A Coastal Escape: Mangemangeroa Reserve Walk

Tucked away on the edge of East Auckland, Mangemangeroa Reserve is the kind of place you almost don’t want to tell people about—because it still feels like a secret. Winding through native bush, open paddocks, and along the shimmering estuary, this walk is gentle on the legs and rich in bird calls, fresh air, and scenic pauses. Whether you're wandering solo, walking with kids, or catching up with friends, this coastal gem offers the perfect balance of accessibility and nature immersion. Check out more: http://bit.ly/4lcgAcG

Quick Trip Facts

• Location: 108 Somerville Road, Somerville, Auckland 2014

• Trail Length: three tracks vary from 1km, 3.6km to 5 km return. 

• Duration: 45 mins to 1.5 hrs

• Difficulty: Easy – flat paths, boardwalks, grassy trails

• Family Friendly: Yes – great for kids, partially stroller-friendly

• Dogs: Allowed on leash

• Facilities: Toilets, car park, picnic tables

• Best Time to Go: Early morning or late afternoon (cooler, more birdsong)

• Parking: Free parking at Somerville Road entrance

Getting There

The main entrance is located at the end of Somerville Road in Howick. There’s a small car park, and the track begins right from there. If you’re coming from central Auckland, it’s around a 30–40-minute drive depending on traffic.

On the Tracks

Mangemangeroa Shelly Park Beach Path

This is the most popular walk and mostly that's what people mean when they talk about Mangemangeroa Walkway. 

The Mangemangeroa Walkway is peaceful, winding along the edge of the estuary with views out over mudflats and mangroves. Expect to pass through:

• Boardwalks shaded by native trees like kānuka and pūriri

• Open farm paddocks (look out for the grazing sheep!)

• Gentle inclines and grassy clearings

• Pockets of lush bush alive with tūī, fantails, and grey warblers

You can walk the track as a return trip or arrange a pickup at the other end (Hayley Lane/Beachlands end). If you’re walking with kids, turning around at the halfway point is also a great option.

Mangemangeroa Rotary Loop Path

For a quick dose of East Auckland’s natural beauty, the Rotary Loop offers a half-hour walk through the highlights of Mangemangeroa Valley. Starting from the main car park on Somerville Road, this signposted loop takes you through a mix of open farmland, lush coastal bush, and breathtaking estuary views.

The track includes some short climbs, but you'll be rewarded with sweeping views over the valley — especially stunning at high tide. Take a break on one of the seats along the way and enjoy the bird calls all around.

There’s a portable toilet at the car park for convenience.

Mangemangeroa Kōwhai Path

Part of the stunning Mangemangeroa Walkway, the Kōwhai Path traces the Mangemangeroa Stream between Hayley Lane and Somerville Road, winding through native bush, farmland, and estuary.

Named after the striking kōwhai trees that line the trail with golden blooms in spring, this walk showcases one of East Auckland’s richest natural landscapes. You’ll pass mature coastal forest with kahikatea, taraire, karaka, pūriri, and kohekohe, as well as nīkau palms and stands of kōwhai.

Native birds like tūī, kererū, fantails, and grey warblers add life to the canopy above as you follow the stream from freshwater to tidal zone.

We recommend starting from Hayley Lane (Location 3), where street parking is available and the path begins with a short descent via steps. You can also start from Somerville Road by the barn, or join midway from Point View Drive (Location 2) .

Things to Bring

• Water and a snack or picnic
• A hat and sunscreen (some sections are exposed)
• Shoes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy if it’s rained recently

Why It’s Worth It

Mangemangeroa isn’t a walk for adrenaline. It’s a walk for slowing down. For noticing the way the light shifts through native branches. For taking a breath as you stand at a quiet lookout and hear only the wind and the birds. It’s Auckland, but it doesn’t feel like Auckland.

Local Tip: Know the Name

"Mangemangeroa" means “the valley of the mangemange vine” in te reo Māori. The area has deep cultural significance, with archaeological sites nearby and a landscape shaped by both Māori and early European presence.

Final Word