Tamaki Drive - Round the Bays

Tamaki Drive is one of Auckland's playgrounds. The road hugs the edge of the Waitemata Harbour from the central business district, through bays and past beaches to St Heliers 10 kilometres away. On the landward side steep cliffs give way to beaches at Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers Bay. A number of ancient headland Pa that jut out to the Waitemata Harbour are now covered with upmarket housing. The home fires of Ngati Whatua still burn at Okahu Bay and Takaparawha while Tumutumu Whenua - their sacred meeting house stands on the Orakei ridge.
The route is made more spectacular in early summer by the crimson blooms of New Zealand’s own Christmas tree, the pohutukawa. In March each year it takes on a party atmosphere when thousands of people take part in the Round the Bays run.