Te Araroa Trail: Onehunga to Puhinui

Point to point

The final stretch of your hike brings you into the tranquil folds of Puhinui Reserve. Wandering through this peaceful working farm and wetland, you will feel miles away from the city. The trail winds past the unique Puhinui Craters before concluding, offering lovely, quiet views back across the southern reaches of the harbour.

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Highlights & Must-See Features

• The Māngere Pedestrian Bridge: A beautiful spot to pause and take in 360-degree views of the harbour. It is a favourite local spot for walkers, cyclists, and fishers.
• Ambury Regional Park: A fantastic, interactive stop. Kids will love getting up close to the farm animals. Be sure to check out the shell bank roosting sites, which are prime real estate for international migratory birds.
• Ihumātao Heritage: Keep an eye out for interpretive signage detailing the centuries of Māori settlement and the stone-walled garden mounds that represent some of Auckland's earliest agricultural history.
• The Puhinui Craters: Located at the end of the trail, these are small maar craters (low-relief volcanic craters). They offer a fascinating, quiet glimpse into Auckland’s fiery volcanic field.

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Getting There

Because this is a point-to-point trail, a little logistics planning is required.

• Starting Point: Free parking is available at the Onehunga Bay Reserve, accessible via Beachcroft Avenue.
• Ending Point: Free parking is also available at the Puhinui Reserve at the very end of Prices Road (off Puhinui Road).

Tip: If you are walking with a friend, park one car at Puhinui Reserve and drive together to the start at Onehunga. Alternatively, Auckland's public transport network connects both ends relatively well via trains and buses.

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Wildlife Spotting

The Manukau Harbour is a globally significant feeding ground for wading birds, making this trail an absolute paradise for birdwatchers. Pack a pair of binoculars if you have them!

• South Island Pied Oystercatcher (Tōrea): These distinct black-and-white birds with bright orange beaks are incredibly common here during the winter months.
• Bar-tailed Godwit (Kuaka): Look out for these record-breaking migrators during the summer. They fly all the way from Alaska to feed on the Manukau mudflats.
• Royal Spoonbill (Kōtuku ngutupapa): Keep an eye on the wetlands year-round; you might spot these elegant white birds sweeping their spoon-shaped bills through the shallow waters.
• Wrybill (Ngutu pare): A rare treat in the winter. This is the only bird in the world with a beak that curves sideways to the right, perfect for finding insects under river stones.
• White-faced Heron: Regularly seen stalking fish in the shallows year-round.
• New Zealand Dotterel (Tūturiwhatu): Though rare, these precious, endemic birds can occasionally be spotted nesting or feeding near the shell banks.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: This trail is excellent year-round. Summer offers warm, sunny coastal breezes and the chance to see migratory godwits. Winter brings cooler walking temperatures and high numbers of oystercatchers and wrybills. Spring and autumn offer beautiful, mild transitions.
• Best Time of Day: Start early in the morning. A 6.5-hour walk requires plenty of daylight, and starting early ensures you beat the midday heat on the exposed coastal sections.
• What to Bring: There is very little shade along the foreshore, so sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. Bring plenty of water (at least 2 litres) and a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables in Ambury Regional Park.
• Weather Considerations: The Manukau Harbour can be highly exposed to strong southwesterly winds. Check the marine forecast before you go, and pack a windproof jacket just in case.

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Local & Regional Context

This stretch of the Te Araroa Trail is steeped in cultural and geological significance. For centuries, the rich volcanic soils surrounding Māngere and Ihumātao were utilized by Māori for gardening, taking advantage of the microclimates created by the stone fields.

In more recent decades, the area has undergone incredible ecological restoration. The Watercare coastal rehabilitation project has successfully transformed old oxidation ponds back into pristine coastal wetlands. This effort has restored the natural mauri (life force) of the harbour, creating a safe, flourishing sanctuary for both native wildlife and modern Aucklanders to enjoy.

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After the Walk

After 23.3 kilometres of walking, you will have worked up a serious appetite! Luckily, there are some fantastic local spots to refuel at either end of the trail:

• Honey Springs (Onehunga): Located 1.5km from the start, this super-stylish cafe features a retro Palm Springs vibe. Sip on one of their unique honey-maple infused drinks and tuck into a generous brunch dish to celebrate your achievement.
• Onehunga Cafe (Onehunga): A bright, airy, and friendly spot located 1.8km from the start on Onehunga Mall. They serve up fantastic coffee and an excellent range of classic brunch options.
• Hong Kong Bakery (Māngere Bridge): Positioned 2.5km from the start (and right on your walking route!), this family-run bakery is legendary. Grab one of their warm, fluffy Cantonese-style pork buns or a classic Kiwi savoury pie for the ultimate trail fuel.
• MELBA Manukau (Manukau): Situated about 5km from the Puhinui end, this is a welcoming, modern cafe near Westfield Mall. It is a great spot to meet up with friends for a relaxed post-hike coffee and a sweet cabinet treat.
• Cakes & Gift Supplies (Manukau): Also 5km from the trail's end, this local gem is famous for its delicious, affordable cupcakes and treats, with plenty of options to cater to dietary requirements.

Wrybill (Ngutuparore)

Anarhynchus frontalis

The only bird in the world with a beak that is bent sideways, always to the right, a unique adaptation for feeding in braided rivers.

Best time: Winter

1.8km away

A friendly and modern cafe in Onehunga Mall, serving a diverse menu of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options in a bright, airy setting.