From the end of the Coast to Coast at Onehunga Bay lagoon head west along Beachcroft Avenue for 500 metres to cross the four-lane Hugh Watt Drive on a foot bridge to Orpheus Drive.  Follow Orpheus Drive east along the Manukau foreshore. This little-used road changes to a footpath as it to skirts the Port of Onehunga. A few hundred metres along the footpath, watch for a small path leading away towards the harbour - it's marked by a cycleway symbol. Follow the path up to reach the the Old Mangere Bridge. The piles of the old bridge were founded on a lava crust from nearby Mangere Mountain, and over the years the bridge footings broke through that crust and sank slightly. As a result it's bike and foot traffic only here, and it's a favourite local fishing spot.  Once you've crossed the Manukau Harbour on the bridge, head west along Kiwi Esplanade, following the coastal margin for 3 kilometres to Ambury Regional Park.

Turn south after entering the park, and follow the track around another few hundred metres to the main park headquarters, including a ranger’s house, and a fairly basic campground - fresh water on tap, loos, and a barbeque. Forward bookings are essential for this $5 campground. See info@arc.govt.nz or ph. 09 3662000.