The new Marine Parade coastal pathway in Mount Maunganui is now open to the public. The pathway is located between Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve) and Oceanbeach Road. Tauranga City Council Commissioners, Anne Tolley and Shad Rolleston, members of the local Ngāi Tūkairangi and Ngāti Kuku tribes, and other guests attended the official opening.
The 3km pathway follows the beach, offering locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the beautiful coastline. “Whether you’re going for a walk, having a picnic, or just enjoying the ocean views, the Marine Parade pathway is a great place to enjoy the summer,” says Anne Tolley, the commission chair.
The pathway is 4m wide, making it suitable for a variety of users, including walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, skaters, and scooter riders. The pathway was designed to be inclusive and accessible, based on community feedback.
Tauranga City Council thanked the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and the Port of Tauranga for their support in creating the pathway. Shad Rolleston, a commissioner, mentioned that the Port’s contribution to a new playground along the pathway will be a joy for children for many years to come.
Additional amenities along the pathway include seven new barbeques, 15 bike stands, 12 picnic tables, 11 seats, and several rubbish and recycling stations. The Marine Parade pathway extends the existing Main Beach boardwalk, built in 1999.
The pathway, a mix of concrete and timber surfaces, was developed with the help of local Ngāi Tūkairangi and Ngāti Kuku tribes. Boffa Miskell designed it and Fulton Hogan built it. Construction started in April 2023 and parts of the path have been opened as the project progressed. Some final touches will be completed early next year.
The pathway will also undergo revegetation and dune restoration work over the next few years. The Marine Parade coastal pathway is part of a network of walkways and cycleways across Tauranga Moana. These paths offer a healthy, eco-friendly way to travel and experience the city’s natural beauty. For more information on what’s happening in Mount Maunganui, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/mountprojects.
