Discovering the Kauri Forest at Clevedon Scenic Reserve
Situated on the southeast side of Auckland, the Clevedon Scenic Reserve offers a unique opportunity to explore the Tōtara Track, home to one of the more accessible sections of kauri forest in the region. This area is particularly remarkable for its impressive kauri trees, some over 150 years old, surrounded by younger trees. It represents one of the larger accessible groups of kauri regrowth in Auckland.
Walking the Tōtara Track
Begin your walk from the car park at Clevedon Scenic Reserve. Pass the nearby buildings and cross the swingbridge to find the track entrances. The Tōtara Track is on the left. While it may not be as visually striking as the Puriri Track, it offers a rewarding experience for those keen to see mature kauri trees up close. The initial section to the kauri trees is short, making it perfect for a quick visit if you're pressed for time.
If you have more time, continue along the track for about 30 minutes to reach a viewpoint. From there, you can return via the Puriri Track, which also takes about 30 minutes, completing a loop that highlights the area's natural beauty.
How to get there
To reach Clevedon Scenic Reserve from Downtown Auckland, take the motorway south and exit at the Botanic Gardens (Hill Road). From there, follow Alfriston Road, Brookby Road, and West Road to just south of Clevedon. The Reserve is located just north of the small town centre on Thorps Quarry Road.
From Clevedon, you can head north to explore Duder Regional Park and Maraetai on the Pōhutukawa Coast, or northeast to visit Waitawa Regional Park and Kawakawa Bay.
