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Point to point walkway

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Tahuna Torea to Point England

This walk takes you through Wai-o-taiki Nature reserve. The track rises and falls, crossing a number of side streams and alternating between shady glens and grassy open spaces with river views. The colourful New Zealand kingfisher, or kotare, is a common sight, perching on low branches and watching intently for fish. Horse paddocks open out on the right and the mouth of Omaru Creek is visible on the left.

A major bridge over the creek marks a fork in the track. If you want to do a loop walk or bypass Point England, continue along the pleasant woodland track as it follows the creek. For the more direct and open route to Point England, cross the bridge and follow the white stone pathway.

Facts about the area

Upon leaving Tahuna Torea you will find yourself in the Wai-o-Taiki Nature Reserve. This narrow bush-clad fringe was established in 1979 as a natural extension to Tahuna Torea. The name is taken from the original name for the Tamaki Estuary, Te Wai o Taiki - "The Waters of Taiki." Taiki is the shortened version of Taikehu, the Ngai Tai tupuna (ancestor) who arrived on the Tainui waka.

Point England's rich volcanic soils have attracted farmers for generations. Maori cultivated extensive kumara gardens, European immigrants farmed small allotments for grain and vegetables and later Chinese market gardeners supplied Auckland with fresh produce. Small farmers in the 1840s shared resources and enjoyed rich harvests with cabbages big enough to hide a child and yields of 70 bushels of wheat from just an acre and a half. Since there was only one horse and cart in the district, locals would trudge the 24km round trip to the city along the muddy track that is now Remuera Road. During World War Two the area was used for a storage yard for Camp Bunn, a nearby US military base.

The green bulk of Mt Wellington - Maungarei dominates the view to the north. This is the second youngest volcano in Auckland (after Rangitoto) and has the biggest scoria cone. Ash from the eruption reached as far as Point England.