Te Ara I Whiti – Lightpath Auckland
Auckland's iconic pink Lightpath, a vibrant pedestrian and cycleway illuminated at night, offering stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lights create a magical glow
Te Ara I Whiti – Lightpath Auckland
Best Time
Lights create a magical glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Auckland's iconic pink Lightpath, a vibrant pedestrian and cycleway illuminated at night, offering stunning city views.
"It's like Auckland's little glowing secret – but not really a secret."
Clean Shoes for Tree Protection
Clean your shoes before walking to protect the surrounding trees! :athletic_shoe:
Perfect for Bikes & Scooters
Ideal for cycling, e-scootering, or learning to ride. :scooter:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pink Pathway
Nelson Street to Karangahape Road
A stunning 700m elevated walkway and cycleway, famous for its vibrant pink hue and mesmerizing light displays.
Nighttime Illumination
The entire Lightpath
Experience the magic as integrated LED lights transform the path into a glowing, futuristic spectacle after dark.
Sky Tower Views
Along the path
Enjoy picturesque views of Auckland's iconic Sky Tower, especially captivating as you approach the city center.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pink Glow
Getting Around & Parking
+1 parking nearby can be challenging during the day. After 7 PM, street parking becomes more accessible. Many visitors arrive by bike or e-scooter, using it as a scenic route into the city center.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Clean Shoes for Tree Protection
Clean your shoes before walking to protect the surrounding trees! :athletic_shoe:
Perfect for Bikes & Scooters
Ideal for cycling, e-scootering, or learning to ride. :scooter: +1
Nighttime Photo Ops
Spectacular at night when lit up! Great for photos. :camerawithflash:
Parking Challenges
Daytime parking is tough. Try after 7 PM for easier street spots. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Clean Shoes for Tree Protection
Clean your shoes before walking to protect the surrounding trees! :athletic_shoe:
Perfect for Bikes & Scooters
Ideal for cycling, e-scootering, or learning to ride. :scooter: +1
Nighttime Photo Ops
Spectacular at night when lit up! Great for photos. :camerawithflash:
Parking Challenges
Daytime parking is tough. Try after 7 PM for easier street spots. :car:
Short but Sweet
A quick 700m walk, but you'll want to do it twice! :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Te Ara I Whiti, Auckland's 'Pink Lightpath,' for its unique aesthetic, vibrant color, and magical nighttime illumination. It's praised as a fun and safe space for walking, cycling, and photography, offering great city views. While parking can be a challenge during the day, the overall experience is highly recommended for its novelty and visual appeal.
""Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath: Auckland’s Glowing Pink Catwalk"!
A bright, bold, and beautiful walk right in the heart of Auckland city. Whether you're a casual stroller, serious cyclist, or just someone looking to feel like you're in a neon music video, this pink bridge has you covered.
It’s a short walk (around 15 mins tops) connecting Nelson Street to Karangahape Road — but don’t let the short distance fool you. It's surprisingly calming, and you’ll probably want to turn around and do it twice. The glowing lights at night give it that sci-fi, futuristic vibe… kind of like you’re walking inside a highlighter.
Good for photos, great for stretching your legs after a heavy dinner, and perfect for pretending you're cooler than you actually are.
🚲 Bikes welcome. 👟 Walkers too. 🚗 Parking? Ah… the only villain in this love story. Daytime parking is a pain, but after 7pm you might score a street spot.
Would I go back? 100% yes. It’s like Auckland’s little glowing secret — but not really a secret.
"Logan was here. The only pink i'll do again""
Loga_KL
"Calm and quiet walking route, every now and then a few bikes pass by. Love the pink, and pretty good views of the city skyline. I enjoyed even on a cold rainy day! Note, there’s not much greenery on the way, as you’re right next to highways."
Sarah Hernandez
"For those who love to walk and appreciate the beauty of it this is the place to go either early morning or in the afternoon. Bring your bike or scooter or even learn to ride a bike. If your favourite colour is pink, you will enjoy it here the most just like my moko."
Arlene Barraca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Te Ara I Whiti is located in central Auckland, connecting Nelson Street to Karangahape Road. You can easily access it by walking, cycling, or using public transport to reach the city center. Many visitors arrive via the Northwestern Cycleway or from the city's main streets.
