- 5 km loop, about 1 hour, easy walking suitable for most fitness levels
- Follows the cliff edge above Manukau Harbour from Blockhouse Bay to Green Bay Beach, then loops inland to Craigavon Park
- Native bush track with punga ferns, mature puriri trees and native pigeons
- Off leash dog area at Craigavon Park, but dogs are banned from the beach and foreshore
- Parking at Blockhouse Bay Reserve, cafes and buses close by on Blockhouse Bay Road
Quick facts
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Getting there
Blockhouse Bay sits on the Manukau Harbour side of West Auckland, about 15 minutes from New Lynn. Park at Blockhouse Bay Reserve on Blockhouse Bay Road, right by the beach reserve and the shops. If you are coming by bus, several routes run along Blockhouse Bay Road and stop close to the reserve.
Once you are done, The Block cafe on the main street is worth a stop. It is a buzzy, community friendly spot and the brunch plates are generous.
The walk: Blockhouse Bay to Green Bay Beach
From Blockhouse Bay Reserve, the track follows the high cliff edge above the Manukau Harbour. This stretch is called Te Ara o Tiriwa, the Pathway of Tiriwa, named after a Maori chief who lived in the area long before the first canoes arrived. The path is mostly gravel with some boardwalks, but there are steep sections and stairs dropping into small gullies and climbing back out the other side.
It can get muddy in winter, so dry weather makes for an easier walk. The track was muddy but manageable the day we walked it. Keep going and the path reaches Green Bay Beach, then continues inland to Craigavon Park before looping back.
What you’ll see
The bush sections are full of punga ferns and mature puriri trees. Native pigeons feed here over summer, and there is a good chance of spotting fantail along the path too. The cliff top gives wide views across the Manukau Harbour, and there are a couple of benches along the way if you want to sit and take it in.
Who it’s for
This suits families, casual walkers and anyone after an easy coastal walk close to the city. The steps and gullies mean it is not ideal for buggies or wheelchairs, but anyone of average fitness will manage it fine. It also works well as a dog walk, with Craigavon Park’s off leash area at the inland end.
When to go
Dry weather is best, since the gravel path turns muddy in places once the rain sets in, especially over winter. Summer brings the native pigeons out to feed in the bush sections, so that is a good time to walk if birdlife is what you are after. Early morning or late afternoon avoid the midday sun on the exposed cliff top stretch.
Important stuff
- Dogs are banned from the beach and foreshore at Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve at all times. On leash access is allowed near the playground, and there is an off leash exercise area at Craigavon Park.
- The coastal section, Te Ara o Tiriwa, is mostly gravel with boardwalks, steep areas and stairs. Expect mud in places over winter.
- Public toilets, children’s playgrounds, picnic spots with BBQs and a fitness trail are all available along the route.
- Wear shoes with grip for the stairs and gullies, particularly after rain.
Make a day of it
Butterfly Creek Day Pass
A highly rated family day out in West Auckland, perfect for keeping the momentum going after an easy, dog friendly walk like this one. It suits all ages and makes a solid plan B if the weather turns.
Common questions
How long is the Blockhouse Bay Tiriwa Walk?
It covers about 5 km and takes around 1 hour at an easy pace.
Is the walk dog friendly?
Yes, with conditions. Dogs are banned from the beach and foreshore at all times, but Craigavon Park at the inland end has an off leash exercise area.
Where do you park for Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve?
Park at Blockhouse Bay Reserve on Blockhouse Bay Road, right next to the beach and shops.
Is the track suitable for kids?
Yes, though the steps and gullies on the cliff section need supervision. Craigavon Park at the other end has playgrounds for younger children.
After the walk
If the kids still have energy, Paradice Ice Skating – Avondale is a fun, well reviewed indoor option nearby that works well after an easy West Auckland walk.
Families looking for something more can head to Pins Lincoln Rd – Ten Pin Bowling – Auckland, a popular spot once the Tiriwa track is done.
For a laid back outdoor follow up, Treasure Island – Adventure Golf suits families and casual walkers wanting more time outside.
My honest take
This is one we only found recently, and it was a good surprise. The Pathway of Tiriwa takes you through punga ferns and mature puriri trees, and the cliff top views across the Manukau Harbour are worth the steep steps in and out of the gullies. The track was muddy the day we walked it but nothing a decent pair of shoes couldn’t handle.
We finished up at The Block cafe on the main street, a buzzy community friendly place with brunch plates that looked generous. There are also playgrounds, BBQ spots, a fitness trail, public toilets and ducks to feed if you have kids in tow.
For a family day out that pairs nicely with an easy, dog friendly walk like this one, Butterfly Creek Day Pass is a highly rated option suited to all ages in West Auckland.
Other walks nearby
- Blockhouse Bay Circuit, a shorter loop around the same bay
- Lynn Pottery Parks, a town centre walk through New Lynn’s parks and public art
- Olympic Park Lynn, popular playgrounds and open space in New Lynn
Back to New Lynn Walks for more walks in the area.
