Wetlands and Suburban Bush Tracks

Glendowie sits between St Heliers and the Eastern Bays, and it’s one of those suburbs where people don’t realize there’s decent walking. Most visitors just drive through on their way to the beaches, but Glendowie’s got a couple of really good spots tucked away.

The star here is Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve – a tidal wetland that’s brilliant for birdwatching. Then there’s Churchill Park with proper bush tracks. Neither walk is going to take all day, but they’re both quality and way less busy than the coastal paths further east.

I reckon Glendowie’s underrated for local walks. If you live in this part of Auckland, these reserves are goldmines for quick morning or evening walks. Plus, you’re close enough to St Heliers beach that you can combine a walk with coffee and a swim.

The walks range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. Most are flat and easy, perfect for all ages.

Tahuna Torea Nature Walk

This is Glendowie’s best walk. Tahuna Torea is a tidal wetland reserve with boardwalks and paths around the mudflats. The birdwatching here is excellent – you’ll see more species in an hour than most Auckland walks combined.

What you’ll get:

• Boardwalks over wetlands and mudflats
• Excellent birdwatching (godwits, herons, oystercatchers, shags)
• Two small islands that fill up with birds at high tide
• Flat, easy paths (perfect for buggies)
• Views across to Rangitoto

The reserve has two main loops – you can do one or both. The full circuit takes about 45 minutes to an hour if you’re stopping to watch birds. High tide is the best time because all the wading birds get pushed onto the islands and you can see them close up.

The paths are mostly boardwalk and well-formed track. Completely flat. There’s interpretation signs telling you what birds you’re looking at, which is handy if you’re not into birds yet.

Distance: ~2.5km loop | Time: 45min-1hr | Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Birdwatching, flat walks, photography

Get the complete guide to Tahuna Torea Nature Walk

Churchill Park Loop

Churchill Park’s got proper native bush, which is surprising when you’re surrounded by suburbs. The loop track takes you through regenerating forest with some decent elevation.

What you’ll get:

• Native bush (puriri, kahikatea, nikau palms)
• Decent hills (you’ll get a workout)
• Birdlife (tui, kereru, fantails)
• Quiet – most people don’t know it’s here
• Mix of formed track and rougher sections

The main loop takes about 45 minutes. It’s not flat – there are some decent climbs. Nothing too strenuous, but you’ll feel it. The bush is good quality for an urban reserve, and the birds are active.

The track can get muddy after rain, especially in winter. Wear proper shoes. Some sections have steps, others are just dirt track. It’s more “proper bush walking” than the manicured paths at Tahuna Torea.

Distance: ~2km loop | Time: 45min-1hr | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Best for: Bush walking, exercise, escaping suburbia

See the full Churchill Park walk details

Other Walks in Glendowie

Glendowie to St Heliers Beach Walk

There’s a nice coastal connection from Glendowie to St Heliers via the foreshore. It’s mostly road walking but quiet streets with sea views.

What you’ll get:

• Sea views
• Links to St Heliers beach and cafés
• Mostly footpaths along quiet roads
• Easy and flat

From Churchill Park area you can walk down to the foreshore and follow the coast road to St Heliers. Takes about 30-40 minutes. It’s not a dedicated walking track – you’re on footpaths – but the views are nice and traffic’s light.

Good if you want to walk to St Heliers for brunch rather than drive. Park at Churchill Park, walk to St Heliers, have coffee, walk back. That’s a solid 2-hour outing with breakfast included.

Distance: ~2.5km one way | Time: 30-40min each way | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Churchill Park or St Heliers Beach

Glendowie College Bush Walk

The bush behind Glendowie College has informal walking tracks. It’s not an official reserve but locals use it.

What you’ll get:

• Quiet bush tracks
• Links to Churchill Park
• Steep in sections
• Off the beaten track

These tracks connect to Churchill Park at the southern end. They’re less maintained than the official Churchill Park loop – more like tramping tracks. Good if you want something a bit rougher and quieter.

Access is from Glen Road or through Churchill Park. The tracks aren’t signposted, so it helps if you know where you’re going or have GPS.

Distance: ~1-2km of tracks | Time: 30-45min | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Glen Road or Churchill Park

Tahuna Torea to Glendowie Beach

You can extend the Tahuna Torea walk by continuing along the foreshore towards Glendowie Beach (also called Ladies Bay).

