History, major conservation initiatives, and spectacular wildlife come together in this route which wanders alongside the Manukau Harbour coastline between Mangere Bridge and the Otuataua Stonefields.
Beginning at the inner reaches of the Manukau Harbour beside Mangere Bridge, the first part of the route is the well-formed Manukau City Council Kiwi Esplanade Walkway, which explores the waterfront of Mangere Bridge township, terminating at its western end on the borders of Auckland Regional Council's Ambury Regional Park.
Ambury is a working farm open to visitors for picnics, education programmes and exploration of its paddocks, farm animals, abundant birdlife, and historic remnants of Maori occupation.
On the border of the farm park, a few metres southwest of the visitor centre, a path links with an unsealed vehicle track, with off-shoot paths, that wanders south along the Mangere Ihumatao foreshore. This is an area rich in history and natural beauty, stretching seven kilometres from Ambury to the Otuataua Stonefields, administered by Watercare Services Ltd.
The main feature of the Watercare section is New Zealand's biggest coastal marine restoration project, which was done as part of the upgrade of the Manukau Wastewater Treatment Plant that the walkway also passes. During the upgrade, 500 hectares of oxidation ponds were removed, reuniting the original foreshore with the sea. This included the Mangere Lagoon, a volcanic caldera that had been used as a sludge pond, which is now restored to a tidal inlet and is a haven for birds. In excess of 300,000 coastal plants were handplanted to begin the process of natural regeneration of coastal forest and salt marshes.
The restoration also included building shell banks to encourage roosting and nesting birds. Tens of thousands of migratory birds visit to feed in the tidal reaches of the harbour and rest on the banks, joining the many permanent resident bird species that can be viewed there. Bird hides are located along the route. Best viewing times are at high, or on the incoming tide.
At the southern end, the Watercare track joins Manukau City Council's Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve, where a network of tracks explores features of early Maori and European settlement. It is one of the last places remaining where visitors can see large-scale evidence of how people once lived and worked in the volcanic areas of Auckland. The durable stone walls and other features date back to the beginnings of Maori settlement.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in Ambury Park, on the Watercare Coastal Walkway, or the Otuataua Stonefields.
Access
While parts of Kiwi Esplanade and Ambury Regional Park are accessible by wheelchair, the bulk of the paths on this route are rough and suitable only for walkers with stable footwear. The unsealed road through the Watercare section is popular with mountain bikers. For the most part the route is flat and easy walking. The Stonefields area is rougher underfoot and there are some small hills.
Map (PDF 192kb)
Recommended
Plan a walk for the high tide and take binoculars for bird watching. Approach hides quietly and stay off the protected bird banks.
Useful websites
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