Waimapu Estuary Loop

This loop is more 'mild things' than Wild Things, but it's a good urban option if you are pressed for time. There is just enough trail and water views to keep it interesting, and its 10km length makes it perfect for lunchtime or after work. You can start anywhere on the route and run in either direction.

From the GPX start point at the end of Burrows St off Fifteenth Ave, follow the gravel path as it winds around the Waimapu Estuary. After a short distance head right up the steep street (Eighteenth Ave) and follow along past the intermediate school, turning left down Fraser Street. Veer off on to the estuary path on your left just past the shopping centre and follow the waterfront trail right around to the bottom of Yatton Park. Head up the stairs and through the park under the shade of the many established exotic & native trees. You'll pop out back on Fraser Street - head along the street and cross the road just past the roundabout. At the bottom of the hill, the road curves around past the rugby fields. Cross the road at the crossing point and skirt around the fields and over the footbridge.

You now need to make your way through the Toi-Ohomai campus, turning right at the roundabout onto Windermere Drive. At the roundabout, jump onto the footpath and up and over the motorway footbridge. From here you're following the shared walking & bike path all the way to the Hairini roundabout. Here you will need to turn right in order to reach the pedestrian crossing points, before looping back to cross the road again on to Hairini Street. Keep going across the causeway and along Turret Road, taking the path on your left which joins the boardwalk back along the Waimapu Estuary to the end of the loop.