Last updated July 2026
The Wellington Waterfront Shared Path runs along the central harbour edge from the Lambton CBD area through to Te Papa and Oriental Bay, offering one of the most enjoyable and accessible cycling and walking routes in the city. Flat, wide, and largely traffic-free, it serves as a natural starting point for anyone exploring Wellington by bike or on foot.
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 Parade 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.
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. 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 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 Petone to Melling section (3.5 km) opened in October 2023. The full Te Ara Tupua route opened on 16 May 2026, enabling continuous safe cycling along the harbour edge from Lower Hutt to central Wellington.
What Visitors Often 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 status.
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.
Is the full Te Ara Tupua route now open?
Yes. The complete Te Ara Tupua walking and cycling path between Wellington and Lower Hutt opened on 16 May 2026.
Are dogs allowed on the waterfront shared path?
Dogs are permitted on leads in most waterfront areas, but check signage for any restricted zones near playgrounds or specific parks.
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