The 170 metre-long board was completed on 15 October, connecting the city centre with Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour.

The shared pathway hugs the water’s edge, connecting the southern end of The Strand to the rail underpass next to the Harbourside restaurant. 

People using the boardwalk to enjoy the harbour or find a quiet moment to relax on their lunch break is an excellent addition to the city, Tauranga City council city development and partnership general manager Gareth Wallis said.

“The boardwalk and railway underpass focus on reconnecting the city centre to its rich waterfront heritage while acknowledging the site’s significance to mana whenua.”  

Features of the boardwalk and rail underpass include several seating areas, pathway lighting and a large platform space for people to take in the harbour views. 

Now, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a stroll or cycle from the city centre along the harbour edge and up through the new Tunks Reserve walkway to Elizabeth Street. 

The project’s completion marks another chapter in the city centre as it continues along its revitalisation journey, said project manager Ali Mehr.
 
“Coming into Spring with warmer weather and longer days, I’m loving seeing so many of our community experiencing the freshly opened space already. There’s plenty of room to take in the tranquil harbour views, to pause and reflect while enjoying being close to our natural environment.” 
 
The opening of the boardwalk and railway underpass joins the recently reopened and upgraded Masonic Park as part of the city centre transformation.