The Hātea Loop Walkway (also known as Huarahi o te Whai) is a 4.2km shared path that circles the Hātea River from Whangārei’s Town Basin, passing through the heart of the city before looping back along the waterfront. It is completely flat, sealed all the way around, and suitable for cycling, walking, scooting, and all mobility aids. The loop crosses three bridges, passes the Hundertwasser Art Centre, a skate park, cafes, playgrounds, and riverside sculptures — making it one of the most scenic and varied short rides in Northland. Most people complete it in around 50 minutes to an hour, though it is easy to linger longer.
Practical Information
| Distance | 4.2km loop |
| Grade | Easy (Grade 1) |
| Surface | Sealed path, flat throughout |
| Time | 50 minutes to 1 hour |
| Start/Finish | Town Basin, Whangārei |
| Open | Year-round, all hours |
| Facilities | Cafes, toilets, playground, skate park, and parking at Town Basin |
| Suitable for | Bikes, scooters, prams, wheelchairs, dogs on leash |
About the Hātea Loop Walkway
The loop starts and finishes at the Town Basin marina precinct, which has cafes, restaurants, and public toilets — a good place to start and finish. From there, the path crosses three bridges as it makes its way around the Hātea River, with the most striking being Te Matau a Pohe, a bascule bridge that lifts to allow boat traffic through.
Along the route, you’ll pass the Hundertwasser Art Centre, one of New Zealand’s most distinctive pieces of architecture. At Hihiaua Point there is a large stone sculpture of a Māori waka breaking through a wave — one of several artworks that appear along the path. The route also passes Pohe Island, where the skate park, BMX track, and the Pohe Island Bike Park sit alongside the river.
The loop is entirely flat and sealed, which makes it genuinely accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and anyone who doesn’t want gradients. Dogs are welcome on leash. Because the path circles through the middle of the city, it also functions as a practical connector between the Town Basin precinct and the wider waterfront area.
Along the Way
The Hātea Loop also connects to other cycling routes. At the western end, the path joins the Hātea River Walk cycling route that continues upstream to Whangārei Falls — extending your ride considerably if you want to. The Kamo Shared Path also feeds into the city end of the loop, meaning you can ride in from Kamo’s northern suburbs and connect directly to the waterfront circuit.
What Visitors Say
“Lovely river views, easy flat paths, and lots of locals enjoying the area. Excellent scenery and a very well maintained track — dog-friendly on a lead. Good parking available at each end.”
“A beautiful riverside walk through the centre of Whangarei. The bridges are great for spotting fish and eels in the water below.”
Where to Learn More
Whangarei District Council — Hātea Loop Shared Path
Official route information, maps, and gallery images from the WDC.
AllTrails — Hātea Loop Walkway
Trail map, user reviews, and current conditions for the Hātea Loop.
Bike Northland — Huarahi o te Whai
Route details and cycling information for the Hātea Loop from Bike Northland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Hātea Loop Walkway?
The loop is 4.2km and takes most people around 50 minutes to an hour to complete by bike or on foot.
Where do I start?
The most common starting point is the Town Basin marina precinct, which has parking, cafes, and public toilets.
Is the Hātea Loop suitable for cycling?
Yes — the sealed, flat path is ideal for cycling. It is also suitable for scooters, prams, wheelchairs, and dogs on leash.
Can I extend the ride from the Hātea Loop?
Yes. The loop connects to the Hātea River Walk, which continues upstream along the river to Whangārei Falls — an additional 6km one way.
Is there parking at the Hātea Loop?
Yes. There is parking at the Town Basin and at a couple of points along the route including Mair Park.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on the Hātea Loop as long as they are on a leash.
For more cycling routes in Whangārei, see Cycling Tracks in Whangarei. If you want to extend your ride, the Hātea River Walk continues from the loop to Whangārei Falls.