Okura Bush Walkway

Point to point

Beyond the cottage, the walkway heads toward Stillwater. Here, you have a choice to make depending on the tide. If the tide is low, you can stroll along the soft, sandy tidal flats, feeling the sea breeze on your face. If the tide is high, you will take the overland track, which climbs up along the coastal cliffs, offering even more breathtaking vistas before dropping back down to the Weiti River estuary and finishing at the Stillwater car park.

Important Trail Update: Please note that as of December 2023, the southern section of the Ōkura Bush Walkway (between the Haigh Road entrance in Okura and Karepiro Bay) is closed due to significant slip damage from severe weather and ongoing kauri dieback mitigation. However, the northern section from Stillwater to Karepiro Bay (Dacre Cottage) remains fully open and is beautifully maintained by Auckland Council. This open section makes for a fantastic out-and-back walk! Always check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for the latest track status before you head out.

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Highlights & Must-See Features

• Dacre Cottage: This charming red-brick homestead, built in the 1850s, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Auckland region. Situated in a sunny, grassy clearing right by the beach, it is the ultimate spot to unpack a picnic, sit under the shade of a tree, and dip your toes in the water.
• Karepiro Bay Lookout: The climb to the headland rewards you with a postcard-perfect view of the Hauraki Gulf. Keep an eye out for passing sailboats and the outline of offshore islands on a clear day.
• The Estuary Boardwalks: Crossing the wetlands on well-constructed wooden boardwalks gives you a front-row seat to the delicate estuary ecosystem without getting your boots muddy.
• Ancient Trees: The transition from dense coastal broadleaf forest to towering kauri and pōhutukawa is a magnificent sight, showcasing the botanical diversity of the Hibiscus Coast.

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Getting There

Because this is a point-to-point trail, you can start from either end (though with the current southern closure, starting at the northern Stillwater end is highly recommended).

• Northern Entrance (Stillwater - Open): Located at the very end of Duck Creek Road in Stillwater. You can reach this by turning off East Coast Road onto Spur Road, then following it down to Stillwater. There is a convenient car park near the Stillwater Boating Club, right by the trailhead.
• Southern Entrance (Okura - Currently Closed): Located at the end of Haigh Access Road, off East Coast Road. There is ample on-road parking available here for when the full trail reopens.

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Wildlife Spotting

The estuary and forest surrounding the walkway are absolute havens for native New Zealand birdlife.

In the forest canopy, you will easily spot the cheeky pīwakawaka (fantail) fluttering alongside you, catching insects kicked up by your footsteps. The sweet, melodic song of the tūī echoes through the trees year-round, and if you look closely into the branches of the broader leafy trees, you might spot a large, colourful kererū (New Zealand pigeon) feasting on native berries.

Down on the mudflats and shoreline, the birdlife changes completely. You will hear the high-pitched calls of the South Island Pied Oystercatcher (tōrea) and see elegant Pied Stilts (poaka) wading through the shallows on their long, pink legs. If you are visiting during spring or summer, keep a quiet look out for the rare, endangered New Zealand Dotterel (rangitātau) nesting near the high-tide mark on the sand spit.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: The track is a joy to walk year-round. In Summer, the coastal pōhutukawa burst into crimson bloom, and the warm weather is perfect for a swim at Karepiro Bay. Autumn and Spring offer cooler hiking temperatures and active bird nesting seasons, while a crisp Winter morning brings incredibly clear views across the gulf.
• Tide Times are Key: Always check the tide tables before you go. Having a low tide allows you to walk the scenic shoreline route between Karepiro Bay and Stillwater rather than taking the steep overland cliff path.
• What to Wear: While the open northern section is well-formed, parts of the trail can get very muddy and slippery after rain. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots with good grip are highly recommended.
• Sun & Wind Protection: The coastal sections leave you quite exposed to the elements. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a windbreaker to protect against the fresh coastal breezes.

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Local & Regional Context

The land surrounding the Ōkura Bush Walkway is steeped in history. For centuries, local Māori utilised the rich estuaries of Okura and Weiti as mahinga kai (food gathering sites), harvesting abundant fish, shellfish, and forest resources.

In the mid-19th century, the area transitioned into European hands. Captain Ranulf Dacre purchased the Weiti block, and his son, Henry Dacre, constructed the historic brick cottage in the 1850s using locally fired bricks. Today, the cottage stands as a testament to the rugged determination of Auckland's early settlers.

The forest itself is a precious remnant of coastal broadleaf and kauri forest, which was once common across the region but heavily logged during the colonial era. Thanks to passionate local conservation efforts, the area is now protected, allowing the forest to regenerate and providing a safe sanctuary for native wildlife to thrive once more.

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After the Walk

There is nothing quite like a cold drink and a hearty meal to celebrate a successful hike. Fortunately, you do not have to travel far to find a fantastic local spot.

Just 0.2km from the Stillwater trailhead lies The Archer Bar & Bistro. This well-regarded local pub is a favourite among Stillwater residents and visiting hikers alike. Offering a warm, relaxed atmosphere and a great outdoor seating area, it is the perfect spot to kick off your boots and unwind. They specialise in delicious wood-fired pizzas, fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and excellent seafood, alongside a great range of cold tap beers and local wines. It is a highly convenient and welcoming spot to swap stories about your day on the trail!