Te Araroa Trail: Botanic Gardens to Mangatāwhiri

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

• Auckland Botanic Gardens: Spanning 64 hectares, this stunning garden is home to over 10,000 plants from around the world. The native plant conservation gardens are a brilliant spot to appreciate New Zealand's unique flora before you head into the wilder sections.
• Puhunui Stream Pathway: A peaceful, green corridor that allows you to walk right under the roaring Southern Motorway without losing your connection to nature.
• Mount William Scenic Reserve: This reserve is of immense botanical significance. It is one of the rare places where you can see kauri and hard beech trees growing naturally alongside each other near their southern distribution limits.
• Mount William Summit: Sitting high in the Bombay Hills, the summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Waikato basin, the Manukau Harbour, and the distant Firth of Thames. On a clear day, it is one of the best photo opportunities in the region.

Getting There

Because this is a point-to-point trail, you will need to organise transport logistics. The most common option is to leave a recovery vehicle at the Mangatāwhiri end of the track, or arrange for a friend to pick you up.

To get to the start of the trail, head to the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa. The main entrance is located on Hill Road. There is ample free parking available on-site, with Car Park 1 and Car Park 2 both providing direct, easy access to the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre where the trail officially kicks off.

Wildlife Spotting

This trail is a haven for bird lovers, particularly during the first and final quarters of the walk.

As you wander through the native plant collections at the Botanic Gardens, keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky pīwakawaka (fantail) flitting beside you, catching insects stirred up by your footsteps. High in the canopy, you will easily spot the tūī with their distinctive white throat tufts, filling the air with their metallic clicks and melodic whistles.

If you look closely into the larger trees of the Mount William Scenic Reserve, you might spot the heavy, silent swoop of a kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon) feeding on native berries. As dusk approaches near the end of the trail, you might even hear the haunting, iconic call of the ruru (morepork) echoing through the pine plantations. Other common avian residents along the way include the tiny tauhou (silvereye), blackbirds, and sparrows.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer & Autumn: Ideal for dry underfoot conditions, particularly on the climb up Mount William, which can get incredibly slick and muddy in the wetter months.
• Spring: Offers a spectacular show of blooming flowers through the Botanic Gardens, though you should prepare for classic spring showers.

• Start Early: With a distance of 38.9 kilometres, you will want to hit the trail shortly after sunrise to ensure you complete the walk comfortably within daylight hours.
• Footwear: While parts of this trail are paved or gravelled, a sturdy, worn-in pair of hiking boots is highly recommended to tackle the slippery clay and root-laden tracks around Mount William.
• Hydration & Nutrition: There are limited places to refill water or buy food once you leave the Manurewa area. Pack at least 2 to 3 litres of water and plenty of high-energy snacks to keep you fuelled for the 8-hour journey.
• Sun & Wind Protection: Large portions of the trail—particularly the road walking and farm sections—are highly exposed to the elements. Wear a hat, apply plenty of sunscreen, and pack a windproof jacket.
• Important Restrictions: Please note that this trail is not dog-friendly and is not kid-friendly. The sheer distance, necessary road-walking sections, and conservation rules within the scenic reserve mean it is best suited for fit, adult hikers.

Local & Regional Context

This section of the Te Araroa Trail highlights the delicate balance between urban development and environmental conservation in New Zealand. The rerouting of the trail away from the Hunua Ranges is a direct response to kauri dieback disease, a deadly waterborne pathogen threatening our ancient giants. By staying on the designated bypass paths, hikers play a direct role in protecting these sacred trees.

The climb over the Bombay Hills and Mount William also carries historical and geological significance. These hills represent the volcanic boundary between the rolling pastures of the Waikato and the volcanic plains of Auckland. Historically, these ridges served as vital travel routes and lookout points for local iwi (tribes) and early European settlers alike.

After the Walk

After an epic 39-kilometre journey, you will have absolutely earned a hearty feed! Depending on where you end your day or head back to, here are the best local spots to refuel:

• Miko Cafe (0km away): Located right at the start inside the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre. If you are doing a shorter out-and-back or just want to fuel up before you head off, this spot is perfect. They offer delicious barista coffee, a fantastic all-day brunch menu, and sweet cabinet treats with a lovely view over the gardens.
• Pho Kitchen Manurewa (1.5km from the start): A short drive from the Botanic Gardens, this family-owned gem is famous for its authentic, steaming bowls of beef pho. There is nothing quite like a hot, fragrant broth and fresh crispy spring rolls to soothe tired muscles after a long day on the trail.
• Lone Star Manukau (2km from the start): If you are craving a high-protein feast, head here. Known for their generous Kiwi-sized portions, lively atmosphere, and legendary ribs, burgers, and steaks, it is the ultimate destination to celebrate completing this massive section of the Te Araroa.

1.5km away

A family-owned Vietnamese restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine, generous portion sizes, and delicious dishes like beef pho and crispy spring rolls. It offers a satisfying post-hike meal.