Walking is the second most common way to travel in Auckland. It is also the natural choice for short trips. The most common short journeys are to school, within the CBD, and to and around town centres.

An important part of ARTA’s work is planning for improvements to the walking environment in the Auckland region, so that walking becomes a preferred travel choice for shorter journeys.

The walking component of ARTA’s Sustainable Transport Plan identifies the priority areas for walking investments, and sets guidelines for planning and implementing improvements.

Local councils maintain and improve the walking infrastructure, including footpaths, pedestrian crossings, signage and walkways on parks and along the coast. Local councils also have programmes to make their town centres safe and pleasant places to walk.

ARTA works closely with local councils and Government organisations to imporve travel choices through theTravelWise programme. This also includes working with schools to make their communities safer and more enjoyable for children to walk. ARTA coordinates the region’s Walking School Buses and School Travel Plan programmes.

The Ministry of Transport has produced Getting there – on foot, by cycle, a strategy to increase the popularity of walking and cycling in New Zealand.