Four reasons to explore Pukekawa paths

Publish Date : 23 Jun 2026
Auckland Domain Lovers Walk
Lovers' Walk, Pukekawa / Auckland Domain.

Pukekawa / Auckland Domain has pathways for everyone! Whether you’re keen for a meandering stroll, or want the most direct route to your destination, check out the recently upgraded walks in the domain.

Escape to the bush

We’re lucky to be able to immerse ourselves in nature in an urban park. Many of the domain’s forested paths suffered significant storm damage over the past few years and have recently been restored. Enjoy fresh air, wooden boardwalks and birdsong on the following tracks:

  • Lovers’ Walk
  • The Glade Path
  • Nikau Walk
  • Pukekawa / Domain Walk.

A footpath beside a road lined with palm trees in a park.

New Football Road to The Crescent walkway.

Better connections

Over the past three years, pathways have popped up creating better access through Pukekawa, for students and commuters.

A combination of paved path and fresh wooden boardwalks from Parnell Train Station were installed in 2023, linking up with the pre-existing “Lovers’ Walk” and continuing past the station to Carlaw Park Student Village.

The newest additions to the path network are connections between Football Road and Titoki Street carpark, and Football Road and The Crescent.

These paths are funded by Waitematā Local Board.

A slice of Te Araroa in the city

Did you know that Centennial Path, which connects Stanley Street in Parnell with Domain Drive, is part of Te Araroa? Te Araroa (which translates to “the long path”) is New Zealand’s continuous 3,000km hiking trail which goes from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island. Keen walkers from near and far make this journey through Aotearoa.

Two people walk along a path next to a park bench and pond.

Watsons Bequest walkway.

Heritage paths

Both the Centennial and Watsons Bequest walkways are considered ‘heritage’ paths. 

The Watson Bequest Walkway is a network of paths within the Domain’s Historic Gardens. A new boardwalk and renewed footpath invite people to explore the picturesque gardens, mature trees and recently restored fountains.

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