Daytime parking near Te Ara I Whiti can be difficult. It's recommended to use public transport, cycle, or scooter to reach the path. If driving, street parking may become available after 7 PM.
Absolutely! Te Ara I Whiti is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists, including e-scooters. It's a popular route for micromobility users.+1
You can connect to Te Ara I Whiti from the Northwestern Cycleway. There are some hills to navigate to reach Queen Street and then descend to the pink path, but it's a rewarding journey.
The Lightpath is a relatively flat and accessible route, making it suitable for most visitors. Its smooth surface is ideal for learning to ride bikes or for a leisurely stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath is a public walkway and cycleway and is free to access. There are no admission fees.
The Lightpath is open 24/7. However, its unique illuminated features are best appreciated from dusk onwards.
There is no entry fee to experience Te Ara I Whiti. It's a free public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, you can visit Te Ara I Whiti at any time. For the full visual experience with the lights, visiting between dusk and dawn is highly recommended.
Occasionally, special events or art installations take place on Te Ara I Whiti, particularly during festivals like Matariki. Keep an eye on local Auckland event listings for updates.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The entire pink pathway is incredibly photogenic, especially at night when the lights are on.
Yes, even during the day, the vibrant pink color is striking. However, the illuminated effect at night offers a unique and often preferred visual experience.
You'll get great views of the Auckland city skyline, including the Sky Tower. It offers a unique perspective of the urban landscape.
Drone usage in urban areas like Auckland is subject to strict regulations. It's essential to check the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) guidelines and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near Te Ara I Whiti.
For vibrant, glowing shots, dusk and nighttime are ideal. For softer light and clear city views, early morning or late afternoon can also be beautiful.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Lightpath is approximately 700 meters long. A leisurely walk takes about 15-20 minutes, but many people enjoy walking it multiple times or stopping for photos.
Crowds can vary. It's generally busier during peak commuting hours, evenings, and weekends. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday can offer a more peaceful experience.
The surface is smooth and paved, making it ideal for walking, cycling, and scootering. It was originally a motorway ramp, now repurposed for active transport.
Te Ara I Whiti is primarily a pathway and doesn't have extensive amenities. It's best to use facilities in the surrounding city center before or after your visit.
Te Ara I Whiti translates to 'The Lightpath' in Māori. The name reflects its illuminated nature and its role as a pathway for connection and movement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists & Micromobility Enthusiasts
+2 It's a great way to experience Auckland's urban core while enjoying some fresh air and exercise. The path can be integrated into longer rides, connecting to other cycleways like the Northwestern Cycleway.📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
The views of the Sky Tower add to the photographic appeal. Visit during twilight for a magical blend of natural and artificial light.+1🚶♀️ Walkers & Casual Strollers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation of a Motorway Ramp
The transformation involved not only repainting the ramp in its iconic bright pink hue but also integrating a sophisticated LED lighting system. This system, designed to be visually striking, illuminates the path and creates a dynamic, almost futuristic ambiance, especially after dark.
The project was a collaborative effort, highlighting how urban spaces can be reimagined to serve community needs and enhance city life.Today, Te Ara I Whiti serves as a crucial link for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting Nelson Street to Karangahape Road and offering a safe and scenic alternative to busy city streets. It's a testament to innovative urban planning and a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its unique aesthetic and practical function.
+1Experiencing The Lightpath: Beyond the Pink
+1 Many families use it as a secure environment for children to learn to ride their bikes, free from the dangers of traffic.The path's elevated position offers unique perspectives of Auckland's urban landscape. As you traverse the 700-meter stretch, you'll be treated to views of the iconic Sky Tower and the surrounding city skyline.
This makes it a great spot for a leisurely stroll after a meal or a refreshing break during a busy day of sightseeing. The relatively short distance means it's easily incorporated into any city itinerary, and many find themselves wanting to experience it more than once.For photographers, Te Ara I Whiti is a dream. The interplay of the vibrant pink, the urban backdrop, and the dynamic lighting creates endless opportunities for stunning shots. Whether you're capturing the path at golden hour, under the glow of the city lights, or even on a moody, rainy day, the results are consistently impressive.
+1 It's a place that truly comes alive, especially as the sun sets and the lights begin to twinkle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit