Walking

Walking – locations and zones

Hamilton is an ideal place to walk and bike around because it’s mostly flat. As well as the city’s footpaths, there are plenty of great recreational places where you can walk. These include playgrounds and parks, and wider, shared pathways alongside roads and the Waikato River. These are clearly signposted at intervals along these routes.

Find a walkway here and start exploring your city on foot.

Find out about other transport choices like biking, taking public transport, driving, and using micro-mobility devices like e-scooters.

Walking options

Shared zones

These are where vehicles, people on bikes and pedestrians share the same space. The Worley Place shared zone in the central city runs from the top of Ward Street through Garden Place and into Alexandra Street. Be cautious when moving through this area. Vehicles and people on bikes are allowed to travel slowly through it (without stopping) but they must give way to pedestrians.

Bike riders should also use their bike bell or call out when approaching walkers from behind.

Walking in Hamilton parks and on the river paths

People on bikes, walkers and people using micro-mobility devices are expected to share the routes with care. Keep to one side of the route, especially on corners, so people on bikes and others on wheels can pass safely. Stay alert, especially if you have headphones on. Dogs should be on a leash.

Bike riders on park routes should also use their bike bell or call out when approaching walkers from behind. Racing, mountain biking and any biking involving speed on these routes is not permitted.

Park and walk

If travelling to work or school, think about parking on a nearby street or in a car park and walking the remaining distance from there. This practical option is particularly useful for travelling to work or school, because it:

reduces traffic congestion
improves road safety for pedestrians, people on bikes and motorists
is a more environmentally sustainable way to use your car
makes it easier to fit a healthy walk into your day.

Schools and pre-school initiatives

Check out our active transport initiatives – walking school buses for primary school students and the Happy Feet programme for pre-schoolers. You’ll find more information in our educating schools pages, including some guidelines on school travel planning.

Workplace travel planning

Workplace travel planning is a tool individuals, groups, organisations and businesses can use to encourage their people to make more sustainable commuting choices. Find out more about workplace travel planning and how we can help you create your own.

If you see an issue while walking, biking or using a micro-mobility device, you can report it.

When on the footpath
Watch for people using micro-mobility devices like e-scooters and e-skateboards. Ideally, they should alert you by calling out or using a bell as they approach behind you.

Watch for others using bikes or micro-mobility devices in and around parks and river pathways and on shared pedestrian/bike pathways – they should not exceed 15 km/h in these places.

When crossing the road
Where they’re provided, use pedestrian crossings and/or pedestrian crossing buttons at signalised intersections.

Don’t cross in the middle of a busy road – look for the proper pedestrian crossing or pedestrian barrier island and use that instead.
Stay alert when crossing the road – don’t be distracted by your phone and if you are wearing headphones, be particularly aware of your surroundings.

Find out more about crossing the road safely.