Miramar-Wellington

The Miramar to Wellington Waterfront section is the first completed leg of the Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke — a 10km walking and cycling route hugging Wellington's inner harbour from Miramar Cutting (or Wellington Airport) to the Wellington Waterfront. Following the award-winning Tahitai shared path along Oriental Bay, this is one of Wellington's most scenic and accessible urban walks and rides, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Average walking time for this 10km section is around 1.5 to 2 hours, whereas cycling takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Maps, Route GPX files, and 3D flyover simulation videos

Below you'll find a route map, a downloadable GPX file compatible with any walking or cycling navigation app, a 3D flyover video for both the route from the airport and from the Mirarar Cutting. Plus a full description and photos of what to expect along the way.

Note: the GPX file can be loaded into your favourite walking or cycling navigation app.

3D flyover simulation video with photos of the route from Miramar to the Wellington Waterfront

3D flyover simulation video with photos of the route from the airport

Route Guide

This 10 kilometre route can be started from the Miramar Village from where it connects up with the beautiful, separated walking and bi-directional cycling paths along the south end of the harbour and Cobham drive. Check out the wonderful wind sculptures, which can be working hard on one of Wellington's famous windy days. Particular the Zephyrometer (or Needle) at the corner of Cobham Drive and Evans Bay Parade looks spectacular when it leans over in a stormy southerly zephyr.

Lovely separated walking & cycling paths along Cobham Drive.

The wonderful Wind Wands.

Check the Zephyrometer / Needle for the wind strength.

The next section of the route along the Oriental Bays is called Tahitai; the name gifted by Taranaki Whānui for this spectacular 7km harbour-side walking and cycling route connects Miramar and the eastern suburgs with Wellington’s Oriental Bay using high quality walking and cycling paths.

At this point cyclists can follow the bi-directional cycle path alongside Evans Bay Parade. Walkers can follow the path alongside the marina. From there the footpath runs alongside the cycle path all the way along the Tahitai route. Walkers can do a little detour to follow the seashore path at Greta Point and join the main route at the Greta Point Lookout. From here the route goes past a number of small bays, some of which are great for swimming. At Point Jerningham you get a fantastic panorama of Wellington City across the Lambton Harbour. From here you carry on along the beautiful and very popular Oriental Bay. White sand is shipped over from the South Island to make this a fantastic beach.

Yes, you can run the Great Harbour Way route as well.

Or have a swim at one of the nice beaches.

And enjoy a relaxing moment at Oriental Parade.

The Wellington Waterfront Walk / Wellington Writer's Walk starts at the corner of Oriental Parade and Herd Street and connects up with the Ara Moana route along the water edge. Check out the various sculptures along this route, include the big "WELL_NGTON" sign where you can be the "I". As you pass the famous Te Papa Museum you will come to a bridge where you will turn right on to the Commonwealth walkway. Be careful as it is narrow and tricky for walkers and cyclists alike. If you are the latter, slow right down and share with care! At the next bridge is the Whairepo Lagoon. It is worthwhile to walk around this as you can often spot stingrays gliding through the clear water.

Keep following the Commonwealth walkway along the water and carry on along Lady Elizabeth Lane till you get to the Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry terminal. Congratulations! You have completed the 1st leg of the Great Harbour Way. Hopefully you have taken your time to stop along the way at one of the many cafes and to check out the various sightseeing points.

Be the "I" in WELL.NGTON.

Visit the fantastic Te Papa museum.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.