About the path
This path takes in spectacular views across the Waitematā while also giving you an up-close interaction with the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the heritage of Northcote Point.
It’s full of historical features, including Te Onewa Pā and many old villas and buildings. Te Onewa Pā, which sits at the end of Stokes Point and now under the harbour bridge was a fortified village complete with trenches. Local iwi fished in the bay and gathered berries and roots from nearby forests .
Originally called Rough Point after Auckland’s first harbourmaster Captain David Rough, the area was renamed Stokes Point after the captain of the survey ship Acheron during a survey of the Waitematā Harbour.
A ferry service ran between Auckland and Stokes Point up until the building of the harbour bridge. The one-kilometre long bridge significantly contributed to the growth of the North Shore.
Start the walk outside the Northcote Point Senior Citizens Association, once called Balmoral House. On the opposite side of Bartley Street is the old post office, opened in 1929 by then Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward.
As you wander through the suburb of Northcote Point, you’ll notice the beautiful examples of early 20th century housing.
At the end of Tennyson Street is the Sulphur Point motorway underpass. Take this underpass and emerge on the harbourside of the northern motorway.
Walking along the edge of the harbour towards Sulphur Beach Reserve provides some spectacular views across to the city centre.
Ensure you time your walk with low tide to walk along the beach and around the rocks underneath the bridge to the boatyard on Princes Street. If it is high tide the only way to get between the beach and the boatyard is to walk up Sulphur Beach Road to Beach Road and then along Princes Street.
Emerging on Princes Street puts you right next to the harbour bridge sign and the start of the literary inscriptions on the pillars.
The entrance to Te Onewa Pā / Stokes Point Reserve is to the left. Follow the boardwalk down to get to Te Onewa Pā. When you arrive at the headland, you’ll see the memorial to three workers killed during the construction of the harbour bridge. A majestic pou, carved by Reuben Kirkwood also stands at the headland and is a visual reminder the gods, future leaders and community in between.
From Te Onewa Pā, head to the left and down the stairs to Fisherman’s Wharf to get some incredible views of the city centre framed by the harbour bridge.
After wandering up the hill to rejoin Queen Street, check out for some of the key heritage buildings like the former shops at 26 Queen Street, the Northcote Tavern (the Highlander Bar is worth stopping to look at for any Scottish fans), the former Billiard Saloon and RSA clubrooms and former bakery.
Finish off by taking a small detour down the former Hall Street (now path) to Halls Beach to cool your feet off before returning to the former Balmoral House.
