The Wellington Waterfront Shared Path runs along the central harbour edge from the Lambton CBD through to Te Papa and Oriental Bay — one of the most enjoyable and accessible cycling and walking routes in the city. Flat, wide, and largely traffic-free, it’s a natural starting point for anyone exploring Wellington by bike.
Practical Information
| Route | Queens Wharf / Bunny Street to Oriental Bay (central section) |
| Distance | Approx. 3 km (central waterfront section) |
| Surface | Fully sealed, separated cycling and pedestrian paths |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat throughout |
| Cost | Free |
| Facilities | Cafés, toilets, bike racks, playgrounds along the waterfront |
| Access | Wheelchair and pram accessible |
| Connections | Connects to Oriental Bay Shared Path, Evans Bay Cycleway, Hutt Road Cycleway via Bunny Street |
About the Waterfront Path
Wellington’s central waterfront is one of New Zealand’s most well-developed urban cycling corridors. The path runs along the harbour from the area around Bunny Street and Wellington Railway Station, past Queens Wharf, through Frank Kitts Park, and alongside Te Papa Tongarewa, continuing south toward Freyberg Pool and Oriental Bay. The cycling and pedestrian paths are separated for most of this stretch — a $900,000 upgrade project created a 2.5-metre wide two-way bike lane and a 4.6-metre wide pedestrian path between Herd Street and Freyberg Pool.
The path connects seamlessly with Wellington’s wider cycling network. Heading north from Bunny Street, riders join the Hutt Road Cycleway and the Thorndon Quay Cycleway toward Lower Hutt via the Te Ara Tupua route. Heading south, the path transitions into the Oriental Bay Shared Path and continues around Evans Bay.
The waterfront itself offers a constantly changing backdrop — harbour views, container ships, the Interislander ferry terminal, and the city hills behind. The stretch past Frank Kitts Park and the Circa Theatre precinct is the most café-dense section; Oriental Parade at the southern end has several more.
Part of Te Ara Tupua
The central waterfront path forms a key link in Te Ara Tupua — the planned walking and cycling connection between Wellington city and Lower Hutt. The wider Te Ara Tupua project, run by Waka Kotahi NZTA, extends from the Petone foreshore up to Ngauranga and on to Wellington CBD. The Melling to Petone section (3.5 km) opened in October 2023; the Petone to Ngauranga section (4.5 km) is expected to complete around 2026. Once finished, it will be possible to cycle the full harbour edge from Lower Hutt to central Wellington in a continuous safe route.
What Visitors Say
AllTrails reviewers consistently describe the waterfront as Wellington’s most approachable urban cycle route — good surface, good views, and easy enough for families. Most note that mornings are quieter and the waterfront gets busy with pedestrians over lunch and on sunny weekends.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Bike Network — interactive map of Wellington’s full cycling network, including completed routes and projects in progress.
Waka Kotahi — Te Ara Tupua — full project information on the Wellington to Lower Hutt harbour-side walking and cycling corridor, including current construction progress and opening dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wellington Waterfront Shared Path suitable for cyclists?
Yes — the path has a dedicated two-way cycling lane separated from pedestrians for most of its length. The surface is smooth and the route is flat throughout.
How long is the Wellington waterfront cycling path?
The central waterfront section from Bunny Street to Freyberg Pool/Oriental Bay is approximately 3 km. With connections to the Oriental Bay and Evans Bay paths, the total coastal cycling route extends considerably further.
Can I hire a bike near the Wellington waterfront?
Several bike hire providers operate in central Wellington. Check Wellington City Council’s transport pages for current operators and locations.
Is the waterfront path accessible for wheelchairs and prams?
Yes — the path is fully sealed and flat, suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and scooters.
Does the waterfront path connect to other cycleways?
Yes. At the northern end it connects to the Thorndon Quay and Hutt Road cycleways toward Lower Hutt. At the southern end it continues as the Oriental Bay Shared Path and Evans Bay Parade Cycleway.
See all cycling routes: Cycling Tracks in Wellington
Continuing south: Oriental Bay Shared Path — the next section of the coastal route toward Evans Bay.