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| Distance | Time | Difficulty | Dogs | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 km loop | 1 hour | Easy | OFF-LEASH | Limited at Wilma Rd |
This loop’s a cracker for dog owners – it’s one of the few places on Waiheke where your pooch can run completely free all year round. You’ll walk through wetlands teeming with birdlife, under massive 600-year-old pohutukawa trees that’ll blow your mind, and along quiet bush tracks right in the middle of Ostend. It’s flat, easy, and close to everything.
I reckon this is the most underrated walk on the island. Most visitors miss it completely because they’re chasing coastal views, but locals know this is where you come when the beaches are packed or your dog needs a proper run.
Starting Point (Main Entry): Wharf Rd and Belgium St corner, Ostend GPS: -36.7983°S, 175.0583°E
This is right next to Countdown supermarket – literally 200m from the main shopping area. If you’re on the bus, get off at the Ostend shops stop.
Alternative Entry: 12 Wilma Road (car park available) GPS: -36.7991°S, 175.0647°E
From the Ferry:
Parking: Limited parking at the Wilma Road entrance. Better to start from Wharf Road if you’re driving – there’s street parking around Countdown, or park at the supermarket and grab supplies before you walk.
This is a proper loop, so you’ll end where you started. I’m describing it from the Wharf Road entry point, which is the most common start.
1. Wharf Rd to Wetlands (0-0.5 km)
Look for the red Te Ara Hura signposts at the Wharf Rd/Belgium St corner. The track starts here, running parallel to Wharf Road but tucked into the bush. You’ll immediately drop into native bush – puriri, mahoe, kawakawa, and giant mamaku tree ferns creating a shady canopy overhead.
After about 200m, you’ll cross a gravel path and bridge over Okahuiti Creek. Stop here for a sec – you can watch the tide rushing in and out of the wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers and pied shags.
2. Wetlands Section (0.5-1.2 km)
The track runs alongside the wetlands now. You’ll see oioi grass (the stuff that grows where fresh water meets salt water), raupo (bulrushes), and toitoi. Fantails and tui are everywhere – the birdsong’s brilliant.
This is a single dirt track, easy to follow. It’s mostly flat with a few gentle ups and downs.
3. First Road Crossing (1.2 km)
The track pops out onto Wilma Road near the Wilma Road entrance/car park. Turn left and walk along the grass verge for about 100m. Look for the Te Ara Hura marker on your left showing where the track re-enters the reserve.
4. The Meadow and Giant Pohutukawa (1.3-1.8 km)
Follow the track across the grass and back into bush. Soon you’ll emerge onto a massive open meadow – this is where dogs go absolutely mental. It’s the designated off-leash area, and you’ll often see locals here with their pups.
Here’s the track’s highlight: a detour up to the right takes you to an absolutely massive pohutukawa tree. This thing’s about 600 years old, spread out like an umbrella. Perfect picnic spot, incredible place to just sit. Don’t skip this.
From the big pohutukawa, the views across to Putiki Bay are mint. On a clear day, you can see right across the gulf.
5. Bush Loop Along the Stream (1.8-2.7 km)
Return to the main track and continue. You’ll follow a U-shape along a stream through regenerating bush. The track’s well-defined and easy to follow.
Secret Shortcut: About halfway along this section, you’ll spot a plank bridge crossing the stream on your left. This cuts about 10 minutes off the walk and pops you out on Wilma Road. Honestly though, why would you rush? The full loop’s better. If you do take it, watch your footing – the approach is slippery and there are steps to climb out.
6. Wilma Road Section (2.7-3.5 km)
The track exits the bush at a picnic table with views across Putiki Bay. Walk down to the gate and turn left onto Wilma Road. This is your 850m road section – but it’s lovely. Shaded by huge matai, puriri, and taraire trees. You’ll recognise the matai by their distinctive “hammered” bark pattern.
Watch for kereru and tui in the canopy. At the “Track to Wharf Rd” sign, turn left and follow the gravel path back to where you started.
Wildlife: This place is brilliant for birds. Fantails will follow you around (they’re cheeky little things), tui are everywhere singing their heads off, kereru cruise through looking chilled, and if you’re quiet near the wetlands, you might spot kingfishers or pied shags.
