While there are many great walks all over Auckland, Duder Regional Park certainly takes the crown of the most under-rated hidden gem.
The perfect mix of farm life and ocean views, Duder Regional Park has truly unforgettable scenery. It is the real life example of that stereo-typical image of New Zealand. Sheep relaxing on the green grass, stunning blue water and a clear sky in the background.
While this amazing spot is fairly well known with East Auckland locals, most people from out of the area have never even heard of it.
Duder Regional Park is one of my favourite walks for when I want to get out of the house on a sunny day but only have a couple of hours or so to spare. Soon it will be your favourite too.
Where is Duder Regional Park and How to get There?
Duder Regional Park is located on the Whakakaiwhara peninsular in South East Auckland, 45 minutes drive from the city.
There are two main ways to get to Duder Regional Park, coming more inland through Clevedon or going the coastal route through Maraetai.
I always prefer to go through Clevedon on the way there and return home through Maraetai and stop for an ice-cream and swim at the beach.
There is a large carpark with plenty of parking, however during the summer holidays, the carpark can get very full.
Clevedon Drive
Coming the Clevedon way is the fastest route as you pretty much come straight through from the motorway. This area isn’t big, but it has become more popular in recent years due to its rural vibe.
There are a few small shops here and a very popular market on Sundays. The nearby walk up Camp Sladdin is another well visited, sunny day activity.
To get to Duder Regional Park from Clevedon you will go right to the end of town and drive straight through the round about. From here, follow the road for about 10 minutes and you will see the sign and driveway for the Park on your right.
If you arrive at a beach you have missed the turn off, so head back about a minute and look out for the entrance.
Maraetai Drive
If you want to go the more beachy route then the drive through Maraetai is the way to go. This coastal area is popular in summer because of the well known Maraetai Beach and wharf.
If you do come this way I highly recommend giving yourself a bit more time and enjoying this magical spot, especially if it is a nice calm day.
To get to Duder Regional Park from Maraetai you pretty much just follow the road right through the residential area past the beach and onto the windy coastal road. This stretch of road is beautiful in summer and gives off that classic kiwi road trip vibe.
Keep driving along the next main beach and then follow the road as it turns to head inland. About a minute from this turn is the entrance to the Park. Keep and eye out for the signs and driveway on your left.
The Different Walks at Duder Regional Park
Duder Regional Park has 4 epic walks to choose from. All these walks vary in length and cover different areas of the park. However, they all have similar amazing views of the farm and out towards the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands. It is quite different to many of the other popular walks that are out west.
All these walks are classed as easy walks. There is a bit of uphill walking but nothing too difficult if you take your time.
Please note, this is a working farm so please respect the animals and land, and if you open a gate, please shut it after you.
Check out the tracks below and discover why Duder Regional Park is one of the best walks in Auckland.
The Farm Loop
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 4.3 Kms
Markers: Red
The Farm Loop is the main walk at Duder Regional Park. All 3 of the other tracks branch off this one, so you will end up doing a chunk if not all of this walk.
You can walk either way around this track but the most popular direction is starting the walk going up the road and moving anti-clockwise.
The track starts off as a flat gravel road and winds its way around the edge of the peninsular past the mud flats and up to the entrance of the farm.
The next part of the walk makes its way though the farm paddocks and up and over to the other side of the peninsular. Enjoy all the cute farm animals such as sheep and cows while enjoying the beautiful views out and over the water.
The views from this part of the walk are breath taking, and as you make your way up to the trig point, they get even better. Make sure to go right up onto the trig to get the full 360 degree views.
Continue along the track through the farm and you will eventually loop back down to the carpark.
Whakakaiwhara Pā Walk
Time: 1 hour (On top of 2 hour Farm Loop)
Distance: 2.4 kms (on top of 4.3 Farm Loop)
Markers: Blue
The Whakakaiwhara Pā walk is an extension of the farm loops and is a one way track out to the pā at the tip of the peninsular.
This track does make your walk slightly longer, but it does offer some epic view points out towards Kawakawa Bay and Tawhitokino Beach.
The pā sight here is quite cool as it is shaped like a triangle which is unusual. At the pā there is also the remains of a house and pits used for storing food.
The track is pretty straight forward as you just following along toward the point the whole way. As this is a return track you will go back the way you came to reconnect onto the Farm Loop track.
Duder Sustainable Trail
Time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 4 Kms
Markers: Yellow
The Sustainable trail at Duder Regional Park follows a similar path to the Farm Loop up through the paddocks. However, the Sustainable Trail loops back down sooner and goes back up the gravel road to the carpark.
This walk is great for those wanting to find out a bit more about how the farming works in the regional park.
As you follow the yellow markers around, there will be signs with information about how this farm is focusing on sustainable farming.
The cool part about this walk is you get a mix of walking through the paddocks and through the native bush as the track cuts down through the gully fulled with native trees.
Duder Coastal Walk
Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 2 Kms
Markers: Orange
The Coastal walk is probably the least used track at Duder Regional park, however it is another stunning walk if you do have the opportunity to do it.
This walk is again connected to the Farm Loop, and joins up around the mid point of the track.
This track takes you from almost right up top of the regional park right down to the stunning Umupuia Beach below.
The Coastal walk is only able to be done at low tide due to part of the it being along the beach which is only accessible at low tide.
This walk does not link back up with the main carpark, so I recommend parking at Umupuia Beach and doing it as an alternative to the regular Farm Loop.
During peak season this can be a great option if you still want to do the walks but the main carpark is full. Just use the Coastal as the link to get to the Farm Loop.
Facilities at Duder Regional Park
Duder Regional Park is very well maintained but facilities are quite limited and only available at the start of the walk in the car park.
In the car park the is a toilet block with running water, however it is not recommended to drink the water.
There are a few picnic tables scattered around the park for you to use and enjoy the views along side some food.
Something to remember is that there are no rubbish bins here so you must take all rubbish with you when you leave. It is important to respect the beauty of this place and keep it clean and tidy for the next people walking the tracks.
Best time to visit Duder Regional Park
Duder Regional Park is generally a great place to visit any time. But, many locals including me will always say spring or summer is the best time to go.
In spring you get all the baby animals, with the sheep and cows being the most common. These animals are quite used to humans and you can observe them from a close distance without bothering them.
With that being said they are animals and should be left to do their own thing. Do not do anything to annoy or disturb the animals, especially mums with babies.
Summer is another great time as there is usually more sun and less wind! The perfect combination for a great day out for a walk.
In terms of best time of day to visit, the Duder Regional Park is open 24 hours to pedestrians. However, the gates do open and close at certain hours.
Gate access in summer – 6am to 9pm
Gate access in winter – 6am to 7pm
Wrap up: Duder Regional Park
While it may not be too well known, Duder Regional Park certainly is an unmissable the next time you are in south east Auckland.
You are bound to have an amazing experience here and will soon find yourself telling all your friends and family about this amazing place called Duder Regional Park.
