Rural Coastal Tracks and Historic Sites

Clevedon’s properly rural – you’re about 45 minutes southeast of Auckland, right on the edge where the city finally gives way to farmland. This is where East Auckland walks start feeling more remote and spectacular.

The main attraction here is Duder Regional Park, which is honestly one of the best coastal walking spots in greater Auckland. You’ve got clifftop paths with massive views, working farmland, historic pā sites, and beaches. It’s the kind of place that surprises people – they don’t expect this level of scenery so close to the city.

I reckon Clevedon’s worth the drive if you want proper coastal walking without heading all the way to the Coromandel. The tracks here have more elevation than most East Auckland walks, which means better views but a bit more effort. Nothing too strenuous though – just proper walking rather than flat strolls.

The walks range from 1-3 hours depending on which loops you do. Most are moderate difficulty with some decent climbs.

Duder Regional Park – Coastal Loop

This is the star walk in Clevedon. The coastal loop takes you along clifftops with spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf, through farmland with grazing sheep, and down to beaches.

What you’ll get:

• Stunning clifftop coastal walking
• 360° views from high points (Rangitoto, Coromandel, Hauraki Gulf)
• Working farmland (sheep, cattle, farm gates)
• Beach access at Waimahanga Bay
• Historic pā sites

The track’s well-formed but there are some solid climbs. You’re gaining about 150 metres elevation, which you’ll definitely feel. The views make it worth it though – some of the best coastal scenery in Auckland.

Takes about 2-2.5 hours for the full coastal loop. You can extend it by adding the farm tracks inland, or shorten it by just doing the clifftop section. The track can be muddy after rain, and it’s exposed to wind – bring a jacket even in summer.

Distance: ~6km loop | Time: 2-2.5hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Coastal views, serious walking, photography

Get the complete guide and map for Duder Regional Park Coastal Loop

Duder Farm Loop & Historic Pā

The inland farm loop at Duder Park takes you through working farmland and past historic pā sites. It’s less dramatic than the coastal loop but still really pleasant.

What you’ll get:

• Farm tracks through open paddocks
• Historic Maori pā terracing
• Rolling hill views
• Quieter than the coastal section
• Links to coastal loop if you want

This loop’s about 1.5 hours. It’s more sheltered than the coastal walk, which is good on windy days. The pā sites are interesting – you can see the terracing and defensive earthworks clearly.

You’ll be walking through paddocks with stock, so shut gates behind you and give animals space. The track’s well-marked with orange triangles.

Distance: ~4km loop | Time: 1-1.5hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Farm walking, history, less wind exposure

See the full details for Duder Farm Loop and Historic Pā

Pukekiwiriki Pā Historic Reserve

Pukekiwiriki is a small reserve protecting an important historic pā site. The walk is short but the hilltop location gives you excellent views.

What you’ll get:

• Historic pā terracing and earthworks
• Panoramic views from the summit
• Short but steep climb
• Native planting restoration

It’s only about 30-40 minutes return from the road, but the climb’s reasonably steep. Once you’re up top you can see for miles – across to the Hunua Ranges, out to the Hauraki Gulf, over the farmland.

The pā earthworks are really well preserved. You can clearly see the terraces, ditches, and how the site was defended. There’s interpretation panels explaining what you’re looking at.

Distance: ~1.5km return | Time: 30-40min | Difficulty: Moderate (steep climb)
Best for: History, views, short walk

Check out the Pukekiwiriki Pā walk details

Tawhitokino Beach Track

This track takes you down to a quiet beach on the Wairoa River estuary. It’s less visited than Duder Park but worth checking out.

What you’ll get:

• Quiet estuary beach
• Pohutukawa-lined track
• Swimming (check tide)
• Peaceful alternative to busier spots

The walk down to the beach is about 20 minutes through coastal vegetation. The beach is nice and quiet – you’ll often have it to yourself. It’s tidal, so check the times before you go. High tide is better for swimming, low tide exposes mudflats.

This is a good option if Duder Park’s busy or you want something easier. It’s just a there-and-back walk, nothing too strenuous.

Distance: ~2km return | Time: 40min-1hr | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Best for: Quiet beach, swimming, easy walk

Get directions and details for Tawhitokino Beach Track

Other Walks in Clevedon

Clevedon Reserve (Stairway to Heaven)

This reserve has a track that climbs steeply up the hillside – hence the “Stairway to Heaven” name. It’s short but you’ll earn the views.

What you’ll get:

• Steep climb through bush
• Summit lookout with Hauraki Gulf views
• Good workout for a short walk
• Native bush and birds

The stairs are proper stairs – like 300+ of them. It’s a solid 20-minute climb up, and your legs will know about it. But the views from the top are excellent – you can see right across to the Coromandel and down the coast.