Trees: The star attraction is that massive 600-year-old pohutukawa on the meadow. But the whole reserve has impressive native trees – giant tree ferns, puriri, matai with their hammered bark, mahoe, and kawakawa. It’s proper bush, not the scrubby regenerating stuff you see in some spots.
Wetlands: The tidal wetlands are fascinating – you can actually watch the tide pushing in and out of Okahuiti Creek. The mix of estuarine plants (oioi grass, raupo, toitoi) creates habitat for loads of birds.
Views: You won’t get massive coastal panoramas, but there are nice views across to Putiki Bay from the meadow and the picnic table. The walk’s more about being immersed in bush than gawking at views.
Surface:
Muddy Bits: The dirt track sections can get muddy after rain, especially around the wetlands and near the stream. Nothing too gnarly, but wear proper shoes. The plank bridge shortcut gets properly slippery when wet – I’d avoid it.
Steps: Basically none. There’s one very gentle climb up to the big pohutukawa tree, but we’re talking maybe 10m elevation gain.
Overall: This is one of the flattest, easiest walks on Waiheke. If you can walk around the supermarket car park, you can do this track.
Perfect For:
Fitness Level: Honestly, if you’re breathing, you can do this. It’s mostly flat, well-maintained, and short. Great for kids, older folks, or anyone building fitness.
Kids: Brilliant for kids. The track’s wide enough for little legs, there’s loads to see (bugs, birds, trees), and the meadow’s perfect for running around. No cliffs or water hazards to worry about.
Accessibility: The Wilma Road section is easy – sealed road with good surface. The dirt tracks are generally wide and smooth, though tree roots and occasional muddy patches mean wheelchairs would struggle. Prams would be fine if they’re decent all-terrain ones.
Best Times: This walk’s great year-round because you’re in the bush, so you’re sheltered from wind and sun.
Avoid Crowds: Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends get busy with dog walkers – you’ll see groups of locals with their pups socialising. If you want the place to yourself, come mid-week around 10am.
Seasonal Considerations: No lambing closures or seasonal restrictions here – it’s open 365 days a year. That’s rare on Waiheke.
Dogs: OFF-LEASH ALL YEAR ROUND
This is massive news for dog owners. Te Toki Reserve is one of the few dedicated off-leash dog areas on Waiheke that’s available 24/7 every day of the year. When summer beach restrictions kick in (10am-5pm, December-March), this is your go-to spot.
Your dog must still be under control – voice command or whistle. Bring poop bags and use the bins provided (there’s one at the start and end of the loop).
Facilities:
Safety: This is one of the safest walks on the island. No cliffs, no roads (except the Wilma Rd section which is quiet), no tidal sections. You’re close to shops and houses the whole time.
What to Bring:
Land Access: This is an Auckland Council reserve – fully public land. Open to everyone, no restrictions, no fees.
I think I enjoyed this walk more than I expected to. I’d driven past the Wilma Road entrance loads of times and never bothered – I was always chasing those big coastal views. Big mistake.
The wetlands section’s fascinating. Watching the tide push through Okahuiti Creek, seeing the mix of salt and fresh water plants, hearing the kingfishers – it’s proper nature study stuff. The bush is in great shape too, way better than some of the scrappy reserves around the island.
But the star of the show is definitely that ancient pohutukawa tree on the meadow. When you see it, you’ll understand why it’s special. It’s absolutely massive, perfectly shaped, and the way it spreads out is just beautiful. I sat under it for ages just watching tui and fantails zooming around.
The only downside? It’s not a coastal walk, so you don’t get those big blue views. If that’s what you’re after, look elsewhere. But if you want proper bush, birdlife, and a peaceful wander close to shops and buses, this is brilliant.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It’s now on my regular rotation when I’m in Ostend. Quick, easy, and way more interesting than I expected.
Who’d I recommend it for?
Close to Te Toki:
Connecting to Te Ara Hura: Te Toki Reserve is part of the Te Ara Hura walkway network that circles the island. From the Wharf Road end, you can connect to tracks heading towards Matiatia or explore other sections around Ostend.
GPS Coordinates:
Last Updated: October 2025
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