The Kererū Loop Walk in Waitawa Regional Park, Clevedon East Auckland, is a scenic walking trail through native bush. This moderate track offers visitors opportunities to experience regenerating forest, spot native birdlife including the native wood pigeon (kererū), and enjoy peaceful natural surroundings. The loop provides an accessible nature experience near Auckland.
By car: From central Auckland take the Southern Motorway (SH1) south towards Papakura. Exit onto Hunua Road and continue through Clevedon. Turn left onto Waitawa Road and follow it to the end where you’ll find the car park. The drive takes approximately 50 minutes from central Auckland. Parking is free but spaces can fill up on sunny weekends so arrive early.
By public transport: Unfortunately there’s no direct public transport to Waitawa Regional Park. Your best option is to drive or arrange a ride. The closest train station is Papakura but you’d still need a car for the remaining 20-minute journey.
👉 👉 Freedom Camp Between Walks – Hire a Campervan – We’ve got the best deals
The Kererū Loop delivers exactly what it promises – a proper dose of native bush without requiring you to drive to the Waitākere Ranges. The track surface varies considerably. You’ll encounter well-formed paths, some root-crossed sections that could double as natural staircases, and a few spots that turn into minor streams after heavy rain.
The regenerating forest means you’re walking through a living science experiment. Some areas show 50-plus years of recovery with mature kahikatea towering overhead, while other sections reveal younger growth where you can actually see the succession process happening. It’s less “pristine wilderness” and more “nature making a determined comeback” which has its own charm.
Yes the track is named after the kererū but spotting one isn’t guaranteed. These chunky native pigeons are present in the park but they’re not exactly queuing up for photo opportunities. Your best chances come during fruiting season when they’re too busy gorging themselves to worry about staying hidden. Listen for the distinctive whoosh of their wings – they’re surprisingly loud fliers for birds trying to maintain a low profile.
What you will hear are tui, fantails (pīwakawaka), and silvereyes. The tui are the extroverts of the bird world, making sure everyone knows they’re around. Fantails will likely join you at some point, darting around your legs as you disturb insects with each footstep. They’re not being friendly – you’re just a convenient insect-flushing service.
The “moderate” grading is accurate but leans toward the upper end of moderate. If you’re used to flat waterfront walks this will feel more challenging. The elevation gain isn’t massive but it’s concentrated in a couple of sustained climbs that’ll get your heart rate up.
After rain the track can be genuinely slippery. Those attractive tree roots become greasy obstacles and the clay sections turn into skating rinks. Proper walking shoes or boots with decent grip are non-negotiable. Trainers might be okay in summer but you’re taking chances.
The track width varies and some sections involve minor scrambling around obstacles. If you’re bringing young children expect to carry them over the trickier bits. There are no significant drop-offs or dangerous sections but it’s definitely not pram territory.
👉 👉 Freedom Camp Between Walks – Hire a Campervan – We’ve got the best deals
Each season offers something different. Summer provides the driest track conditions and longer daylight hours but can be humid in the bush. Autumn brings stunning colours as some of the introduced trees mixed with the natives put on a show. Winter means a muddier track but fewer people and clearer air for views. Spring is probably the sweet spot – decent weather, active birdlife and the bush looking fresh.
Weekday visits are noticeably quieter than weekends. If you want a genuine sense of solitude aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Weekend warriors should arrive before 9am to secure parking and beat the crowds.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be on leads at all times. The steep sections and narrow track can make managing an enthusiastic dog challenging. Also be aware this is working farmland adjacent to the park so stock may be present.
Is the track suitable for trail running?
Experienced trail runners use this track regularly though the technical sections require concentration. It’s not a fast flowing route – expect to watch your footing constantly. The loop format means you won’t have to retrace your steps which runners appreciate.
Are there toilets along the track?
No. The only facilities are at the car park. Make sure you go before starting as it’s not a quick dash back.
What’s the mobile phone coverage like?
Patchy to non-existent in the bush. You might get signal at the higher clearing but don’t count on it. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Can I mountain bike this track?
No, the Kererū Loop is walking only. The track surface and width make it unsuitable for bikes anyway. There are other tracks in the regional park network that do allow cycling.
Is there water available?
No. Bring all the water you’ll need. The streams you cross aren’t suitable for drinking even with treatment given the farming activity in the area.
How busy does it get?
Weekends see decent numbers especially in good weather, though it rarely feels crowded. The track is wide enough in most places to pass comfortably. Weekday mornings you might have the place to yourself.
Last weekend I tackled the Kererū Loop Walk at Waitawa Regional Park, and the difference between the track description and reality surprised me. The brochure suggested an easy hour-long stroll, but those Upper Hutt hills had other plans.
The initial section wound through regenerating native bush, quiet except for the crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional tui call. About twenty minutes in, the track started climbing more steeply than I expected. My legs reminded me I’d skipped my usual runs lately. The path narrowed in places, with tree roots creating natural steps that were slippery from recent rain.
What made the effort worthwhile was reaching the clearing about halfway around. Through a gap in the kahikatea trees, I could see across the valley toward the Remutaka ranges. I sat on a fallen log for ten minutes, watching a group of silvereyes flit between branches.
The descent tested my knees more than the climb tested my lungs. The track surface was loose in sections, and I had to watch my footing carefully. Near the end, the loop rejoined the main path, and I passed a family heading up with a young child in a carrier – ambitious, considering what lay ahead.
The whole walk took me ninety minutes, not the advertised hour. I emerged muddy-booted and sweaty but satisfied. It’s a decent workout disguised as a bush walk, and I’ll probably return in summer when the track might be less treacherous underfoot.
