Traffic & Parking
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GETTING THERE
Mission Bay is located 10km east of Auckland city centre on Tamaki Drive. Although normally very easy to get to via a number of alternative methods - best of all, running! - it can be challenging to get to there early on race morning due to the road closures and diversions in place to allow the safe operation of the event. For this reason, it's important for participants to carefully plan ahead so you know where you are heading on race morning and how you will get there. Above all else ... allow plenty of time. By arriving early you can soak up the pre-race vibe, catch up with friends and get yourself race-ready without any last minute rushing around.
Options for reaching the venue are somewhat limited, particularly for those in the half marathon which sets off at 7am sharp. For the latest public transport information, you can consult the Auckland Transport Journey Planner. However the public bus service is likely only an option for those in the 10k, 5k or 2k. Just keep in mind that due to road closures and diversions, bus stops on Tamaki Drive will be moved on race morning and the bus trip may take longer than noted in the timetable.
Unless you want to get really adventurous and rent a scooter or bike from Flamingo or Lime, most participants will drive to the venue on race morning. Check out the information below for details on how road closures may affect your journey and also information on finding nearby parking. Above all else, we strongly encourage you to rideshare with your running friends if you are coming by vehicle.
Important! Running Events will evaluate dedicated Bus Transfer options in the new year. See info below.
Road Closures & Traffic Management
The safe operation of the Waterfront Half Marathon requires the total closure of Tamaki Drive on race morning, as well as the supporting closure of some roads which feed into Tamaki Drive. The closure of Tamaki Drive is broken into two specific sections:
> Causeway section (Mechanics Bay -> Ngapipi Road): CLOSED 4am-9am
> Beaches section (Ngapipi Rd -> Long Drive): CLOSED 4am-11:30am
No Parking is permitted on Tamaki Drive west of Long Drive throughout the event. A Diversion will be in operation during the road closure hours. See the map for more details.
The event organisers wish to place on record their sincere thanks to Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and local residents for their assistance in the safe operation of this fun community focussed, fitness event.
PARKING
Most participants find parking in the streets around Mission Bay, and nearby suburbs. This can be challenging on race day so leave plenty of time and be prepared for a 10-15 minute jog/walk to the venue (the ideal warm up!).
Parking Enforcement
You may be tempted to imagine that parking enforcement officers will be having a lie-in at 7am on a Sunday morning. Please do not be deceived. In partnership with Auckland Council, we are fully supportive of having Parking Enforcement Officers specifically targeting our events. Parking illegally, blocking narrow roads and - worst of all - blocking or partially blocking residents' driveways all reflect badly on our event and can eventually lead to permits being refused.
So please .... *please* ... don't ruin your awesome event day by parking illegally only to return to your vehicle post-race and find you have received a ticket or - worse still - been towed. Allow plenty of time and slowly fan out from the venue area until you find free, legal street parking. It will only take you a few extra minutes to get to the venue.
BUS TRANSFER
Due to rising costs and difficulties in securing a contractor, we were unable to offer a bus transfer service in 2024. However, this is back on the agenda for the 2025 event. If you are interested in purchasing a bus ticket from the city to the event venue in time for either the 21k start or the 10k start, stay tuned to this page and also to our facebook page for announcements in the new year.
Important! If a bus service is to be offered, it will only operate from Auckland City.