Te Araroa Trail: Mangatāwhiri to Mercer

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

• The Dutch Polder Landscape: It is incredibly rare to walk through this style of reclaimed wetland farming in New Zealand. It is an engineering marvel that gives you a new appreciation for the local farming heritage.
• The Fish and Game Wetlands: Keep your camera ready as you traverse the stopbanks. The views over the raupo and flax-filled swamplands are beautiful, especially in the golden light of early morning.
• The Motorway Underpass: Walking beneath the roaring lanes of the Southern Motorway bridge is a surprisingly dramatic experience, offering a unique perspective on New Zealand’s busiest transport corridor.
• Historical Mercer: Arriving in Mercer is a highlight in itself. This sleepy river town was once a heavily fortified hub during the New Zealand Land Wars, and hints of this storied past still linger in the air.

Getting There

Because this is a point-to-point trail, you will need to plan your transport. The easiest option is to drop a car at the finish line at the Mercer Service Centre (located just off State Highway 1) and carpool to the start.

The walk starts near the SH2 bridge over the Mangatāwhiri River, roughly a 45-minute drive south of Auckland. There is informal parking available on the gravel shoulder near the bridge. At the end of the trail, the Mercer Service Centre has plenty of safe, well-lit parking, as well as a petrol station and public toilets.

Wildlife Spotting

The interface between open pasture and rich wetlands makes this trail a haven for birdwatchers. As you walk along the stopbanks, keep an eye out for these feathered locals:

• Paradise Shelduck (pūtangitangi): Easily spotted by their distinctive, loud honking calls, these large, colourful ducks are a common sight in the flooded fields.
• Black Shag (kawau pango): Look out for these prehistoric-looking birds drying their wings on branches overhanging the river.
• Caspian Tern (taranui): If you are walking between spring and autumn, keep an eye on the sky. The world’s largest tern can occasionally be seen diving for fish with its bright red-orange bill.
• Common Songbirds: You will be serenaded along the quiet rural roads by silvereyes (tauhou), chaffinches, and blackbirds darting in and out of the hedgerows.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

This trail can be walked year-round, but each season brings a very different experience:

• Spring & Summer: These are the most popular months. The trail is drier, the days are long, and the wetland is buzzing with life. However, there is very little shade on the stopbanks. We highly recommend starting early in the morning to beat the fierce midday sun.
• Autumn & Winter: The Waikato mist rising off the river on a crisp winter morning is incredibly scenic. However, winter brings mud. You will need high-quality, waterproof hiking boots to negotiate the slippery stopbanks during the wetter months.
• What to pack: There are no water sources along the trail until you reach Mercer. Pack at least 2 litres of water, high-factor sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, and plenty of snacks. Be sure to check the local weather forecast before departing, as the stopbank sections can become impassable after heavy rain.

Local & Regional Context

This stretch of the Te Araroa Trail is steeped in history. The Mangatāwhiri River represents a major historical boundary line in New Zealand. In the 19th century, it was the official border between British-controlled territory and the Kīngitanga (Māori King Movement) lands of the Waikato.

On 12 July 1863, British imperial forces crossed the Mangatāwhiri River, sparking the invasion of the Waikato and the start of the Waikato Land Wars. Mercer itself, then known as Te Paina, became a key military staging ground. Walking this trail allows you to literally step back in time and reflect on the complex colonial history that shaped modern Aotearoa New Zealand.

After the Walk

After 14 kilometres on your feet, you will have worked up an appetite. Fortunately, Mercer is a fantastic place to finish.

If you want a hot meal and a cold drink, head over to the Mercer Landing Kitchen & Bar (just 500 metres from the trail end). This beautifully renovated restaurant sits right on the Waikato River and offers an excellent menu, great coffee, and a relaxing deck.

Alternatively, the Muddy Waters Irish Pub & Restaurant is just down the road, offering hearty pub classics and a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for weary trampers. For those on the go, the Mercer Service Centre features an Esquires Cafe for a quick flat white and a slice, as well as a McDonald's for a fast, salty refuel.

100m away

A familiar fast-food option conveniently located in Mercer, often at service centres, for a quick and easy meal.