Harbour cycleway a weekend must
The Onehunga to Mangere Bridge and Ambury Farm Park cycleway opens up Auckland’s industrial heartland and the picturesque Kiwi Esplanade in Mangere.
The mostly flat, sealed, 7 kilometre route is an excellent ride for a cross section of riders and scores 10/10 for quality of cycleway and for the experience.
The first 4km of the ride starts in Onehunga at the end of Hugo Johnston Dr with the fenced two way cycleway leading past the Southdown Power Station and container storage sites before opening up onto the upper Manukau Harbour. There are places to stop views of Mangere Mountain and the harbour.
Continuing past Waikaraka Cemetery, the cycleway nestles into the harbour edge and leads upward and under the new Mangere Bridge.
The cyclepath passes over the old Mangere Bridge - a popular fishing spot.
The Kiwi Esplanade Reserve cycleway is a flat, narrow, concrete two way route along the southern coast of the Manukau Harbour offering views of Hillsborough and the city. There are several playgrounds, and toilet facilities along this portion of the ride.
The Kiwi Esplanade Reserve cycleway provides glimpses of migratory birds, such as the South Island Pied Oystercatchers. The cycleway ends at Ambury Farm Park.