Exploring Monument Track to Puponga Point
Monument Track offers an easy uphill walk to Puponga Point, located at the end of the Karangahape Peninsula on the Auckland Manukau Harbour. Starting near Cornwallis Wharf, this track provides stunning views and access to the McLachlan Memorial. The area is typical of Auckland's rugged west coast, featuring native bush and coastal vegetation, along with a superb viewpoint.
Early Settlement History
On 29 October 1841, the ship Brilliant arrived in Manukau Harbour, bringing settlers to Cornwallis. This early European settlement faced significant challenges due to harsh conditions and isolation. The rugged terrain and limited resources made survival difficult for these pioneering families. The settlement's failure highlights the struggles faced by European settlers in New Zealand's coastal environments.
Standing at Puponga Point today, you can sense the isolation that confronted those settlers in 1841.
The McLachlan Memorial
The McLachlan Memorial honours John Mitchell McLachlan's generous land donation to the city of Auckland. In 1927, McLachlan gifted 1,927 acres as a tribute to his mother, Isabella Mitchell McLachlan. This donation ensured the area's protection and public accessibility for recreation. The memorial includes tablets that record both the 1841 settlement attempt and McLachlan's gift. Today, this land is part of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.
How to Get There
To reach the trailhead, drive to the end of Cornwallis Road from Huia Road. The drive from Titirangi takes about 19 minutes and covers 13.3 km. From the car park, you can also access the Daniel Bay trail, a rough track leading down to the bay with views towards Little Huia. A short walk on this trail offers great views of the Manukau Heads, with an option for a longer walk if desired.
Nearby, you can explore other places and walks such as Mill Bay, Cornwallis Beach, Kakamatua Point, Kaitarakihi Bay, Kaitarakihi Point, and Huia.
