The Esplanade, Waiheke - Permanent swing gates

Consultation outcome

After reviewing the feedback received from the Waiheke Community, we will proceed with installing swing gates to restrict vehicle access to the unpaved section of The Esplanade.

What happens next

We anticipate the gates will be installed by August 2025. We will reach out to the community prior to installing the gates.

Community feedback

Thank you for helping us make better decisions for your neighbourhood, informed by your local knowledge.

During the public engagement period between 2 and 31 October 2024, we received 452 responses from the community.

The general feedback for this proposal was positive, with 71% of respondents telling us that they supported making the unpaved section of The Esplanade for active modes use only, and 29% of respondents old us they did not support this proposal.

Many people told us limiting use to people walking, cycling, or riding a horse would make The Esplanade a more pleasant and safer place to enjoy. However, there was also concerns raised that installing the gates would limit access for people with accessibility needs or reduced mobility.

Click here to read the full feedback report.

About the project

To make it safer for people walking, cycling and riding horses down the scenic Esplanade Path, we’re proposing to close the unpaved section of The Esplanade to vehicles.

Project history

The Esplanade, between Blackpool Beach and Surfdale Beach was closed off as part of a trial between 2010 and 2011. Due to slips and repairs, the closure was extended until 2013.

The Waiheke Local Board asked Auckland Transport to look into closing off the unpaved section of The Esplanade to vehicles. This project is a priority under the Waiheke 10 Year Transport Plan.

What we are proposing

Installing swing gates to restrict vehicle access to the unpaved section of The Esplanade.

We propose to install two gates, one at Blackpool Beach and another at Surfdale Beach.

Click here to see the full design scheme

Benefits and impacts

Making the unpaved section of The Esplanade active modes only would:

• Improve safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses.
• Provide an alternative cycling route for visitors away from the main roads.
• Preserve the narrow, bendy, and unpaved section of The Esplanade.

Emergency vehicles will be able to access this section of road at all times.

Auckland Transport will continue to maintain the unpaved section of The Esplanade. We want to ensure the road can accommodate vehicles in case of an emergency. This is to ensure network resilience.

Want to get in touch?

Please email atengagement@at.govt.nz