Escape from the city to one of Auckland’s secret gems, Duder Regional Park. This 148-hectare coastal park provides unparalleled 360-degree views over the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, stretching from Rangitoto Island in the west to the Coromandel Peninsula in the east.
You’ll experience almost everything New Zealand has to offer in just a few hours on this tour, travelling from the bustling city to a nature lover’s playground filled with pristine beaches, native bush and wildlife, panoramic ocean views and classic Kiwi farmland with sheep and cows.
Your knowledgeable, experienced guide will explain the rich history of Duder Regional Park, dating back to the 1300s with the arrival of the Ngāi Tai people in the Tainui waka (canoe) from Hawaiiki. You’ll learn that the park was once the site of Whakakaiwhara Pā, a fortified Māori village, and hear stories of the traditional harvesting, gathering and fishing practices that took place here. We’ll also discuss the more recent history of the park, including its significance during WWI and WWII and the story of the Duder family, who began farming in the park in 1866.
Tour itinerary:
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- We head towards Duder Regional Park via the spectacular Pōhutakawa Coast in a comfortable, air-conditioned van
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- En route, we make a stop at Maraetai Beach where you can sink your feet into the sand, stroll along the picturesque bay, take photos on the jetty and dip your toes in the water
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- Following this, we continue our drive along the tranquil, pōhutakawa-fringed shoreline, winding along a narrow coastal road in the direction of Duder Regional Park
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- On arrival, we leave the van and make our way uphill through lush green farmland, stopping regularly to take a breather and admire the ocean views. As we meander through the working farm, you’ll learn about the park’s sustainable agricultural practices and experience close encounters with the resident farm animals. If you’re visiting in spring, you’ll likely see plenty of playful newborn lambs and calves
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- As we continue towards Oturia Trig, the highest point in the park, you’ll come across pūkekos and other native wildlife. When we reach the summit for a tea and coffee break, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf, a marine park dotted with over 50 beautiful islands
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- After a brief rest, we’ll head down into the park’s original native forest, preserved when the peninsula was cleared for farming by the Duder family in the late 1800s. As we walk through the dense forest, you’ll see plenty of native flora such as the iconic silver fern, floral mānuka trees renowned globally for their honey, beautiful nikau palms and yellow kōwhai trees filled with singing tūīs and bellbirds. We’ll talk about conservation efforts in New Zealand and explain how Māori traditionally used the plants in this forest for eating and medicinal purposes
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- As we exit the park, we’ll head back to the van and return via an alternative route, weaving through Auckland’s sleepy outer suburbs towards the city
This tour includes pick up and drop off in Auckland CBD or at Auckland Airport (other locations may be available on request), snacks, tea, coffee, water and digital photos.
Note: Please bring suitable footwear (such as running shoes or hiking boots) and advise us of any dietary requirements when booking the tour.