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Duder Regional Park, Clevedon
4.3 km
1 hour 18 minutes
140 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking to swap Auckland’s bustling streets for wide-open skies, salty sea breezes, and the gentle rhythm of farm life, the Duder Regional Park Walk (Farm Loop) is the ultimate weekend escape. Located on the stunning, pōhutukawa-fringed Whakakaiwhara Peninsula in Clevedon, this 4.3km loop is an absolute gem of East Auckland. It offers a spectacular blend of working farm pasture and dramatic, panoramic coastal views that will make you feel a million miles away from the city—even though it’s just a short drive from home.
Whether you are a seasoned local seeking a scenic Sunday stroll or a visitor looking to experience classic New Zealand coastal landscapes, this walk delivers a healthy dose of fresh air, local history, and jaw-dropping scenery.
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Stepping onto the Duder Regional Park Walk (Farm Loop), you will immediately notice the unique charm of this regional park. Unlike many bush-clad Auckland hikes, this trail takes you directly through a working coastal farm. As you follow the well-marked red trail poles, you will share the rolling green pastures with grazing sheep and cattle, giving the entire walk a wonderfully rustic, authentic Kiwi feel.
The trail starts from the main car park and begins a gentle, undulating climb across open grasslands. With an elevation gain of 140 metres, the walk is classified as moderate. While there are no steep, lung-busting staircases or technical climbs, the continuous rolling terrain provides a satisfying, heart-pumping workout. The track itself is wide and well-formed, making it highly accessible. In dry conditions, a robust, all-terrain pushchair can easily navigate the path, making this an incredibly kid-friendly adventure for families. However, because this is an active working farm with vulnerable livestock and nesting shorebirds, dogs are strictly not allowed in the park, so you will need to leave your four-legged friends at home.
As you ascend the grassy ridges, the landscape truly begins to show off. The peninsula narrows, and the vast, sparkling expanse of the Hauraki Gulf unfolds around you. On a clear day, you will enjoy unobstructed views of Waiheke and Ponui Islands floating on the horizon. The sense of space and tranquillity here is immense; the fresh sea air and the distant cry of gulls create a perfect contrast to Auckland’s urban rush.
Free car parking is available at the main entrance of Duder Regional Park, located at 933R North Road, Clevedon. Toilets are on-site, and Certified Self-Contained (CSC) campervan sites are also available for overnight parking.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
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While the entire walk is a visual treat, there are several standout features that make the Farm Loop a must-do:
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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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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.
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The Duder Regional Park Walk (Farm Loop) is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season brings its own unique magic:
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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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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.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Anarhynchus obscurus
A threatened shorebird, the southern subspecies is critically endangered and breeds on sandy beaches and exposed hilltops.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Haematopus finschi
An endemic New Zealand shorebird, the Pied Oystercatcher is easily spotted foraging for shellfish on tidal flats and in nearby paddocks.
Best time: Year-round
Alauda arvensis
An introduced species, the skylark is renowned for its beautiful, sustained song delivered while hovering high in the air.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round