Auckland
Shakespear Lookout Track: a clear guide to the Te Haruhi Bay loop
Walk Shakespear’s 2.5 km Lookout Track from Te Haruhi Bay. Find the blue markers, parking, coastal views, route maps and what to pack.
Updated 6 October 2026: Removed the expired Waterfall Gully works notice and refreshed the nearby access advice.
About this guide: Researched by ReGear using the official sources linked below. This is a planning guide, not a firsthand trip report. Check the land manager’s latest notices before travelling.
| Route | Lookout Track loop from Te Haruhi Bay |
|---|---|
| Distance and time | 2.5 km; Council estimate 40 minutes |
| Markers | Blue |
| Surface | Grass and gravel, with a steep section |
| Start | First car park at Te Haruhi Bay, Bruce Harvey Drive |
| Dogs | Not allowed on this walking route |
Where it is
What to expect
A 2.5 km coastal loop from Te Haruhi Bay, with open grassland, a steep climb and wide Hauraki Gulf views. Allow about 40 minutes of walking, plus time at the lookout or beach. It is a good short outing if your group is comfortable walking uphill.
Finding the start
Head along Bruce Harvey Drive to the first car park at Te Haruhi Bay. Find the Lookout Track signs and follow the blue markers. Toilets are at the start; check the posted vehicle-gate times if visiting late in the day.
The route
Follow the blue markers uphill over grass and gravel to the lookout, then continue around the loop back to the bay. Expect one steep section and take care on damp grass. Check the marker colour at junctions.
Orange marks the route. Tap the map for a larger view.
The views
The lookout opens across Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf, with views towards Wenderholm and Mahurangi. Te Haruhi Bay makes a good place to pause afterwards. In spring, give sheep and lambs plenty of space and leave gates as directed.
Time and effort
The distance is short, but the climb will get you breathing harder. Allow extra time with children or for a picnic. The open hills can be sunny and windy, so bring sun protection and a light layer. Grass and slopes make this a walking route rather than a step-free outing.
What to bring
I’d take shoes with good tread, water, a snack and a rain or wind layer. Add a phone with the map saved and a small first-aid kit. Bring a bag for rubbish: there are no bins to rely on. Dogs are not allowed on this route.
Before you leave
Follow the blue-marked Lookout Track and check the park’s latest notices before adding other walks. The Pink Beach boardwalk remains out of service. For footwear checks, see our hiking-boot fitting guide.
Choosing gear for this walk
Open grassland calls for both sun protection and a layer for wind. Check a second-hand rain shell’s seams, lining and hood adjustment rather than judging weather protection from its appearance alone. Choose shoes with intact tread for the steep grass section and carry your water securely in a small daypack.
Use our New Zealand day-walk gear guide to check your kit, and our used outdoor gear checklist before buying. If you need a replacement, browse current hiking gear; check the measurements and condition of the individual item.
Maps, sources and image credits
Source check: 6 October 2026. Check the official links for current access and conditions.
Location photograph: KazzaMiller, 29 August 2020; CC BY-SA 4.0.
Map imagery: LINZ and Imagery Basemap contributors, under CC BY 4.0; see the LINZ copyright statement. Cropped with route highlights and labels. Route overlay: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Updated 26 September 2026: shortened the walking advice and practical planning information.
Additional photo: KazzaMiller, 2020-08-29; CC BY-SA 4.0.
