The Whangaparāoa Path leads from Whangaparaoa town centre via the Rata Road walkway to Stanmore Bay Beach. It connects the town centre with a coastal destination; the surrounding area also has trails and activities on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.

The route between the town centre and the beach

The Whangaparāoa Path is mostly paved and can be used with a stroller. However, there is a fairly steep section between the town centre and Rata Road Reserve. So, a paved surface does not mean the route is flat all the way. At the Rata Road walkway, the path crosses several bridges and passes wetlands and a large pond.

Use of the path may also be relevant when planning: around the start and end of the school day, it is busy with students from Whangaparaoa College. These times may vary depending on school hours.

Play and park facilities at Stanmore Bay

The path passes through Stanmore Bay Park, which has a beach volleyball court and a small playground for toddlers. Stanmore Bay Beach has another playground with a flying fox, a large climbing net, a log rope swing and a separate area for toddlers. When planning, you can choose between the facilities in the park and the larger play area at the beach.

Public toilets are available at the library and at Stanmore Bay Beach. If you need this information for your visit, check the current situation in advance.

Nature and activities on the peninsula

Shakespear Regional Park lies nearby, at the eastern end of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. Its landscape includes regenerating native forest, cliffs, sheltered bays and wetlands. The park also includes historic sites and a lookout. Along the coast, there are cliff-top views and beach coves.

The park has walking trails. You can walk across farmland and through native bush to enjoy 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf; swimming, kayaking and fishing are also possible. This makes the park different from the connection between the town centre and Stanmore Bay Beach: the focus here is on scenery, views and a range of activities.

More things to do nearby

Along the coast of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, you can paddleboard or take a windsurfing lesson with Flying Forwards. Courses may change, so check with the provider in advance. A ferry also runs once a day from Gulf Harbour to Tiritiri Matangi, nearby. Check current departure times with the operator before travelling, as the service may change.

Find hotels to suit your travel plans

This lets you tailor your search to your own travel plans without automatically combining all the destinations into a single day trip.

Discover more destinations: Waiwera, Papakura, Snells Beach, Kawau Island, Matakana, Orewa, Newmarket, Takanini.

Return to the main travel overview: Auckland.