Last updated July 2026
Te Ara O Whangamaire is a short community walking track in the Clive Howe Road Scenic Reserve near Patumahoe, a village roughly 15 minutes from Pukekohe. The loop descends steeply into a regenerating native bush gully before climbing back out on a section nicknamed Puffs Hill. A sacred spring at the gully floor is protected as waahi tapu, and the reserve supports native birds. Natural features such as unbridged stream crossings and tree roots form part of the experience, with a shorter inner loop also available.
Practical Information
| Location | Clive Howe Road, Patumahoe (near Patumahoe School) |
| Distance | Approximately 0.8 km loop |
| Duration | About 20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate with steep gully sections |
| Track Type | Loop |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Rugby fields on Clive Howe Road |
| Hazards | Unbridged stream crossings, tree roots, steep sections |
| Opened | November 2012 |
About Te Ara O Whangamaire
The track starts at the Auckland Council reserve boundary on the first corner of Clive Howe Road, close to Patumahoe School. It leads through regenerating native bush that includes rimu and pohutukawa before reaching the gully floor. The spring there is recognised as waahi tapu and was historically used as a water source by early Māori.
A shorter inner loop was added through community efforts. Predator Free Franklin volunteers maintain chew cards and monitoring stations along the route as part of ongoing pest control work in the reserve. The track continues briefly onto privately owned farmland beyond the bush section.
Visitors should expect natural obstacles including unbridged stream crossings that can result in wet feet after rain, along with tree roots and occasional fallen trees. The steep return climb on Puffs Hill requires reasonable fitness.
What Visitors Often Say
The bush feels surprisingly wild for such a short track, with the stream crossing adding a sense of adventure after rain. The climb back up is steeper than expected but rewarding.
Active conservation efforts are visible through the predator control stations. The regenerating bush and native trees in the gully make it a pleasant local walk.
Where to Learn More
Predator Free Franklin: Details on the community track, its history, and conservation activities in the reserve.
AllTrails: User reviews and trail maps for Clive Howe Road – Te Ara O Whangamaire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Te Ara O Whangamaire?
The track is located on Clive Howe Road in Patumahoe near Patumahoe School, about 15 minutes from Pukekohe. Park at the rugby fields and walk to the reserve entrance.
How difficult is the walk?
The short loop includes a steep descent into the gully and a steep climb back out on Puffs Hill. It suits most visitors with reasonable fitness.
What native trees are present?
Regenerating bush includes rimu and pohutukawa in the gully section.
What is the waahi tapu spring?
A spring at the gully bottom is considered waahi tapu, a sacred place historically used as a water source by early Māori.
Are there stream crossings?
Yes, the track features unbridged stream crossings that may result in wet feet in wet weather.
Is the track suitable for children?
Older children comfortable with steep sections and stream crossings will enjoy it, but it is not ideal for young children or prams.
Is the track free?
Yes, the community track is free to use.
When was the track opened?
The track was opened in November 2012 as a community project connecting the village with nearby bush areas.
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