WESTHAVEN PROMENADE
-36°50'21"S 174°44'48"E_ Westhaven Marina_ Tāmaki Makaurau_ Auckland
An expanded land – sea interface shaped by ecology, marine infrastructure and episodic experience.
Westhaven Promenade establishes a 2km continuous shared path linking Wynyard Quarter to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, transforming a previously inaccessible marina edge into an inclusive and multi-functional public corridor. The project integrates green and blue systems to create a cohesive waterfront experience within one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest marinas.
The strategy responds to the working character of Westhaven Marina, tidal conditions and the broader harbour ecology. Rather than displace marina operations, the design weaves public access through active marine infrastructure - reconciling boating, land-based industry and recreation within a unified spatial framework.
A 5m wide promenade, bespoke seating, lighting and new coastal structures establish a legible and resilient promenade expereince. Observation platforms, piers and repurposed pontoons extend access to the water’s edge, while ecological enhancement of the coastal margin strengthens biodiversity and integrates green and sustainable infrastructures. Close collaboration with marina operators ensures that new infrastructure supports both operational efficiency and public occupation
Westhaven Promenade operates as waterfront connector, recreation corridor and working harbour interface. It demonstrates how landscape-led design can integrate industry, ecology and public access - transforming a functional marina into a dynamic public destination along Auckland’s harbour edge.
Details
2011 - 2015 (Stage 1)
2016 - 2020 (Stage 2)
Date
Westhaven, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
Location
Waterfront Auckland (Stage 1)
Eke Panuku (Stage 2)
Client
Budget
$7.5m (Stage 1)
$20m (Stage 2)
Collaborators
Graham Tipene (Stage 1 & 2)
ASPECT Studios (Stage 1)
Architectus (Stage 1)
JAWA Structures (Stage 1)
E3BW (Stage 1)
BECA (Stage 2)
RCP (Stage 2)
Switch (Stage 2)
Awards
BEST Awards Spatial Winner (2021)
NZILA Award of Excellence in Parks + Open Spaces (2017)
Metro Magazine, Best of Auckland (2016)

