Last updated July 2026
Boswell’s Track forms part of the Waimahanga Walkway and Onerahi Shared Path network in Whangārei. It follows a disused railway alignment through bush and mangrove estuary along the harbour edge. The track offers an easy, flat route popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. Official details list Boswell’s Track as 2.5 km one way with a Grade 2 rating and an estimated 45 minutes to complete. It connects with the broader 6 km Onerahi Shared Path that links Onerahi to the Town Basin area.
Practical Information
| Distance | 2.5 km one way (Boswell’s Track); up to 6 km combining with Onerahi Shared Path |
| Grade | Grade 2 |
| Surface | All-weather track, gravel and formed paths |
| Time | 45 minutes one way for Boswell’s Track |
| Location | 25 Waimahanga Road, Onerahi, Whangārei |
| Open | Year-round |
| Access | Parking at end of Waimahanga Road; connects to Onerahi Shared Path and Hātea Loop |
| Dogs | Allowed on leash |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair and pushchair friendly on main sections |
About Boswell’s Track
Boswell’s Track follows the alignment of a former railway line that once ran between the old Onerahi wharf and the Port Road area. A notable feature was the 300-metre timber bridge nicknamed the Gull Roost, which operated from 1911 to 1933 and included a lifting section for boats. Today the track passes through bush before entering the mangrove-dominated intertidal zone of Whangārei Harbour.
The mangrove section provides close views of tidal flats and associated wildlife, especially at low tide. The route is relatively flat and remains near sea level throughout. Circular walks are possible by linking with streets in Onerahi. The track forms a key segment of the Onerahi Shared Path, which extends from Dave Culham Drive on Pohe Island through to the southern tip of the Onerahi Peninsula.
Tracks in the area are described as all-weather and accessible to most users. The George Point Road link includes steps, while other sections feature boardwalks and footbridges. The setting offers a quieter harbour-side experience compared with more urban shared paths in Whangārei.
Onerahi Shared Path Connection
The Onerahi Shared Path provides a 6 km flat route suitable for cycling and walking. It runs alongside Riverside Drive and Old Onerahi Road before joining Waimahanga Road and Boswell’s Track. The combined network creates an off-road connection toward the Hātea Loop at the Town Basin. The path stays near sea level and is popular with a wide range of users including families.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the route as a peaceful, easy ride or walk through mangroves with good birdlife and mudflat views at low tide. Many appreciate the flat, well-formed surface and the chance to extend the outing along the harbour.
Families and casual riders note the track’s accessibility and the interesting tidal environment. Reviewers often mention combining it with the wider Onerahi path network for a longer outing.
Where to Learn More
Whangarei District Council – Waimahanga Walkway: Official details, map and track descriptions for Boswell’s Track and connected paths.
Whangarei District Council – Onerahi Shared Path: Information on the full 6 km shared path network and connections.
AllTrails – Boswell’s Track: User reviews, photos and route mapping for the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Boswell’s Track?
Boswell’s Track is 2.5 km one way and takes about 45 minutes. It forms part of the larger 6 km Onerahi Shared Path network.
What grade is the track?
Boswell’s Track is rated Grade 2. Main sections are all-weather and suitable for most users.
Is the track suitable for cycling?
Yes, the route is popular with cyclists and forms part of Whangārei’s shared path network.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on leash and under control on the tracks.
Is the track wheelchair accessible?
Main sections are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, though some links include steps.
What wildlife can be seen?
The mangrove and intertidal areas support wading birds and other harbour wildlife, particularly visible at low tide.
Where can I park?
Parking is available at the end of Waimahanga Road, with additional options at Waverley Street and Cockburn Street.
Can the track be combined with other routes?
Yes, it connects directly to the Onerahi Shared Path and links toward the Hātea Loop at the Town Basin.
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