What you’ll get:

• More coastal walking
• Small beaches
• Rock pools at low tide
• Links to wider foreshore network

From Tahuna Torea, head east along Tamaki Drive. There’s footpaths and beach access points. It’s about 20 minutes to Glendowie Beach. The beach is small but nice – good for a quick swim.

You can keep going further east towards Achilles Point and Mission Bay if you’re keen for more distance.

Distance: ~1.5km from Tahuna Torea | Time: 20-30min | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Tahuna Torea car park

Pourewa Creek Walkway

Pourewa Creek runs through Glendowie with a walkway alongside it. It’s more of a commuter path than a destination walk, but it’s useful for linking areas.

What you’ll get:

• Creek-side path
• Connects residential areas
• Flat and paved
• Good for bikes

The walkway runs from Glen Innes through to the foreshore near Tahuna Torea. About 2km total. It’s mostly suburban walking with the creek alongside. Native planting in sections, some birdlife.

Not the most scenic walk, but handy if you live locally and want a car-free route to the shops or beach.

Distance: ~2km | Time: 25-30min | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Multiple access points along the creek

Crossfield Reserve

Small reserve near Churchill Park with short bush tracks. It’s tiny but pleasant.

What you’ll get:

• Short bush loop (15 minutes)
• Native trees
• Quiet local spot
• Can combine with Churchill Park

The reserve loop is only about 10-15 minutes. It’s more of a “quick stretch of the legs” walk than a destination. But the bush is nice, and it links to Churchill Park if you know the connections.

Good for dog walking or a quick evening stroll if you’re local.

Distance: ~500m loop | Time: 10-15min | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Crossfield Road

Getting to Glendowie

By Car:

• From city: Take Tamaki Drive east, turn at St Heliers into Glendowie
• From south: Reeves Road through Glen Innes
• About 15-20 minutes from Auckland CBD
• Free parking at both main walks

By Bus:

• Multiple routes along Tamaki Drive (GLE, 769, 774)
• Bus 753 through Glen Innes
• Good connections from city and surrounding suburbs

By Bike:

• Excellent cycle path along Tamaki Drive
• Quieter suburban streets
• Bike racks at reserves

Parking Spots:

• Tahuna Torea Reserve (Turua Street) – good-sized car park
• Churchill Park (Churchill Street) – street parking
• St Heliers (if combining walks) – metered parking
• Glendowie shops (Churchill Road) – time limits

Parking’s generally easy. Tahuna Torea car park can fill up on sunny weekends, but there’s street parking nearby.

When to Go

Best Seasons:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Good for early morning or evening walks. Midday can be hot with limited shade. Combine with swimming at St Heliers.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Perfect. Great birdwatching as migrants arrive. Not too hot, bush looks good.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Churchill Park can be muddy. Tahuna Torea is excellent in winter – heaps of birds. Bring a jacket for the coastal wind.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Lovely. Birds nesting, bush is lush, warming up nicely.

Best Times of Day:

• Early morning (7-9am) for birdwatching at Tahuna Torea
• High tide for Tahuna Torea (birds pushed closer, easier viewing)
• Late afternoon for Churchill Park (cooler for the hills)
• Sunset at Tahuna Torea is beautiful

Tide Considerations for Tahuna Torea:

• High tide is essential for good birdwatching (1-2 hours either side of high)
• Low tide means birds spread out on mudflats – harder to see
• Check NIWA tide times before going
• Really makes or breaks the experience

Facilities & Practicalities

Toilets:

• Tahuna Torea Reserve (near car park)
• St Heliers beach (nearby)
• Churchill Park area (public toilets on Churchill Road)

Food & Drink:

• St Heliers shops and cafés (5 minutes from Glendowie)
• Glendowie shops on Churchill Road
• Mission Bay (10 minutes)
• No facilities at the reserves themselves

What to Bring:

• Binoculars (essential for Tahuna Torea if you’re keen on birds)
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen for Tahuna Torea (exposed)
• Decent shoes for Churchill Park (can be muddy)
• Camera (especially for birds)
• Bird guidebook or app (helpful for identifying species)

Dogs:

• Allowed at both reserves (on-leash)
• Off-leash areas at some nearby beaches
• Keep under control around birds at Tahuna Torea
• Clean up after your dog

Mobile Coverage:

• Excellent everywhere
• Emergency services coverage perfect

Safety:

• All walks are very safe
• Well-used even on weekdays
• Stay on boardwalks at Tahuna Torea (protect the wetland)
• Churchill Park tracks can be slippery when wet

My Honest Take on Glendowie

Glendowie walks are excellent for what they are – quality local reserves that most people miss. Tahuna Torea is genuinely one of Auckland’s best birdwatching spots. If you’re into birds at all, go at high tide and bring binoculars. You’ll be amazed how many species you see.

