The Pūweto Loop Walk is a scenic trail in Waitawa Regional Park, East Auckland. This moderate walking track offers visitors panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding coastline. The loop traverses native bush and regenerating farmland, providing opportunities to observe local flora and fauna while experiencing the park’s natural coastal landscape and historical significance.
By Car: Waitawa Regional Park is located off Whitford-Maraetai Road in East Auckland. From central Auckland, take the Southern Motorway (SH1) and exit onto Whitford-Maraetai Road. The park entrance is well signposted on your right. There’s ample free parking at the main car park.
Public Transport: Public transport options are limited to this area. The nearest bus service runs to Clevedon village, approximately 8 kilometres away. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle.
GPS Coordinates: -36.9642° S, 175.0869° E
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The Pūweto Loop is one of those understated gems that doesn’t try too hard to impress but ends up winning you over anyway. The track surface is generally well-maintained but expect some muddy patches after rain—this is Auckland’s east coast after all, where weather changes faster than you can say “I should’ve brought my waterproof.”
The native bush section at the start provides welcome shade on hot days. Keep your eyes peeled for tūī, fantails and kereru in the canopy. The regenerating forest is slowly reclaiming what was once farmland and you can spot the transition zones where pasture gives way to native seedlings.
The coastal stretch is the track’s showpiece. On clear days you’ll catch views stretching from Rangitoto Island across to the Coromandel Peninsula. The pōhutukawa trees here are particularly photogenic, especially their weathered branches that frame the gulf perfectly.
Here’s what the track notes won’t tell you: the best light for photography hits around mid-morning when the sun illuminates the Hauraki Gulf without creating harsh shadows. Late afternoon works well too but the coastal section can get quite breezy.
The track can be deceptively slippery in winter months. Those clay sections under the bush canopy retain moisture and turn into skating rinks. Decent grip on your footwear isn’t optional—it’s essential. I’ve seen more than one confident walker do an ungraceful shuffle when they hit a slick patch.
Dogs love this walk but keep them leashed. There are ground-nesting birds in the regenerating areas and the last thing anyone wants is an over-enthusiastic labrador crashing through sensitive habitat. Plus the track narrows in sections where passing other walkers requires some coordination.
The Pūweto area holds considerable historical importance for local Māori. Several pā sites dot the coastal ridges throughout Waitawa Regional Park, taking advantage of the natural defensive positions the cliffs provided. The Pūweto Loop passes near one of these sites where you can still make out terracing if you know what to look for.
The park itself was once entirely farmland before Auckland Council acquired it for conservation and recreation. That farming legacy is still visible in the open pasture sections where the track crosses former grazing land now slowly reverting to native bush.
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Autumn and spring offer ideal conditions with mild temperatures and generally stable weather. Summer can get hot on the exposed coastal sections with limited shade, while winter brings mud and slippery conditions but also dramatic moody skies over the gulf.
The pōhutukawa bloom around December which transforms the coastal section into a riot of red flowers. It’s spectacular but also the busiest time for visitors. If you prefer solitude, stick to weekday mornings outside of school holidays.
The “moderate” grading is accurate for most people but be aware that sections involve short climbs that might challenge young children or those with limited mobility. The track isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or prams due to uneven surfaces and steps in places.
That coastal breeze I mentioned earlier can turn into a proper wind on exposed sections. If you’re walking in winter, bring an extra layer because the temperature drop is noticeable when you leave the shelter of the bush.
The track gets muddy. Seriously muddy. After heavy rain, some sections become difficult to navigate without getting your boots caked. This isn’t a deal-breaker but it’s worth checking recent weather before committing to your pristine white sneakers.
Reception is patchy throughout the walk. You’ll likely have signal at the car park and some elevated sections, but expect to lose it completely in the bush areas. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation.
The coastline is rocky and not ideal for swimming. There are small beaches accessible at low tide but they’re better suited for exploring rock pools than taking a dip. Currents can be strong in this area.
No facilities exist within Waitawa Regional Park beyond toilets and picnic tables. The nearest shops and cafes are in Clevedon village, about 10 minutes drive away. Bring your own food and water.
Weekday mornings are quiet with just a handful of local dog walkers. Sunny weekend afternoons can see dozens of visitors, though it never feels overcrowded due to the loop nature spreading people out.
Yes, many locals use it for trail running. The loop distance and moderate terrain make it perfect for a quick run. Just watch your footing on the technical sections and be courteous to walkers.
The Pūweto Loop is shorter and less challenging than tracks like the Kereru Loop. It offers the best coastal views among the shorter walks and serves as a good introduction to the park before tackling longer routes.
Last autumn, I drove out to Waitawa Regional Park on a whim, looking for somewhere new to stretch my legs. The Pūweto Loop Walk caught my attention on the park map—a modest 45-minute circuit that wound through native bush and along the coast.
The track started off gently enough, weaving through regenerating forest where fantails flitted between branches. The air smelled damp and earthy, and moss covered everything in varying shades of green. About fifteen minutes in, the path opened up to views across the harbor, and I stopped to watch a heron standing motionless in the shallows below.
The coastal section was my favorite part. The track hugged the shoreline, close enough that I could hear waves lapping against the rocks. Pōhutukawa trees twisted overhead, their gnarled roots gripping the hillside. A few other walkers passed by—mostly locals with dogs, judging by how familiar they seemed with the terrain.
The loop climbed gradually on the return leg, nothing too strenuous, but enough to get my heart rate up. Near the end, I came across an old pā site marker, which made me wish I’d read more about the area’s history before setting out.
The whole walk took me just under an hour, including my photo stops. It wasn’t a challenging hike by any means, but it offered that perfect combination of bush and coastline that makes Wellington’s regional parks worth visiting. I’ve been back twice since.
