About the path
Part of the spectacular Mangemangeroa Walkway, the Kōwhai Path runs along the Mangemangeroa Stream from Hayley Lane to Somerville Road.
Mangemangeroa means 'valley of the mangemange', a twisting climbing fern found in native bush. The path passes through a diverse landscape of farmland, native forest, and unique estuary habitat. The path is named for the grove of huge kōwhai trees with brilliant yellow flowers that carpet the track in the spring bloom.
We suggest starting at the end of Hayley Lane (street parking is available). You can also start at Somerville Road by the barn, or mid-way from Point View Drive.
From Hayley Lane, follow the steps down to the track. The path follows the Mangemangeroa Stream as it morphs from the freshwater to tidal zone.
The native bush is varied and includes a large stand of mature coastal broadleaf forest that extends down to the edge of the Mangemangeroa Creek. As well as kōwhai, expect to see nīkau palms and large kahikatea, taraire, karaka, pūriri and kohekohe trees.
You can see and hear native birds along the forest track, including tūī, kererū (NZ pigeon), pīwakawaka (fantail), tauhou (silvereye) and riroriro (grey warbler). Part of the spectacular Mangemangeroa Walkway, the Kōwhai Path runs along the Mangemangeroa Stream from Hayley Lane to Somerville Road.
