty of fascinating resources about these amazing birds online, particularly from New Zealand sources. This refuge area will be a feature again in autumn when the birds gather before their incredible return journey to Alaska.
One practical tip I discovered: water is available at both boat clubs where you can get a drink and fill up your own bottle, very handy on a warm day!
The walk is well worth doing, with its combination of harbour views, historical sites including the HMS Orpheus canon memorial, and the peaceful esplanade pathway. The mature Pohutukawa trees at the car park provide lovely shade, and knowing there’s a great fish and chip shop nearby makes for a perfect end to the walk.
– Barry, Rotary Club of Maungakiekie
| Walk time: | approx. 75 minutes |
| Distance: | about 6.23 kms |
| Start: | Coronation Road, Mangere Bridge Village |
| Track: | Mainly level paths with just one gentle downhill slope |
| Difficulty: | Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. |
| Buggies/Wheelchairs: | Suitable prams/buggies |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes – welcome on leash |
| Highlights: | Views of Manukau Harbour, One Tree Hill, Mangere |
| FREE Map: | Download the FREE printable map with directions, of this walk |
New Zealand’s Worst Shipping Disaster – 7 February 1867: Notice about halfway between the start and the Mangere Bridge Boating Club on the left side of the roadway, outside the front of 15 Kiwi Esplanade, is a half-sized model of one of the canons recovered from the wreck. See photo or cross over and read the inscription. HMS Orpheus, a 1706-ton steam corvette, carrying cargo and 289 passengers including marines to Auckland via North Cape, and without up-to-date charts took a short cut and headed for Onehunga in fine weather. It struck the Manukau Bar. In spite of valiant rescue efforts 189 lives were lost.
The Amazing Godwits: The refuge area along the esplanade is where the truly remarkable bar-tailed godwits arrive each spring after their incredible 11-day nonstop flight of 13,500 kms from Alaska. You may also spot South Island Pied Oystercatchers on the rocks and reserves, along with pukeko and other shore birds. The godwits are an impressive sight both on the ground and in the air, and this area becomes particularly special in autumn when the birds gather before their return journey north.
Geology: Look out for an Auckland Council Notice Board along the pathway that explains the shaping of the foreshore 30,000 years ago when Mangere Mountain exploded.
St James Church is the only surviving stone church from the Selwyn period. Stone used for the building were taken from Mangere Mountain, and brought down by cart or on workers backs. Due to the difficulty of stone construction, the channel arch end relieving arches over the doors and windows are constructed with brick.
Nearby places to visit: Watercare Coastal walkway, Ambury Regional Park, Villa Maria Winery and cafe, Butterfly Creek, Otuataua Stonefields historic reserve , Mangere Strawberry and Vegetable Farm @ 127 Kirkbride Road.
FREE Auckland Walks eBook
