The Waimea Estuary Walkway runs from central Richmond north to the estuary edge, following the course of the Waimea River through riverside reserves and past wetland areas. The full path takes about ninety minutes each way; most people walk the first half-hour to the river bend and back, which gives a good taste of the landscape without a long commitment.
The walkway passes through stands of cabbage trees and flaxes that have been replanted as part of ongoing estuary restoration work. Native fish, including eels and galaxiids, can sometimes be seen in the clear river shallows. The path is shared by cyclists (it connects to the Great Taste Trail network) but is rarely busy midweek.