Okura Bush Walkway
Okura Bush Walkway
4.5
About
10 May 2018: Okura Bush Walkway temporarily closed The track from the Haigh Road entrance to Dacre Cottage is closed from Saturday 12 May to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. The track closure is supported by a rāhui placed over Okura Bush Scenic Reserve by mana whenua. Work will be carried out on the track to prevent kauri dieback.
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4.5
11 reviews
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jaimies625
Auckland, New Zealand116 contributions
Easy 3hour (one-way) thru forest/river trail along Okura River Estuary. During low tide, can opt to take the return route via the sandy beaches. It was a nice walk, arriving on beautiful empty beach.
Written 5 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nzTrina
Auckland, New Zealand166 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
Okura bush walk is another amazing walk in Auckland. To find it, you'll need your own transport as it's pretty much off the beaten track, but it is easy to find. There is plenty of parking - when we were there , there were 33 cars (my son and I had a bet as to how many were there) parked easily with room for more.
It is a truly beautiful walk with varied walkways, through a typical NZ bush. There are wonderful little streams, tiny waterfalls, great bird life, amazing views and to top it off a place for a swim at the end at a lovely beach (shame about the building going on though!)
I used to do this walk many years ago as a run in training for off road events, this time it was just a walk and it was lovely. We used Strava to work out how long it was and according to that it was 15km return (we did go past the beach/hut which is traditionally where you would end). I'd allow about an hour each way for a steady walking pace.
There are ALOT of steps, so not good for buggies or wheelchairs. But there are wooden walkways that now go over all the areas that used to be boggy in rain.
Around half way there is an 'exit' from the main track where you can get to the end of the walk along the beach. You can choose which way to go, this is a beautiful way to go and will save you some time, but you'll miss the amazing views from the cliffs (unless you come back along the cliffs). It can only be done at low tide, and if you're not sure, don't risk it, as the tide moves quickly when coming in due to the terrain.
There are NO toilets at the beginning of the walk, but you can find a small hut at the end. There are no shops, so if you want snacks and food, bring your own (just remember to take any rubbish out with you when you finish).
At the beginning of the track is a station for washing the soles of your shoes/boots. Please do make use of this as our Kauri are being devastated by a disease which can be brought in/taken out on soil/items on the bottom of shoes.
I can see this being popular with locals and tourists!
It is a truly beautiful walk with varied walkways, through a typical NZ bush. There are wonderful little streams, tiny waterfalls, great bird life, amazing views and to top it off a place for a swim at the end at a lovely beach (shame about the building going on though!)
I used to do this walk many years ago as a run in training for off road events, this time it was just a walk and it was lovely. We used Strava to work out how long it was and according to that it was 15km return (we did go past the beach/hut which is traditionally where you would end). I'd allow about an hour each way for a steady walking pace.
There are ALOT of steps, so not good for buggies or wheelchairs. But there are wooden walkways that now go over all the areas that used to be boggy in rain.
Around half way there is an 'exit' from the main track where you can get to the end of the walk along the beach. You can choose which way to go, this is a beautiful way to go and will save you some time, but you'll miss the amazing views from the cliffs (unless you come back along the cliffs). It can only be done at low tide, and if you're not sure, don't risk it, as the tide moves quickly when coming in due to the terrain.
There are NO toilets at the beginning of the walk, but you can find a small hut at the end. There are no shops, so if you want snacks and food, bring your own (just remember to take any rubbish out with you when you finish).
At the beginning of the track is a station for washing the soles of your shoes/boots. Please do make use of this as our Kauri are being devastated by a disease which can be brought in/taken out on soil/items on the bottom of shoes.
I can see this being popular with locals and tourists!
Written 8 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David C
Auckland Central, New Zealand103 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Okura Bush Walkway takes about an hour each way. You get an amazing, stimulating, and refreshing tramp — there are about 600 steps as well as normal tracks — and you get a great view from the summit just before you get to the end. Those who prefer a gentler walk can go halfway, and then the rest of the way around the shoreline — in low tide. This cuts out about half the steps.
My wife started doing this walk about a year ago, and we now try to do this walk at least once every week. We never get tired of it. I've lost weight and put on a lot of muscle, and so has she. I'm 50 and I honestly can't think of a time since my 20s when I had more energy. If you want something to rejuvenate you, this is for you.
