Avondale Whau River Walk

• Easy 6km loop beside the Whau River in Avondale, taking about 50 minutes
• Highlights include a mangrove boardwalk, water birds and river views
• Off-leash dog exercise area (check the current Auckland Council dog rules)
• Mostly flat, with just one gentle rise, and fine for prams and buggies
• Free downloadable map with full turn by turn directions

Quick facts

Getting there

Park at the Lynn Mall Shopping Centre carpark in New Lynn. The walkway follows the Whau River between New Lynn and Avondale, so you can start from either end, Lynn Mall is the easiest spot to leave the car. This walk is one of several featured on our Avondale Walks page if you want more options in the area.

The walk

The Whau River is mostly fringed with mangroves, but a boardwalk carries the track straight across the water. That boardwalk exists thanks to Dawn Persson and her commitment to the Avondale community, it is one of the nicer surprises on this route. From there the path is mainly flat, with just one gentle rise after the boardwalk.

Worth knowing before you go: construction has started on the Rizal Crossing section of Te Whau Pathway, a new bridge that will link Rizal Reserve in Avondale to Ken Maunder Park in New Lynn directly on this route, replacing the current road based link between the two sides. It is expected to be finished before the end of 2026. Until then, check the current signage or council updates in case of a temporary detour around the works.

What you’ll see

Water birds are the main draw along the mangroves and open water, plus the boardwalk itself and some pleasant river views. It is a genuine mix of nature and urban life, you will share the path with joggers, cyclists and other locals out for some fresh air. If you want to extend the day, the wider Te Whau Pathway network now includes a boardwalk section further along linking the Northwestern Cycleway to Te Atatu South, opened in early 2026, though that section is not part of this particular loop.

Who it’s for

This is a good one for families with prams, casual dog walkers and anyone after an easy river walk without much elevation. The off-leash area makes it popular with locals, and the flat, wide sections suit buggies and wheelchairs for most of the route.

When to go

Any time of year works, though the surface can get soft in places after heavy rain, boots are a good idea in wet weather while running shoes are fine when it’s dry. Pack a picnic or make use of the cafes back in New Lynn afterwards.

Important stuff

• Dogs: off-leash exercise area on this route, but check the current Auckland Council rules on dog numbers and leash requirements before you go, these were updated in 2026.
• Works: the Rizal Crossing bridge build may affect part of the route until it’s finished, check current signage or council updates if you’re planning to cross between Avondale and New Lynn.
• Footwear: boots in wet weather, running shoes are fine when the track is dry.
• Toilets and gate hours: check the current park rules if this matters for your visit, we don’t have confirmed details for this stretch.

Other walks nearby

• Blockhouse Bay Circuit

Back to Avondale Walks