Visitors to Soldiers Bay on Auckland's North Shore will soon enjoy safer, year-round access thanks to a new boardwalk and bridge connection now under construction. The project will also help protect nearby kauri from the spread of kauri dieback disease.
Funded through Auckland Council's Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR), the $487,000 project includes a new 1.2-metre-wide boardwalk through the mangroves, a bridge across the inlet, and connections to existing tracks that were previously upgraded through NETR funding.
The new route will replace an informal path and stepping-stone crossing that can only be used at low tide. That route became popular after the long-term closure of the Muriel Fisher and Kauri Park tracks to help protect kauri in the area.
The Soldiers Bay Beach Connection project forms part of Auckland Council's wider programme of investment in kauri protection and track improvements across Kaipātiki.
Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee, Councillor Richard Hills, says the project balances public access with environmental protection.
"This is a really positive project for our community. It gives people a safe and reliable way to enjoy Soldiers Bay year-round while helping protect our treasured kauri and surrounding natural environment," says Cr Hills.
"Residents have told us how important it is to stay connected to these beautiful local spaces while protecting the rest of our reserves from kauri dieback. The new boardwalk will ensure more people can continue to enjoy Soldiers Bay for years to come."
Soldiers Bay is receiving upgrades to its infrastructure to make it more accessible for Aucklanders to enjoy.
"We are very fortunate in Kaipātiki to have so many stunning reserves full of native trees which has also meant our area has received a significant amount of regional NETR funding to protect those reserves with new tracks and cleaning stations over recent years. I thank all Aucklanders for their continued investment in our environment."
The design was shaped through community engagement, including workshops facilitated by Pest Free Kaipātiki. The boardwalk option was selected because it offered the best combination of safety and environmental protection.
Auckland Council General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities Taryn Crewe says the project reflects community aspirations while helping to protect sensitive natural areas.
"These upgrades respond to local board and community aspirations for Soldiers Bay, as well as to the need to protect sensitive environments by providing alternative access routes."
Construction began on 27 July and is expected to be completed by mid-November 2026. Temporary access restrictions may be needed during construction to keep the public safe.