My wife started doing this walk about a year ago, and we now try to do this walk at least once every week. We never get tired of it. I've lost weight and put on a lot of muscle, and so has she. I'm 50 and I honestly can't think of a time since my 20s when I had more energy. If you want something to rejuvenate you, this is for you.
Written 11 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoeDuke
Auckland, New Zealand110 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
My daughter & I have been treking quite a bit of late around our location - and during a few Okura has been recommended by others. And you can see why; very good workout-those steps are for more than beginners, but a very enjoyable (?you what) - well after you've completed them. We will definitely be back to do more of the walk and the more demanding ones in due course.
Written 14 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExploringLife
Moama, Australia2,192 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
Went from the southern end, heading towards Silverdale (to the North). The idea was to get picked up at the car park out in front of the Silverdale Caravan Park, by simply calling our friend....by mobile phone.
The signage and track definition is quite good for 75% of the way.....
...but at the river entrance near Silverdale the signage was poor (couldn't find any).
We knew that the caravan park was upstream of the river mouth, and we knew roughly how far. We found the walking track again after about a half hour walk along the edge of the mangroves. It took extra time and wasn't as pleasant as the first 75% of the walk. But we made it.
Then when we were at the carpark we discovered there was no mobile phone reception.
We went into the caravan park to ask the owners if wet could use their phone, but found good reception inside the park. So all was not lost.
If I was to do it again I'd start from the car park in front of the Silverdale Caravan Park and head North to South - not the other way around as most people do (like us). It's easier to not lose the track from that end.
It was a beautiful walk, especially along the beach. Wasn't hard. Took 2 hours and twenty minutes. If we didn't have to find the track at the river mouth end we recon we would have done it in less than 2 hours.
Recommended.
The signage and track definition is quite good for 75% of the way.....
...but at the river entrance near Silverdale the signage was poor (couldn't find any).
We knew that the caravan park was upstream of the river mouth, and we knew roughly how far. We found the walking track again after about a half hour walk along the edge of the mangroves. It took extra time and wasn't as pleasant as the first 75% of the walk. But we made it.
Then when we were at the carpark we discovered there was no mobile phone reception.
We went into the caravan park to ask the owners if wet could use their phone, but found good reception inside the park. So all was not lost.
If I was to do it again I'd start from the car park in front of the Silverdale Caravan Park and head North to South - not the other way around as most people do (like us). It's easier to not lose the track from that end.
It was a beautiful walk, especially along the beach. Wasn't hard. Took 2 hours and twenty minutes. If we didn't have to find the track at the river mouth end we recon we would have done it in less than 2 hours.
Recommended.
Written 10 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davidsteveaye
Auckland, New Zealand49 contributions
Nov 2015
Did 6 hrs (16 km) hike with Meet up Group of 70 members along the Okura Bush Walkway combine of River/ Forest and Bush Walk about 25 mins from Auckland. Lovely Scenic view all the way through
Written 12 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cossiefamily
Wellington, New Zealand302 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
If you are in the region of Orewa, and Long Bay in the Hauraki Gulf, this walkway is the epitome of a scenic New Zealand coastal walk. This is so typical of Aotearoa's natural beauty in the north. The track winds through bush, over headland, around estuary and cliff ( at low tide ) and passes the magic restored historic Dacre Cottage in a scenic bay with views of the Whangpaparoa Penninsular . The walk is not very challenging, with a few stairs on the uphill over the headland, but with a varied terrain, it should be accessible to most walkers.
Written 24 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar151209
5 contributions
Mar 2020
Loved this trail, the stream walk was fun but def don't do if the water levels are raised. Really good work out too!
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millie A
Auckland Central, New Zealand6 contributions
Apr 2018
I love walking here, the bird life is teeming and the forest is deep and beautiful and you can just get lost in here (figuratively speaking, the walkway is very clearly signposted...). I highly recommend this walk to any fellow bush lovers.
Written 26 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barrie L
Norwich, UK1,510 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
My wife and I have been walking much more this year, in order to get/stay fit. Over from the UK, our daughter has looked for walks. The Okura bush walkway is the best so far. Challenging steps and slopes, with stunning views. Walk the estuary at low tide. We just want to do it again.
Written 29 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sir,
Could you please advice us on whether the
Okura Bush Reserve is still closed or already open to walk.
Thank you for you help
Chooi
Written 5 May 2019
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