Umupuia Beach on the Pōhutukawa Coast
Umupuia Beach, also known as Duders Beach, is located on the picturesque Pōhutukawa Coast of Auckland. Despite not being as visually striking as some nearby beaches, Umupuia Beach offers a more tranquil experience with fewer visitors, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a peaceful day by the sea.
Beach Features and Activities
Stretching 1.5 km, Umupuia Beach is the longest beach on the Pōhutukawa Coast. It provides a safe swimming environment, particularly at high tide. As the tide recedes, wide flats to the east become exposed, offering additional space for exploration. Visitors can also enjoy a walk around the rocky west side of the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula to access Duder Regional Park when the tide is low.
Cultural Significance and History
The area surrounding Umupuia Beach holds significant cultural importance for the Ngāi Tai iwi, descendants of the Tainui waka. Historically, the iwi occupied the peninsula and the lands extending south to the Wairoa River.
The Pōhutukawa Coast was part of their rohe, where they gathered resources. In the early 1800s, as trade with Europeans began, Ngāi Tai rangatira moved to Urupuia, enhancing its importance to the iwi. Despite land sales and government actions in the mid-1860s that removed much of their land, Umupuia remained with the iwi.
Present-Day Access and Ownership
Today, the Ngāi Tai marae is located across the road from the beach, near its western end. The beach itself is public below the high tide mark, while the land above is privately owned by iwi members. However, public access is available from the road along the beach.
Getting to Umupuia Beach
To reach Umupuia Beach, either travel along the Maraetai Coast Road, 6 km southeast of Maraetai, or for 10 km along North Road from Clevedon.
Nearby, you can explore the walking tracks of Duder Regional Park and the Clevedon Scenic Reserve. Back along the Maraetai Coast Road, you can discover Magazine Bay, Waiomanu Beach, Maraetai Beach and Ōmana Regional Park.
