Chelsea Heritage Park Loop

Winter is perhaps not the best time to do this bush walk starting at the Chelsea Estate Heritage Park – the track was very muddy and slippery – but we survived, and it was fun!

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The pink Chelsea Sugar Refinery sits on the edge of Auckland Harbour. From the shore there is a wonderful view across to the Harbour Bridge and city. Swan and ducks greeted us at the dam, expecting to be fed. Please don’t feed them.

You can walk the beaches, feed the ducks, picnic by the ponds or go exploring around the 45 hectares of bush land at the Chelsea Sugar Refinery.

There is a big playground for the kids in front of the cafe.

Our walk takes us from the dam at the Chelsea Sugar Refinery through native bush along the cliff edge to Kauri Point Centennial Park and then inland to Chatswood Reserve.

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time:	approx. 1 hour
Distance:	about 5.0 kms
Parking:	Chelsea Sugar Refinery car park, bottom of Colonial Road
Buses:	Mokoia Road, Highbury
Track:	Part bush track. Very slippery when wet.
Difficulty:	Suitable for users of above average fitness and mobility.
Highlights:	Chelsea Sugar Refinery, views across Auckland Harbour, native bush, ducks, swan.
FREE Map:	Download your FREE map of this walk

There are a myriad of walking tracks and some are difficult to find after the recent rain and the dropped leaves from the trees covering the ground. Luckily we had our map, so we did not get lost! There’s plenty of native bush and birdlife to enjoy – the birds were singing loudly today.

After this walk I went and did the new Kauri Glen Treetops walk, that was really cool.

Bit about the Chelsea Sugar Refinery

Established in 1884, this iconic site offers visitors a unique blend of history, education, and delightful experiences. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s something sweet in store for everyone at Chelsea.

A Historical Sweet Spot

The Chelsea Sugar Refinery has been an integral part of New Zealand’s industrial landscape for over a century. Originally set up to refine raw sugar imported from Queensland, Australia, it has grown to become one of the leading sugar producers in the country. The refinery’s historical significance is reflected in its well-preserved buildings and machinery, offering a glimpse into the past and the evolution of sugar production.

Educational Tours

One of the main attractions at Chelsea Sugar Refinery is the guided tour, which provides an educational yet entertaining journey through the world of sugar. You’ll learn about the history of the refinery, the process of sugar production, and the various types of sugar produced. The tour includes a visit to the factory floor, where you can see the intricate machinery in action and understand the science behind sugar refining.

The Chelsea Bay Visitor Centre

The Chelsea Bay Visitor Centre is a modern addition to the refinery, designed to enhance the visitor experience. The centre features interactive exhibits, historical displays, and a fascinating look at the refinery’s role in New Zealand’s economy and culinary traditions. It’s a great place for both kids and adults to engage with the history and science of sugar in a hands-on way.

The Sugar Café

After exploring the refinery, you can indulge in a sweet treat at the Sugar Café. I popped my head in and it looked really nice. It had a variety of great looking food, from freshly baked pastries to gourmet sandwiches, all made with Chelsea sugar. The cafe overlooks the Waitematā Harbour, makes it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.

Baking Classes and Workshops

For those who love to bake, the Chelsea Sugar Refinery offers baking classes and workshops. These sessions are perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, providing tips and techniques for creating delightful baked goods. Participants get to work with Chelsea’s finest ingredients and take home their creations, along with a wealth of baking knowledge.

Events and Functions

The Chelsea Sugar Refinery also hosts various events and functions throughout the year. From corporate events to family gatherings, the refinery’s unique setting provides a memorable backdrop for any occasion. Special events often include themed tours, baking competitions, and exclusive dining experiences.

Photos from my walk along the Chelsea Heritage Park Loop

Comments on Chelsea Heritage Park Loop

Miriana Christensen

Is this walk open? It mentions that it was closed in September 2018 due to Kauri dieback.

Richard Wagener

Hi
This is still one of the ones that is unfortunately closed. I read that they are re-looking at things in about 6 months, so I guess maybe it may reopen early 2020 if kauri dieback is under control.
Thanks
Richard

UPDATE 2023

This walk still has a small part closed, however there is a walkaround, so all good.

See more of my walks in Northcote

Helen Wenley

This project began in 2011. My friend Grace was the walk creator – with her knowledge of Auckland, she could “see” circular routes, and then it was up to me to map out, photograph, research and document the routes. At first, I relied upon my voice recorder and Google maps but then with the advancement of technology, the smart phone became a best friend and I was able to track our route. The best fun was when we were both pleasantly surprised by what there was to see. Beautiful wetlands, views and bush kept us inspired to explore more.