Highlight • Bridge
Road cycling
5.0
(17)
The Bridge to Unitec Across Oakley Creek, officially known as the Alford Street Bridge, is a modern pedestrian and cycle bridge in Auckland, New Zealand. Soaring 16 meters above Oakley Creek (Te Auaunga), it serves as a crucial link between the Unitec Institute of Technology campus and the Waterview suburb. This impressive structure is an integral part of the Waterview Shared Path, connecting various Auckland neighborhoods and promoting active transport across the city's urban landscape.
Visitors consistently praise the bridge's…
Tips
June 14, 2019
Road cycling
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Bridge to Unitec Across Oakley Creek
5.0
(23)
261
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(10)
258
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(4)
217
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Elevation 60 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 6 April
19°C
16°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The bridge is officially known as the Alford Street Bridge. It's a prominent feature of Auckland's Waterview Shared Path, connecting the Unitec Institute of Technology campus with the Waterview suburb.
Yes, the Waterview Shared Path, which includes the Alford Street Bridge, is generally dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep dogs on a leash at all times and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all users and to protect the local wildlife in the Oakley Creek area.
Parking can be found in the surrounding Waterview and Unitec areas. For direct access to the bridge, look for parking options near Alford Street or within the Unitec campus vicinity. Be aware that parking might be more challenging during peak university hours or on busy weekends.
The bridge is accessible via public transport, particularly buses that service the Unitec Institute of Technology campus or the Waterview suburb. Check local Auckland Transport schedules and routes for the most convenient bus stops near Great North Road or the Unitec campus entrance.
Oakley Creek is notable for having the only natural waterfall on the Auckland isthmus, which is also the largest in urban Auckland. While the bridge itself offers scenic views of the revitalized creek, exploring the wider Oakley Creek Walkway will bring you closer to this significant natural landmark and other ecological restoration efforts.
Yes, the Alford Street Bridge and the Waterview Shared Path are designed to be highly accessible. The path is smooth and well-maintained, making it suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and other mobility aids, ensuring everyone can enjoy the route.
The bridge itself is a relatively short crossing, providing a direct link over Oakley Creek. It soars 16 meters high on its piers, offering impressive views. The overall elevation of the highlight is approximately 57 meters, but the path across the bridge is smooth with gentle gradients, making it an easy traverse.
Given its proximity to the Unitec Institute of Technology campus and the Waterview suburb, you'll find various cafes and amenities nearby. The Unitec campus itself may offer options, and the Waterview area has local establishments where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat.
The Alford Street Bridge was a key component of the wider Waterview Connection project, completed in July 2017. It was built to dramatically shorten the walking and cycling distance between Waterview and Unitec, providing a safe, 24/7 accessible route that previously involved indirect paths and stairs. Its construction was part of extensive revitalization efforts for the Oakley Creek area.
As a vital link in the Waterview Shared Path and connecting to a university campus, the bridge can experience moderate to high foot and cycle traffic, particularly during weekday commuting hours and on pleasant weekend afternoons. While it's enjoyed year-round, warmer months and sunny days tend to attract more visitors. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours or earlier in the morning.
No, there are no specific permits required to use the Alford Street Bridge or the public trails along Oakley Creek. These facilities are part of Auckland's public shared path network and are freely accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and other users.