Duder Regional Park Walk (Farm Loop)

Loop

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Highlights & Must-See Features

While the entire walk is a visual treat, there are several standout features that make the Farm Loop a must-do:

• The Whakakaiwhara Pā Detour: About halfway through the loop, we highly recommend taking the short detour out to the very tip of the peninsula. This is the site of the historic Whakakaiwhara Pā, a significant defensive settlement of the Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki iwi. Walking along this narrow finger of land, you can explore the preserved archaeological earthworks (rua or food storage pits and defensive ditches) while imagining what life was like hundreds of years ago.
• The 360-Degree Lookout: From the high points of the loop and the pā site, you are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. Look south-west to see the rolling Brookby and Maraetai hills, turn south to spy the distant, moody Hunua Ranges, and peer east across the Firth of Thames.
• The Pōhutukawa Cliffs: The edges of the peninsula are fringed with ancient, gnarly pōhutukawa trees clinging to the clay cliffs. If you visit in December, the entire coastline glows with a brilliant crimson border.
• Pockets of Native Bush: Though the trail is dominated by open pasture, the loop skirts around several gullies and wetlands filled with regenerating native forest. Keep an eye out for beautiful specimens of taraire, tawa, and karaka trees thriving in these sheltered pockets.

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Getting There

Duder Regional Park is located at 933R North Road, Clevedon, roughly a 45-to-50-minute drive from Auckland’s Central Business District.

The main entrance features a large, free car park with plenty of space. On-site facilities include public toilets and plenty of open grass areas perfect for a pre- or post-walk picnic. For those travelling in motorhomes, the park also offers designated overnight parking sites for Certified Self-Contained (CSC) campervans—an incredible spot to wake up to a coastal sunrise!

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Wildlife Spotting

Despite being a working farm, Duder Regional Park is a thriving sanctuary for native birdlife. The mix of open pasture, coastal cliffs, and regenerating bush gullies creates a diverse ecosystem where you can spot a variety of species.

• In the pasture and skies: You will likely hear the cheerful, bubbling song of the skylark high above the fields. Friendly pīwakawaka (fantails) are common year-round, darting around the scrub to catch insects disturbed by the grazing stock. You will also easily spot tūī and tauhou (silvereyes) flitting through the flax and native trees.
• Along the rocky shoreline and wetlands: Look out for the elegant matuku moana (white-faced heron) wading in the shallows. The striking tōrea (south island pied oystercatcher) is a frequent resident on the shell beaches below.
• On the beaches (Spring to Summer): Keep a sharp eye out for the rare and endangered tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel), which nests on the park's sandy spits during the warmer months. Be sure to stick strictly to the marked trails to avoid disturbing these camouflaged ground-nesters.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Duder Regional Park Walk (Farm Loop) is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season brings its own unique magic:

• Spring: This is arguably the most adorable time to visit, as the paddocks are filled with bouncing, newborn lambs and calves. The park is vibrant, green, and bursting with new life.
• Summer: Perfect for combining your walk with a cooling dip at nearby beaches. The pōhutukawa trees are in full crimson bloom, and the clay tracks are dry and solid.
• Autumn: Offers crisp, clear days with excellent visibility across the Hauraki Gulf, accompanied by calmer, cooler hiking weather.
• Winter: The pastures turn an incredibly vivid, lush green, but the clay tracks can become quite muddy and slippery after heavy rain.

• Beat the heat: Because the trail winds through open farmland, there is virtually no shade along the loop. If you are walking in summer, start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun.
• Pack sun protection & wind gear: Always wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Conversely, because the peninsula is highly exposed, it can catch strong coastal winds (especially from the north-west), so packing a windbreaker is always a smart move.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended, especially in winter or after rain when the grass slopes can get greasy.
• Hydration: There are no water drinking stations along the trail, so bring a reusable drink bottle with you.

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Local & Regional Context

The land on which Duder Regional Park sits holds immense cultural and historical value. For centuries, the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula was a strategic stronghold for Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. The name Whakakaiwhara translates poetically to "to eat the fruit of the kiekie"—a native climbing plant that once grew abundantly in the area.

In 1866, the land was purchased by the Duder family, pioneering settlers who farmed the peninsula for over a century. In 1995, the Auckland Regional Council acquired the land to create the regional park, ensuring that both its farming heritage and its rich Māori history were preserved for future generations. Today, the park successfully balances sustainable farming practices with public recreation and ecological restoration, making it a shining example of modern conservation.

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After the Walk

Once you have completed the loop and worked up an appetite, make sure to head into the charming country village of Clevedon, just a 10-minute drive back down the road. It is the perfect place to refuel and chat about your hike.

• Clevedon Farmers' Market: If you plan your walk for a Sunday morning, stopping here is a non-negotiable. You can sample delicious local pastries, fresh strawberries, artisanal cheeses, and grab a superb coffee.
• The Corner Kitchen and Bar: Located in the heart of Clevedon village, this local favourite offers a fantastic, relaxed atmosphere with a seasonal menu that is perfect for a hearty lunch or a refreshing cold craft beer.
• The Clevedon Co-Op: A wonderful spot to pick up locally made treats, fresh cabinet food, and an exceptional flat white to enjoy in their sunny courtyard.