Starts at 32 Creamery Road, Mangere, Auckland
Explore the Māngere Lagoon explosion crater and scenic Manukau Harbour on foot or bike.
Once part of the Māngere wastewater treatment plant, Māngere Lagoon was restored as part of the largest coastal rehabilitation project in New Zealand history.
The flat, wide path is popular with cyclists (be prepared for gravel tracks) and is also suitable for pushchairs. The path is mostly dry, even in winter.
Start at the car park on the corner of Creamery Road and Greenwood Road, and follow the loop path. As you walk or cycle, you'll be rewarded with great views of the lagoon, rugged shoreline and native birdlife. You can also see across to Māngere Mountain and Puketutu Island.
When you reach the Manukau Harbour shoreline, stay on the path to the left to remain on the Māngere Lagoon loop (shown in image). Look out for native birdlife - nearby bird roosts attract species from the Arctic Circle, Asia and the South Island, as well as local wading birds.
If you have more time, continue onto the spectacular 7km long Watercare Coastal Walkway, which runs along the shoreline from Ambury Regional Park to the Ōtuataua Stonefields. The gravel tracks and boardwalks of the Watercare Coastal Walkway are relatively flat, making it suitable for cyclists and walkers of all ages and level of fitness.
Dogs are not permitted, however nearby Greenwood Road Park is ideal for dog exercising.
