The Dawn > Things to do
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Things to doGoogle Maps: Harbourview - Orangihina Harbourview in Te Atatu is a place of ecological, archaeological and cultural heritage value and is an opportunity to preserve open space in the urban environment.
Located on Te Atatu Peninsula, Harbourview - Orangihina offers something truly special. As you wander along the all weather path to the south, or meander along our gravel track to the north, breathe in the salty sea air as you look out over the WaitemataHarbour. Take in the uninterrupted panoramic views of AucklandCity, the HarbourBridge and Rangitoto from the resting places.  For an experience of the entire peninsula Harbourview - Orangihina offers a perfect starting point for the Te Atatu Peninsula Walkway a meandering track that follows the changing coastline of the peninsula from the Waitemata Harbour to the mouth of the Henderson Creek.
Harbourview - Orangihina is home to a number of historic sites, time is captured in archaeological middens from early Maori occupation, to historic villas, brickwork remnants and World War II gun emplacements. Specially created wetlands on the lower terrace at Harbourview - Orangihina offer habitat to an abundant wildlife which include the world travelling Godwit, the rare and shy Fernbird and the Kokopu, a stream fish native to New Zealand. Harbourview Walkway Wide open spaces, panoramic views and bracing sea air makes this a great place to escape to.
The Harbourview walkway wends its way past two historic homes, over several small creeks, and leads you down and around some specially created water features. There are boardwalks and a picnic platform out over the water at Harbourview Reserve.
Special inhabitants of Harbourview include the rare and shy fernbird, kokopu (a native fish found in the streams) and godwits - world travelling birds who visit the shell banks off the peninsula.
 As you wander, take in the panoramic views; the harbour, the city scape in the distance and, beyond, Auckland's icon, RangitotoIsland.
Distance: 1530m
How to get there
Head to Te Atatu Peninsula. Take Harbourview Road or Waikura Dr, Riverstone Rd, Longbush Rd, Provence Esplanade, Danica Esplanade or turn off Te Atatu Rd just past the roundabout. Te Atatu Pony Club at Harbourview
Te Atatu Peninsula Recreation
You'll be able to walk around the entire peninsula when completed, however, sections you can do now are: The 20 minute Harbourview Reserve walk (photo) has stunning views across a wetland and the WaitemataHarbour.
 Spinnaker & Kelvin Strand walk takes 10 minutes and follows a coastal wetland and a sandy beach to view West Harbour Marina. Chapman Strand follows a seawall to the Te Atatu Boat Club.
A 20-minute loop walk around Taipari Strand, has views of mangroves and coastal bush. Gloria Park provides access to a short bush walk in Springbank Esplanade.
How to get there
Harbourveiw - Te Atatu Road and right at the Gloria Road roundabout, or Harbourview Drive via Te Atatu Road roundabout, Te Atatu Peninsula
Spinnaker Strand - Beach Road, Te Atatu Peninsula Kelvin Strand - Kelvin Crescent via Gill Ave and Beach Road, Te Atatu Peninsula Chapman Strand - Chapman Road via Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu Peninsula Taipari Strand - Taikata Road, Te Atatu Peninsula GloriaPark - Gloria Ave, Te AtatuPeninsula Harbourview
And a City view too!
Harbourview is for those who love cityscapes and panoramic views of the harbour. The light and weather constantly alter the scene.
A walkway leads you along Te Atatu Peninsula just above the wetland where wildlife abounds.  Spot some of the heritage sites along the way: two historic homes, and midden from early Maori occupation. There is a lookout over the water for watching the birds and plenty of places to rest, relax and soak in the view.
Facilities available
Chapman Strand (R), Spinnaker Strand (W), Kelvin Strand (R) and Taipari Strand (Jetty, P, T, W) are all sections of a beautiful coastal walkway around Te Atatu Peninsula. How to get there Harbour View Road, via Danica Esplanade or Te Atatu Road - just off the roundabout. NB: it takes about 20minutes to walk from the South to the North end of walkway. Taipari Strand
Taipari Strand, on the western side of Te Atatu Peninsula looks over the Henderson creek
 with many opportunities for water skiiers, rowers, canoers, kayakers and yachtees to launch from the safety of the boat ramps with plenty of parking. An extensive track network allows you to explore the park with a new playground for the kids. Contact the Waitemata Rowing Club, Kenley Water Ski Club or the Waitemata Canoe and Multi Sports Club for further information. Kelvin Strand
 A peaceful spot to enjoy extensive views across the WaitemataHarbour to Auckland Citys' skyline. A great spot for a picnic. A planned bridge will allow walkers to pass through the mangrove coastal forest to Dawnhaven Esplanade and beyond. Spinnaker Strand
 Continuing on from Kelvin Strand, walkers can enjoy outstanding sea views from the beach at the end of Beach Road or Spinnaker Drive in Te Atatu Peninsula.
Chapman Strand  Located at the northern tip of Te Atatu Peninsula, Chapman Strand provides a safe haven for launching boats or even keen swimmers.
 The Taikata sailing club welcomes new members. A Local View Of The Te Atatu Peninsula
Article by Amy Cameron. Reprinted with permission from ACP Media (MetroLive)
When Laila Harré decided to stand for the Alliance in Te Atatu in 1993, she didn’t know the area at all. But it didn’t take long. “I spent six months knocking on every door.” Now she’s lived on the Te Atatu peninsula for almost 13 years. She and husband Barry Gribben bought a section on the north-eastern side and built a house overlooking the Waitemata. Their sons Sam, 18, and Jack, 13, used to tell Harré she was the most protective mother they knew of, but they were allowed to go eeling in the creek, crash about in the bush and go to the skate park — as long as they didn’t venture past the motorway. The peninsula is dominated by kids and though the West Auckland youth gang culture is alive and well, Harré says, “I don’t feel it dominates. They’re decent kids, and they’re no more violent or aggressive than anywhere else.” Harbourview-Orangihina Reserve: Harré says this reserve, a popular spot for concerts, is known as the People’s Park, after protesters convinced the Waitakere City Council not to develop the entire eastern side of the peninsula. A walkway starts from the corner of Karemoana and Waikura Drives, wending its way down to Danica Esplanade past historic homesteads, wetlands and man-made lakes. Te Atatu Peninsula Walk: Eventually it will be possible to do a coastal walk all the way around the peninsula but for now there are walks from Spinnaker Drive, Kelvin Cres, Chapman Rd and Taipari Rd. Harré regularly runs the stretch from Spinnaker down to the motorway and back — a good 7km run, with spectacular views back towards the city. Jack Pringle Skate Park, Pringle Rd: The skate park is a popular congregation spot for the peninsula’s children. Harré enjoys sitting at the pub across the road and watching them do their stuff.
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