Campaigners for a tolled pedestrian and cycle path across Auckland Harbour Bridge have attracted a leading coastal development company to build and operate it as a joint venture.

Orewa-based Hopper Developments - with pioneering projects such as canal housing and marina schemes at Pauanui, Whitianga and Marsden Pt under its belt - has signed a heads of agreement to work with a walking and cycling charitable trust on a $16 million pathway over the bridge.