Discover Cox's Bay Reserve Blind Low Vision Walk

Join Auckland Council Park Rangers for a relaxed and accessible guided walk through Cox's Bay Reserve. Designed specifically for blind and low vision participants, this walk invites you to connect with nature using all your senses while exploring one of Auckland's beautiful coastal reserves.

Discover the textures of native plants, listen to birdsong and the sounds of the harbour, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and experience the changing landscapes of the reserve through guided sensory activities and audio descriptions.

Along the way, you'll learn about local wildlife, native ecosystems, and the cultural significance of some of Aotearoa's native plants. The walk is delivered at a comfortable pace with support available to help participants feel confident and included.

Whether you're a regular park visitor or exploring a reserve for the first time, this is an opportunity to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature, meet new people, and strengthen your connection with te taiao (the natural world).

Contact Tabitha if you need help booking: Tabitha.becroft1@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

When: Wednesday 23rd September, 10am at Cox's Bay or 9:20 at BLVNZ office in Parnell for bus pick up

Who: Blind and low vision participants, friends, whānau, and support people are welcome

Where: Cox's Bay Reserve, 40 Kingsley Street, Westmere, Auckland 1022

Transport: Free return bus from the Blind Low Vision NZ office in Parnell

Cost: Free

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle

Path Details:

• Surface:

  • Sections of boardwalk and concrete path

  • Some stairs with regular treads and rises

• Width: 2m wide

• Length: 2 km loop

• Gradient: Mostly flat with a few short inclines and steps

• Bridges: wide board walk with slip proof surface

• Estimated Pace: 40 minutes per km (approx. 1.5 km/hour) for a relaxed walk with stops

The walk will begin along the edge of Cox’s Bay Reserve, where open green spaces will meet the gentle flow of the tidal stream. It will follow the waterway upstream to Parawai Crescent, offering tranquil sounds of nature along the way. A short section on the footpath will lead into the leafy sanctuary of Hukanui Reserve. Here, the walk will cross the stream and climb a set of stairs to reach a vantage point overlooking Bayfield Park.

From this elevated view, the path will slope back down toward the stream, where it will cross again into Cox’s Bay Reserve. The walk will continue tracing the stream as it winds toward the waterfront. It will finish with a scenic loop skirting the sports fields, bringing everyone back to the pavilio, a perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty of this urban oasis.

Toilets: At the Carpark