The Onerahi to Town Basin Coastal Route is a 6km off-road cycling and walking connection that links the Onerahi suburb to Whangārei’s Town Basin marina and CBD. The route runs along the edge of Whangārei Harbour, combining the upgraded Boswell’s Track and Waimahanga Walkway through the Onerahi mangroves with a concrete shared path along Beach Road and a new section alongside Riverside Drive. It is flat, sealed for much of its length, and open to all users — bikes, scooters, prams, and wheelchairs.
Practical Information
| Distance | 6km one way (Onerahi to Town Basin) |
| Grade | Easy |
| Surface | Concrete shared path and upgraded off-road track |
| Start | Onerahi, Whangārei |
| Finish | Town Basin, Whangārei |
| Open | Year-round |
| Suitable for | Bikes, adaptive bikes, scooters, prams, wheelchairs |
| Connects to | Hātea Loop Walkway at the Town Basin end |
About the Route
The route was developed as part of Whangārei’s Urban Cycleways Programme to create a continuous off-road connection between the Onerahi suburb and the city centre. It draws on existing tracks and adds new sections to fill the gaps: the Boswell’s Track mangrove loop and the Waimahanga Walkway form the Onerahi end of the route, while a concrete shared path along Beach Road and a new section along Riverside Drive bring it into the Town Basin.
The coastal alignment means harbour views appear at various points along the route — particularly through the mangrove sections at the Onerahi end, where the track runs close to the tidal margin. The route is designed to function as both a practical commute connection and a recreational ride, and the smooth, accessible surface makes it one of the more universally usable routes in the city.
Connecting the Route to the City
At the Town Basin end, the route connects directly to the Hātea Loop Walkway — the 4.2km waterfront circuit that rings the Town Basin marina precinct. From there, you can extend the ride further upstream along the Hātea River Walk to Whangārei Falls, or head south on the Kamo Shared Path. The combination of these connected routes makes it possible to ride well over 15km entirely off-road through the heart of Whangārei.
What Visitors Say
“A great way to get from Onerahi into town without touching the road. The harbour views through the mangrove section are beautiful and the track is easy to follow the whole way.”
Where to Learn More
Whangarei District Council — Onerahi Shared Path
Official information about the Onerahi shared path project from the WDC.
Bike and Hike Northland — Whangarei Cycleway Network
Overview of the full Whangārei cycleway network, including the Onerahi to Town Basin route and how it connects to other paths.
Lupton Lodge — Cycling in Whangarei
A local accommodation guide to cycling in Whangārei, including the coastal routes through Onerahi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Onerahi to Town Basin route?
The route is 6km one way from Onerahi to the Town Basin in Whangārei’s city centre.
Is the route suitable for young children or beginners?
Yes — the flat, mostly sealed surface is accessible for all ages and abilities, including prams, wheelchairs, and scooters.
What is the surface like?
The route combines concrete shared path (Beach Road and Riverside Drive sections) with the upgraded gravel and formed track of the Boswell’s/Waimahanga corridor.
Where does the route connect at the Town Basin end?
The route joins the Hātea Loop Walkway at the Town Basin, a 4.2km waterfront circuit with cafes, playgrounds, and bridges.
Can I extend the ride from Town Basin?
Yes — the Hātea Loop connects to the Hātea River Walk, which continues 6km upstream to Whangārei Falls. The Kamo Shared Path also starts near the Town Basin.
Is parking available at either end?
There is parking in Onerahi near the start of the track and at the Town Basin at the city end.
For more cycling routes in Whangārei, see Cycling Tracks in Whangarei. The Boswell’s Track forms part of this coastal route through the Onerahi mangrove section.
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