Churchill Park surprised me. I wasn’t expecting proper native bush in the middle of suburbia, but it’s actually really good. The hills give you a decent workout, and it feels like you’ve escaped the city even though you’re five minutes from St Heliers.

Neither walk is a full-day adventure, which is fine. They’re perfect for quick morning or evening walks when you don’t want to drive to the Waitakeres or wherever. I reckon an hour at Tahuna Torea watching birds is better than an average hour on the couch.

The best thing about Glendowie walks is the convenience. You can do Tahuna Torea, then walk to St Heliers for brunch and a swim. That’s a brilliant few hours that doesn’t require driving all over Auckland.

Who’ll love Glendowie walks:

• Birdwatchers (Tahuna Torea is excellent)
• Local residents wanting quality nearby walking
• Families (Tahuna Torea is flat and easy)
• Anyone wanting short, quality walks
• People who like combining walks with cafés/beach

Who might not:

• If you want long wilderness walks (these are short suburban reserves)
• If you’re not into birds, Tahuna Torea might not excite you
• If you need dramatic scenery (these are good but subtle)
• If you want challenging walks (mostly easy)

Connecting Routes

Glendowie connects to the wider eastern Auckland coastal network:

East to Mission Bay and St Heliers: Easy walk along Tamaki Drive – flat footpaths with sea views the whole way.

West to Orakei: Continue along Tamaki Drive towards the city. Passes Orakei Basin (another good birdwatching spot).

North to Glen Innes: Pourewa Creek walkway links to Glen Innes area.

Check these nearby walks:

• Bucklands Beach walks – further east
• Half Moon Bay walks – eastern coastal paths
• East Auckland walks – full area overview

Or explore Mission Bay, St Heliers walks on the Tamaki Drive waterfront.

Quick Walk Comparison

Walk	Distance	Time	Difficulty	Best For	Buggy-Friendly?
Tahuna Torea	~2.5km	45min-1hr	Easy	Birdwatching	Yes
Churchill Park	~2km	45min-1hr	Easy-Mod	Bush, exercise	No
Glendowie-St Heliers	~5km return	1-1.5hrs	Easy	Café destination	Yes
Glendowie College Bush	~1-2km	30-45min	Moderate	Quiet bush	No
Pourewa Creek	~2km	25-30min	Easy	Linking walks	Yes

Pro Tips

1. Check high tide times before Tahuna Torea – makes huge difference for bird viewing
2. Bring binoculars – you’ll kick yourself if you don’t at Tahuna Torea
3. Combine with St Heliers – walk to Tahuna Torea, then to St Heliers for coffee
4. Churchill Park after rain can be very muddy – wear proper shoes
5. Early morning at Tahuna Torea is best for birdwatching (quieter, birds more active)
6. Download a bird ID app – you’ll want to know what you’re looking at
7. Winter at Tahuna Torea is actually brilliant – migratory birds arrive
8. Link both walks if you’re keen – about 30 minutes between them

Perfect Glendowie Morning:

• Check tide times (aim for 1-2 hours before high tide)
• Start at Tahuna Torea (8am-ish)
• Walk the wetland loop with binoculars (1 hour)
• Drive or walk to Churchill Park (5 minutes)
• Bush loop at Churchill Park (45 minutes)
• Walk to St Heliers for brunch (30 minutes)
• Swim at St Heliers beach
• Done by lunchtime

Quick Evening Walk:

• Head to Churchill Park after work (5pm)
• Bush loop (45 minutes)
• Home by 6:15pm
• Easy midweek exercise sorted

Birdwatcher’s Dream:

• Check high tide time
• Arrive at Tahuna Torea 1-2 hours before high
• Bring good binoculars and camera
• Bird guidebook or app
• Allow 2 hours minimum
• You’ll see 20+ species easily

With Kids:

• Tahuna Torea is perfect (flat, boardwalks, ducks)
• Bring bread (kids love feeding ducks, though technically you shouldn’t)
• Short loop only (30 minutes)
• Walk to St Heliers playground after
• Ice cream to finish

Back to East Auckland Walks | Back to All Auckland Walks