Tāpapakanga Farm Walk

Loop

Getting There

Getting to Tāpapakanga Regional Park is a scenic adventure in itself. Located on the seabird coast near Orere Point, it is roughly an hour and fifteen minutes' drive southeast of Auckland CBD.

To get there, follow the scenic route through Clevedon, continuing along Clevedon-Kawakawa Road and East Coast Road until you reach Orere Point. Turn down Deery Road and follow it right to the end, where you will find the main beachfront carpark.

• Main Beachfront Carpark: Located at the very end of Deery Road, this carpark provides direct access to the beach, toilets, and the start of the Tāpapakanga Farm Walk.
• Overnight Campervan Parking: If you are travelling in a certified self-contained (CSC) vehicle, the park offers fantastic designated overnight parking areas along Deery Road. Popular spots include the peaceful sites near the Tāpapakanga Stream and Kaparanui Stream, allowing you to wake up to the sound of the ocean.

Wildlife Spotting

For bird lovers, this walk is an absolute treat. The unique combination of coastal shoreline, open pasture, and regenerating native forest creates a thriving habitat for a wonderful variety of birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for these local residents:

• Tūī (Common - Year-round): You will easily spot these glossy, iridescent blue-black birds flitting through the native canopy. Listen out for their distinctive, melodic chiming and coughing calls.
• Kererū (Common - Year-round): Look up into the larger native trees like pūriri and taraire to spot these heavy, green-and-bronze native wood pigeons. You will often hear the loud, heavy whoosh-whoosh of their wings before you see them.
• Fantail / Pīwakawaka (Common - Year-round): These tiny, energetic birds will likely follow you along the bush sections of the track, darting and diving to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps.
• Sacred Kingfisher / Kōtare (Occasional): Look out for a flash of metallic blue-green darting from the clay banks or perching on fence posts near the coastal edges. They are more common around the shoreline in winter.
• Variable Oystercatcher / Tōrea Pango (Occasional - Year-round): Down on the stony shoreline, you will often see these stocky black shorebirds with bright orange-red bills probing the wet sand for food.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Tāpapakanga Farm Walk is a fantastic year-round destination, with each season bringing its own unique charm to the park:

• Spring: This is a magical time to visit as the farm comes alive with newborn lambs and calves. The surrounding hillsides are a brilliant, lush green, and the crisp spring air makes the uphill climb highly enjoyable.
• Summer: The ultimate time for a classic beach day. Come for the walk, but pack your swimwear for a refreshing dip in the ocean afterward. The crimson pōhutukawa blooms are spectacular, though you will want to start early in the day to beat the heat, as the farm pasture sections offer very little shade.
• Autumn: Autumn brings settled, golden weather with cooler temperatures perfect for hiking. The water is often still warm enough for a quick paddle, and the park is much quieter than in the busy summer months.
• Winter: Don't let the cold keep you away! Winter brings moody, dramatic skies over the Firth of Thames. Just be sure to wear sturdy boots, as the grassy farm tracks can get quite muddy and slippery after heavy rain.

• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are highly recommended, especially for the undulating farm sections.
• Sun Protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, as a large portion of this walk is fully exposed to the sun.
• Layers: The coastal breeze coming off the Firth of Thames can be surprisingly chilly, even on a sunny day. Pack a light windbreaker just in case.
• Water & Snacks: Carry at least a litre of water per person, and pack some snacks to enjoy at the panoramic summit lookout.

Local & Regional Context

Tāpapakanga is a place of immense cultural and historical significance. Long before European settlers arrived, this land was a bustling home for Māori, particularly the Ngāti Paoa iwi (tribe). The coastal location, fertile volcanic soils, and abundant sea life made it an ideal place to live. The park's name itself, Tāpapakanga, translates to "the landing place of many canoes" or "the place of spiritual preparation," highlighting its importance as an ancient landing site for waka (canoes).

As you walk the trail, you are stepping through a living history museum. The ancient stonefields you pass represent some of the earliest forms of agriculture in the Auckland region, where stones were piled to clear the land and help warm the soil for growing kūmara (sweet potato).

In the late 19th century, the land was purchased by the McLean family, who established a coastal farm. Today, Auckland Council manages the park as a regional treasure, carefully balancing a working sheep and beef farm with conservation efforts to regenerate the native coastal forest.

After the Walk

After two hours of walking, you will have worked up an appetite. Fortunately, there are some great local spots to refuel:

• Orere Point Top Shop: Located just a few minutes' drive away in Orere Point, this is your classic, no-nonsense Kiwi dairy and takeaway. It is the perfect place to grab a scoop of hot chips, a cold drink, or a classic real fruit ice cream to enjoy by the beach.
• Kawakawa Bay Store: If you are heading back north, stop by this friendly coastal store. They do great coffee, fresh pies, and delicious cabinet food, with lovely views of the Kawakawa Bay boating club just across the road.
• The Clevedon Village Cafes: For a more substantial sit-down meal, head back through the historic village of Clevedon. Spot The Clevedon Corner or one of the local rustic cafes for a superb flat white, a gourmet brunch, or a sweet treat. If you are hiking on a Sunday morning, you can also stop by the famous Clevedon Farmers' Market to pick up some incredible local artisan foods.