Coming down is easier on the lungs but hard on the knees. Take it slow. The reserve is small, so this is more of a quick blast than a long walk. Good if you want exercise without committing to hours.

Distance: ~1km return | Time: 30-40min | Difficulty: Hard (very steep)
Start: Clevedon Valley Road (small car park)
Note: Seriously steep – not suitable for young kids or anyone with knee issues

Kawakawa Bay to Orere Point

Just south of Clevedon, you can walk along the coast from Kawakawa Bay towards Orere Point. It’s partly formed track, partly beach walking.

What you’ll get:

• Coastal walking with beach sections
• Quieter than Duder Park
• Rock pools at low tide
• Links to longer coastal routes

This walk’s about 3km one way to Orere Point. The track’s not as well-maintained as Duder Park – some sections are pretty rough. But it’s peaceful and you’ll see hardly anyone.

Low tide is essential for some sections – you’ll be walking on the beach. Check tide times before you go. The rock pools are brilliant for kids if you time it right.

Distance: ~3km one way | Time: 1-1.5hrs each way | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Kawakawa Bay beach car park
Note: Tide-dependent, check times

Hunua Ranges (nearby)

While not technically Clevedon, the Hunua Ranges are only 20 minutes west and have heaps of walks. If you’re out this way, they’re worth checking out.

What you’ll get:

• Proper bush walking
• Waterfalls (Hunua Falls is spectacular)
• Longer tramping options
• Native forest and birds

The Hunua Ranges are more rugged than Clevedon walks. Tracks range from easy 30-minute strolls to full-day tramps. Hunua Falls is the most popular – beautiful waterfall with swimming holes.

These are rainforest walks rather than coastal, so it’s a different vibe from Duder Park. Good if you want variety or the weather’s not ideal for exposed coastal walking.

Distance: Variable (many tracks) | Time: 30min-full day | Difficulty: Easy to Hard
Start: Multiple access points (Hunua Falls is most popular)

Clevedon Village to Coast

There’s an informal walking route from Clevedon village down to the coast via farm tracks and quiet roads. It’s not an official track but locals use it.

What you’ll get:

• Rural roads and farm tracks
• Village starting point (shops, café)
• Links to coastal walking
• Quiet countryside

This is more of a “make your own route” situation. From the village, you can head east on back roads towards Wairoa or south towards Kawakawa Bay. It’s about 5-6km to reach the coast.

You’re mostly on quiet roads with minimal traffic. Some sections have farm tracks if you know where you’re going. Good if you want a longer walk and don’t mind roads, but the official tracks are better options.

Distance: ~5-6km one way | Time: 1.5-2hrs | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Clevedon village
Note: Mostly roads, watch for occasional traffic

Getting to Clevedon

By Car:

• Take SH1 south, exit at Whitford-Clevedon Road
• OR take Clevedon-Kawakawa Road from Papakura
• About 45-50 minutes from Auckland CBD
• All walks have parking (free)

By Bus:

• No direct bus service to Clevedon
• Nearest bus stops are Whitford or Papakura (then need car/Uber)

By Bike:

• Long ride from Auckland (40km+)
• Quiet roads once you’re out there
• Good cycling in the area if you’re committed

Parking Spots:

• Duder Regional Park entrance (Whakakaiwhara Road) – big car park
• Pukekiwiriki Pā (roadside, small)
• Tawhitokino Beach (small car park)
• Clevedon Reserve (Clevedon Valley Road)
• Kawakawa Bay (beach car park)

All parking is free. Duder Park car park can fill up on sunny weekends – get there early or mid-week.

When to Go

Best Seasons:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Brilliant but hot. The coastal walks are exposed with zero shade. Start early (7am) or go late afternoon. Swimming at the beaches is perfect.
• Autumn (Mar-May): My pick. Still warm, less crowded, the light’s beautiful for photos. The best time for Duder Park.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Can be muddy and the coastal wind is brutal. But if you don’t mind the cold, you’ll have the place to yourself. Clear winter days are spectacular.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflowers, lambs in the paddocks, warming up. Can still be muddy in September.

Best Times of Day:

• Early morning (7-9am) for cool temperatures and empty tracks
• Late afternoon (3-5pm) for softer light and fewer people
• Avoid midday in summer – the exposed coastal sections are punishing
• Sunset at Duder Park is spectacular

Weather Considerations:

• Wind can be strong on the clifftops – bring a windproof jacket
• Tracks get muddy after rain (especially farm sections)
• No shade on most walks – sun protection essential
• Summer storms can be intense – check forecast

Facilities & Practicalities

Toilets:

• Duder Regional Park entrance (basic drop toilet)
• Kawakawa Bay beach
• Clevedon village
• Nothing at most track heads

Food & Drink:

• Clevedon village (café, general store)
• Kawakawa Bay (fish and chips, dairy)
• Nothing at Duder Park – bring everything
• No water taps on tracks

