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Keen walker David Mallowes offers suggestions about fun and interesting routes people can take to get some exercise and enjoy the area in his column published in our sister newspaper, Eastern Times.
Duder Regional Park is a perfect day out for families and walkers, east of Maraetai/Omana and north of Clevedon.
A popular farm park with panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf is an important and picturesque pa site and bird sanctuary with sheep and cattle, tidal beaches, pohutukawa, and lovely bush walks.
We’ve walked the open farmland park 6.3km loop to the pa site before and this time decided to explore further.
Wow, what a surprise. A wetland valley, an exceptional short bush walk, and a coastline to explore.
I suggest you plan your day around the tide times. Most of the coastline from the bird sanctuary to the point is easily walkable so make your way to the point and return via a well-maintained bush path.
Quick tips: Dogs – no. Camping – only for kayakers. Motorhomes – yes. Strollers – not recommended. Restrooms – at the start. Parking – lots, but can become busy. Cafes – Maraetai or Clevedon.
The walk – follow the coastline along a wide access track for 900m. Fifty metres before the junction with the track to Te Wharau, the bush track loop on your left is well worth a detour.
At the stockyards, turn right and back to the junction.
Continue along the coastline and look for a track down to the beach. Continue ahead or turn to the beach and walk the coastline.
Beyond Te Wharau, there’s a track marked by three timbers on the beach. Follow up through a superb wetland valley and continue to the pa site. Return via farmland or bush tracks or the coast.
With endless views, fascinating history, and trails for every level of explorer, Duder Regional Park promises a fantastic day out. Get ready to explore, and happy adventuring!
Checklist: Water bottle, sunscreen, sunhat, mobile phone, mini first-aid kit, map/directions print-out.
One to two hours, 7km. For a printable map annotated with many waypoints, visit www.facebook.com/walksouteastauckland.
For an online route map to follow, go to: www.alltrails.com/explore/map/duder-regional-park-bush-coast-and-farmland-loop-36e425d.
