Pauanui Trail
Pauanui Trail
4.5
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Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
19 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
3
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Dutchie2
Leiderdorp, The Netherlands514 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
steep climb to the top of Mount Pauanui. 378 meters uphill. we took another trail down to Cave Bay. it is not that steep but you have to walk 200 meters on rocks before you get back to the beach again.
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.
Fivestar247
Auckland Central, New Zealand482 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
Various options for either walking around the coastal track or the steep accent to the top for phenomenal views.
Fairly challenging accent and a tricky descent with steeper areas and slip risk. Take your time and watch your footing.
Worth the climb for the panoramic views of Pauanui. A wonderful start to the day to earn your food and feel good to be alive!
Fairly challenging accent and a tricky descent with steeper areas and slip risk. Take your time and watch your footing.
Worth the climb for the panoramic views of Pauanui. A wonderful start to the day to earn your food and feel good to be alive!
Written 23 January 2021
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.
Mala194
Cardiff, UK114 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
The Pauanui to Duck Creek trail is a very pleasant walk as well as a bike trail. Walking through the woods you’ll see beautiful fauna and hear many birdsong. The walk also goes along the Mangrove swamp and by the water where you can watch people on their boats or water skis.
Written 31 December 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.
Molly Burke
Auckland Central, New Zealand36 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
Our group of 32 started our walk opposite the Lakes Resort entrance on the Hikuai Settlement Road. The trail is an easy walk, with a few gentle undulations on a mostly level gravel surface, and including boardwalks through the mangrove areas. As it is a shared trail it is recommended to keep left, the cyclists we met along the way were very accommodating. The volunteers who created this track have done a fantastic job, preserving an area of great beauty. New plantings of natives such as hebe, kowhai and kumarahoe abound and many seats are placed along the way for those that want to stop and absorb the sights and sounds. I have walked many wetland paths but none as beautiful as this one.
Written 6 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.
Daryl C
Danville, CA985 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
There are three hikes that start at the South End Reserve on the south end of Pauanui Beach. The summit trail is the most rigorous of the three. The map ways 1 1/2 hours. Plan on more like 2 1/2. It's also recommended to hike in the counter clockwise direction. I really agree. In this direction, the trail starts gradual then quickly tilts upward with steep rocky switchbacks. The trail is generally narrow and does have a little bit of exposure at points. Even the trail map says it's best suited for experienced "trampers."
The summit is actually a spur off the main trail. It's well marked so you shouldn't miss it. And at the top there's a nice bench to sit and enjoy your reward. A fantastic 270-degree view of Pauanui and beyond.
Though the return is shorter to go back the way you came, I recommend continuing on the counter clockwise direction. The trail is much easier in this direction. Sure there are still a few dodgy sections but overall it's a nice tramp through the thick jungle.
The summit is actually a spur off the main trail. It's well marked so you shouldn't miss it. And at the top there's a nice bench to sit and enjoy your reward. A fantastic 270-degree view of Pauanui and beyond.
Though the return is shorter to go back the way you came, I recommend continuing on the counter clockwise direction. The trail is much easier in this direction. Sure there are still a few dodgy sections but overall it's a nice tramp through the thick jungle.
Written 16 December 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.
Kiwiglobetroter
Taupo, New Zealand220 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
Judging by the number of bikes going past and heading off on this new trail early this month (Jan.) it is very popular. Thanks to the fantastic work of volunteers this new bike and walking/running trail starting at the Waterways, up to Duck Creek and beyond has given a new dimension to Pauanui. It is an easy ride along the estuary, through bush and swamp on wooden walkways with lovely views over a changing landscape. The plan is to link through to a trail from Tairua. That will be fantastic as a loop ride using the ferry to or from Tairua. This will make for a first class ride suitable for all. Good for beginners and experienced. Grade 2. Good job locals especially the 2 -3 guys working on the job every day.
Written 15 January 2019
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.
Roman W
ZĂĽrich112 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
not to be confused with the Pauanui Trail along the river ! We took the trail as recommended counterclockwise, steep sections, but completely rewarded by breathtaking views at the top ! Depending on weather conditions, sturdy shoes , hiking boots are a definitely recommended.
Written 15 November 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.
955shirley
Pauanui, New Zealand6 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
This is a great cycle track starting at Pauanui Waterways, going across the board walk and on up Tangitorori Lane to the parking area where you continue out to Settlement Road. There are amazing views down the estuary and up the river. it's a very busy trail in summer and it pays to use a bell if you are on a bike.
Written 5 March 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.
keriansav
129 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
A great trail around the wetlands. Plenty of rest places. Need a mountain bike as the road metal is quite sharp. A few little inclines where more gears would be useful. An excellent thing to do for the whole family. We also went across the road to the cafe for cold drinks. Please note if you get tempted to come back via the road it is 7 Kms to the far end of Paunaui.
Written 3 November 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.
Kiwi Tripping
159 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Pauanui Trail is a flat 10 km walk or bike ride around the estuary. Amazing views, bird life and forestry experience.
Mount Pauanui is a 1.5hr return vertical climb up a hill that is more of a hike requiring good footwear and perhaps hiking poles. Stunning views atop this mountain peak. You do require a level of fitness to do this.
Mount Pauanui is a 1.5hr return vertical climb up a hill that is more of a hike requiring good footwear and perhaps hiking poles. Stunning views atop this mountain peak. You do require a level of fitness to do this.
Written 20 June 2023
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.
Hi does the trail go from Tairua to Paunui & how far is it please?
Written 15 January 2017
Not yet but that will be the next stage. It goes from Pauanui to Duck Creek. They've made a great job of it. Needs a bit of attention after all the crowds for the holidays. A bit sandy in places but still a good ride.
Written 16 January 2017
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