Te Wharau Bay Walk at Duder Regional Park
Te Wharau Bay Walk is a scenic trail located in Duder Regional Park, situated on the Pōhutukawa Coast in Auckland. This walk offers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, with its coastal views and diverse landscapes. The trail is perfect for those looking to enjoy a leisurely walk with opportunities for swimming and picnicking.
Starting the Walk
Start your walk from the car park at the end of the park access road, signposted on North Road. Enter through the main gate and follow the park road east towards the coast. The initial section of the walk circles the base of an 86-metre hill that marks the southern end of the peninsula, which you can hike up on the Farm Loop track, as an option.
As you continue along the road, you'll be treated to views of the coast through fields of harakeke (flax), which are particularly vibrant when in bloom. After about a kilometre, you'll reach a fork with signs directing you to Waipokaia Bay (10 minutes) and Te Wharau Bay (20 minutes).
Reaching the Bays
Take the right path towards the bays, where the road transitions into a hiking track that hugs the coast. This path winds through a regenerating forest, offering occasional glimpses of the sea. At Waipokaia Bay, you can access the beach, which is sheltered by magnificent pōhutukawa trees. During low tide, the bay reveals wide, exposed flats.
Te Wharau Bay, further along the track, features a sandy beach with deeper waters ideal for swimming. Here, you'll find a picnic table and a basic campsite, which is part of the Te Ara Moana kayak trail. For those seeking a longer walk, a link track from the bay's north end leads to the Whakakaiwhara Pā Walk.
Returning and Additional Trails
On your return from Te Wharau Bay, you can choose to walk along the mostly rocky coast between the bays. However, heading south from Waipokaia Bay into the extensive low tide flats is prohibited, as this area is a bird sanctuary.
Along the route, a side track from the road leads into a regrowth forest. This connects with the Sustainable Track, offering a loop back to the road just beyond the fork. This diversion also links to the Farm Loop and the Whakakaiwhara Pā Walk. As you return to the fork, you'll pass sheep pens and a truck loading station.
Remember to bring your togs and a picnic, and allow about 90 minutes for the return walk.
How to Get There
To reach Te Wharau Bay Walk, drive to the car park, off North Road in Duder Regional Park. From Maraetai, take Maraetai Coast Road to North Road in Umupuia Bay. Turn right, and the park access is approximately 1 km south, on your left. From Clevedon, follow North Road for about 10 km to reach the access road.
Other nearby regional parks include Clevedon Scenic Reserve and Ōmana Regional Park.
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