What to Bring:

• Plenty of water (no taps, you’ll need more than you think)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (exposed walking)
• Windproof jacket (even in summer)
• Snacks or lunch
• Swimmers if going to beaches
• Camera (the views are spectacular)
• First aid kit (tracks are remote)

Dogs:

• NOT allowed at Duder Regional Park (this is strictly enforced)
• Allowed on some other tracks (check signage)
• Stock present in farmland – dogs must be under control

Mobile Coverage:

• Patchy at Duder Park (emergency coverage okay)
• Generally okay near Clevedon village
• Can be dead spots on coastal sections

Safety:

• Let someone know your plans (tracks are remote)
• Carry a first aid kit
• Watch for farm stock and close gates
• Clifftops at Duder Park – stay on track
• Take care on steep sections when wet

My Honest Take on Clevedon

Clevedon’s a bit of a mission from Auckland, but Duder Regional Park alone makes it worthwhile. The coastal loop there is genuinely one of the best walks in greater Auckland – proper clifftop coastal scenery, not just foreshore strolling.

The views from the high points at Duder are spectacular. On a clear day you can see from the Coromandel to the Hunua Ranges, with Rangitoto and the gulf islands spread out below. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop and just stare.

The farm aspect is brilliant too. You’re walking through working farmland with sheep and cattle grazing around you. It feels remote and rural, but you’re only 45 minutes from the city. The downside is you’ll be opening and closing farm gates regularly – make sure you shut them properly.

Clevedon Reserve (Stairway to Heaven) is a proper workout. Those stairs are no joke. But if you want to burn calories in 30 minutes, it’ll do the job. The view’s good, but Duder Park is way better.

The other tracks in the area are nice but nothing special compared to Duder. If you’re driving all the way to Clevedon, make Duder Park your priority.

Who’ll love Clevedon walks:

• People wanting proper coastal walking
• Anyone sick of flat Auckland foreshore paths
• Photographers (the views are incredible)
• Walkers who don’t mind some elevation
• Anyone wanting to feel properly away from the city

Who might not:

• If you want flat, easy walks (most of these have decent climbs)
• Buggy-pushers (tracks aren’t suitable)
• Dog owners (can’t take them to Duder Park)
• People wanting cafés and facilities (there’s nothing out here)
• Anyone who hates wind (the coastal sections can be brutal)

Connecting Routes

Clevedon’s a bit isolated, but you can link to:

Beachlands/Maraetai area: The Pohutukawa Coast Trail eventually links north from Clevedon, though sections aren’t complete yet.

Hunua Ranges: 20 minutes west – completely different walking (bush and waterfalls vs. coastal)

Check these nearby areas:

• Beachlands walks – coastal tracks 20 minutes north
• East Auckland walks – full network overview

Quick Walk Comparison

Walk	Distance	Time	Difficulty	Best For	Dogs?
Duder Coastal Loop	~6km	2-2.5hrs	Moderate	Clifftop views	No
Duder Farm Loop	~4km	1-1.5hrs	Moderate	Farm walking	No
Pukekiwiriki Pā	~1.5km	30-40min	Moderate	History, views	Check
Tawhitokino Beach	~2km	40min-1hr	Easy-Mod	Beach access	Check
Clevedon Reserve	~1km	30-40min	Hard	Workout, views	Check
Kawakawa-Orere	~6km return	2-3hrs	Moderate	Coastal beach	Check

Pro Tips

1. Start early at Duder Park – car park fills up by 10am on nice weekends
2. Bring way more water than you think – there’s nowhere to refill
3. Clockwise on coastal loop gives you the best views
4. Pack a lunch – there’s nowhere to buy food at the parks
5. Check the wind forecast – postpone if it’s really strong
6. Close all farm gates – seriously important
7. Combine with Hunua Falls for a full day if you’re driving from Auckland
8. Winter can be perfect – clear days with nobody around

Perfect Clevedon Day:

• Leave Auckland early (7:30am-ish)
• Arrive at Duder Park by 8:30am
• Do the coastal loop (2.5 hours with stops)
• Swim at Waimahanga Bay if weather’s good
• Picnic lunch at the car park
• Quick visit to Pukekiwiriki Pā on the way home (30 minutes)
• Stop at Clevedon village for ice cream
• Back in Auckland by 3pm

Half Day Option:

• Start at Duder Park (9am)
• Do just the clifftop section (1.5 hours)
• Drive to Kawakawa Bay for fish and chips
• Home by 1pm

Serious Walker Option:

• Coastal loop at Duder (2.5 hours)
• Add the farm loop (1.5 hours)
• Clevedon Reserve stairs (30 minutes)
• You’ve earned your dinner

Back to East Auckland Walks | Back to All Auckland Walks