Earlier this year, improvements were made to the popular cycling and walking path along Tāmaki Drive so that it can better support the commuters, visitors and beach goers that enjoy it daily.
Our waterfront walkways are cherished parts of Tāmaki Makaurau and provide a sustainable and climate friendly way for people to get around, but they are at risk of becoming unsafe or disappearing altogether with rising sea levels and the increase of more severe storms.
To make Tāmaki Drive more climate resilient, Auckland Transport has upgraded the path from Ngāpipi Bridge to Solvent Street, raising the footpath by 250mm and upgrading drainage channels and seawall to provide a higher level of protection from storm surge. This will reduce flooding and improve the drainage of water back into the sea.
Ngāpipi Bridge has also been upgraded to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging the use of more eco-friendly modes of transport.
Ngāpipi Bridge has historically been a pinch point on Tāmaki Drive with walkers and cyclists having to converge on a 3m stretch of footpath to cross the bridge. Now cyclists and walkers have their own separate stretch of bridge to enjoy, without taking away the four traffic lanes needed for the many cars and buses using the strip to get into and out of the city centre.
These changes will ensure Aucklanders and visitors can continue to enjoy this spectacular walking and cycling route for many years to come.
Tāmaki Drive (from Ngāpipi Bridge to Solvent Street) has also been repaved and given a handrail upgrade. This ensures a smoother and more accessible trip for those on foot or wheels, while still retaining the historic, iconic look that Tāmaki Drive is known for.
