Te Ara O Whangamaire is a community walking track in the Clive Howe Road Scenic Reserve, near Patumahoe — a small village about 15 minutes from Pukekohe. It’s a short loop through regenerating native bush, descending steeply into a gully before climbing back out (the return climb is locally nicknamed Puffs Hill). The reserve protects a waahi tapu spring at the bottom of the gully and supports native bird life. Natural obstacles including unbridged stream crossings and tree roots are part of the experience.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Clive Howe Road, Patumahoe (near Patumahoe School) |
| Distance | ~0.8 km loop (shorter inner loop also available) |
| Duration | ~20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate — steep gully descent and climb |
| Track Type | Loop |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Rugby fields on Clive Howe Road |
| Hazards | Unbridged stream crossings, tree roots, fallen trees, steep sections |
| Native Trees | Rimu, pohutukawa |
About the Track
The track begins at the Auckland Council reserve boundary, close to Patumahoe School on the first corner of Clive Howe Road. From there it descends into a gully through native bush regenerating with rimu and pohutukawa. The gully floor holds a spring considered waahi tapu — a sacred place — used as a water source by early Maori. The climb back out earns its nickname: Puffs Hill is steep enough to make most visitors breathless on the return.
A shorter inner loop has been built by youth as part of the community involvement that characterises this reserve. The track is also used by Predator Free Franklin volunteers, who use chew cards and check stations along the route to monitor and manage pests in the reserve. Visitors may notice these as part of the active conservation work underway.
Natural hazards are a genuine part of the walk — unbridged stream crossings mean wet feet are possible in wet weather, and fallen trees and roots require attention underfoot. The track ventures onto privately owned farmland beyond the bush section.
What Walkers Say
“A surprising little gem near Patumahoe. The bush feels genuinely wild — the stream crossing was a bit of an adventure after rain. The climb back up is steeper than it looks.” — Tracks n Treks reviewer
“Good to see an active predator free programme here — spotted several chew cards on the way through. Nice rimu in the lower gully.” — local walker via Predator Free Franklin
Where to Learn More
Predator Free Franklin — Te Ara O Whangamaire — details on the conservation work happening in the reserve and the community track.
Patumahoe Community — Te Ara O Whangamaire — background on the community track’s history and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Te Ara O Whangamaire?
The track is on Clive Howe Road near Patumahoe School in Patumahoe, about 15 minutes from Pukekohe. Park at the rugby fields and walk to the reserve entrance.
How difficult is the walk?
The loop is short but includes a steep gully descent and a steep climb back out — nicknamed Puffs Hill. It’s manageable for most but requires reasonable fitness for the climb.
What native trees will I see?
The regenerating bush includes rimu and pohutukawa in the gully section.
What is the waahi tapu spring?
A spring at the bottom of the gully is considered waahi tapu — a sacred place — and was used as a water source by early Maori.
Are there stream crossings?
Yes — the track has unbridged stream crossings. These can mean wet feet in wet weather.
Is it suitable for children?
Older children who can manage a steep gully and stream crossings will enjoy it, but it’s not ideal for young children or prams.
Is the track free?
Yes, the community track is free to use.
Explore more walks near Pukekohe on the Pukekohe Walking Tracks page. The nearby Henrys Reserve Waterfall is also in the Patumahoe area — a short bushwalk to a 15-metre cascade on the Whangamaire Stream. For a longer challenge, the Pukekohe Five Summits Trail links five volcanic hills on a 21km loop.
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