Kopurererua Valley Reserve
One of the largest wetlands in Australasia
Kopurererua Valley Reserve walk and cycle way
The Kopurererua Valley is a natural, scenic, and diverse environment. It is Tauranga’s largest reserve, covering 364 hectares. It is situated between residential suburbs and is a popular destination.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to walk or cycle, this reserve will provide plenty of experience for outdoor lovers. From Judea to Tauriko, the valley is bordered by Te Reti, Gate Pa, Greerton, Westridge, and Cambridge Heights. There are plenty of scenic vantage points.
The Kopurererua valley has many cultural and natural features. The area was home to the Ngai Tamarawaho people for many years, and there are archaeological sites scattered throughout the valley. Most notably, Puketoromiro Pā. Historically, the valley was a staging ground for two major battles between Maori and British colonial forces during the mid-1800s.
In addition to the walking trails, visitors can also explore the park’s many native plant and animal species.
Here is what Kopurererua Valley has to offer:
- Native Bush
- Farm Land
- Wetlands & Aquatic Life
- Ponds
- Cycling Tracks
- Walking Tracks
- Kopurererua River
- Animal Life
- And much more!
The new trails and boardwalk are designed to provide visitors with a unique and enjoyable experience. You can easily walk or cycle around the Kopurererua Valley Cycleway and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding wetlands. The reserve is open to the public and has a wide range of walking and cycling trails. Kopurererua valley walkway and cycle track feature 12km of wetland with plenty to experience if you stay aware of your surroundings.
More about Kopurererua Valley Reserve
In early November 2017, Kopurererua Valley won a merit award for the Outstanding Park category of the NZRAA (New Zealand Recreation Association Awards).
This beautiful valley is a 300-hectare block of low-lying rural land. The valley sits among residential neighbourhoods in Tauranga. On the west of the valley are Cambridge Heights and Westridge. To the north, Te Reti and Judea. South lies The Lakes and to the east, Greerton and Gate Pa.
Kopurererua Valley has been and is continually being improved upon. The plans and work for this natural wetland have been created by the Tauranga City Council and local iwi. Over the years, the valley has dramatically changed for easier access and greater use.
It is with the improvements, local people to Tauranga and tourists are getting to experience what it’s like to wander through a natural wetland. This reserve is becoming more and more popular as time goes on. Particularly with cyclists and dog walkers.
There has been a realignment of the river, with 20 hectares of land cleared, with 15 hectares being replanted with around 200,000 native trees and plants. Ponds have also been dug out as well as plenty of tracks to cycle or walk along. A series of bridges have been built along the river for greater use and access.
As the walkway and cycle track are mostly gravel, footwear is recommended. Parts of the tracks are finer than others, some being dirt and grass.
Access Points into Kopurererua Valley
The Lakes
Access from The Lakes begins near state highway 29. There is a gravel path that travels from the valley and under state highway 29 before entering The Lakes. From here there are also many more walking tracks. Discover these tracks and more about The Lakes by visiting here.
Westridge
Along Westridge Drive is an access point into Kopurererua Valley, it takes you along tracks to Cambridge Park where is located a BMX Track. From here to can move forth to Cambridge and Bethlehem. Otherwise back the other way are tracks that lead you into the valley. Parking for this access point is limited to off-street parking. Better accessed by walking and cycling.
Cambridge
Cambridge Park features a BMX Track and is also an access point to Kopurererua Valley. This park is located off Cambridge road and can be accessed throughout the day. There are parks available.
Judea
There are two access points from Judea. One at the end of Koromiko Street and the other at the end of Birch Ave. Both points lead you to either side of the Kopurererua River. You can alternate sides of the river by using a series of bridges along the river.
Tauranga South
17th Avenue, off Cameron Rd, is the entry point here. Down the end near The Historic Village and Tauranga Skate park. Plenty of parking is available. Walk into the valley begins with a boardwalk and then onto gravel alongside the river.
Gate Pa
Two entry points here in Gate Pa also. One is at the end of Wylie Street. Only parking is off the street. Better accessed by walking and cycling. The other entry is on the corner of Faulkner St and Humber Crescent. Parks are available. Entry leads you directly to the Kopurererua River. There is also a pond on entry. Choose your pick on which direction to walk in.
Kopurererua Valley Quick Information
Location: K Valley is situated centrally among some residential neighbourhoods. Cambridge, Judea, Gate Pa, Greerton and The Lakes. Close to the city centre.
Length of walk & cycle path: K Valley is roughly 12km in length.
Time Required: This is entirely dependent on the tracks taken. A good hour or two if exploring everywhere by bike.
Difficulty: Easy
Wheelchair Access: Yes, although a lot of the track, particularly along the river is rough with stones.
Will you get wet: No, unless you choose to have a swim in the Kopurererua river.
Toilets: No. There are public toilets at Cambridge BMX track, which leads to K Valley.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, this is a great place to take your dog for a walk or run.
Cellphone Reception: Yes
Track Quality: Nice, clean, clear tracks. Boardwalks, fine chip seal, rough gravel along the river and fine gravel tracks throughout.
Highlights: The scenery and length of the track to ride or walk. Also the access points between suburbs. Not far from Cameron Road.
Unique Birdlife in the Kopurererua Reserve
Kopurererua Reserve is a haven for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape into one of New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes. Spanning over 300 hectares, this sprawling reserve is a vital ecological area, offering a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, and regenerating native bush. But for many, the true highlight of Kopurererua lies in its diverse and vibrant birdlife.
This sanctuary is home to a dazzling array of both resident and migratory bird species. Among the most enchanting visitors are the White Heron (Kotuku), with its striking white plumage and graceful demeanor, and the Shining Cuckoo (Pipiwharauroa), whose melodious call signals the arrival of spring. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or simply enjoy observing nature’s wonders, Kopurererua Reserve offers a chance to encounter some of New Zealand’s most iconic and lesser-known avian treasures.
A Snapshot of Birdlife in Kopurererua Reserve
The reserve’s wetlands are a magnet for waterfowl and waders, while the native shrubs and trees provide essential habitat for forest-dwelling species. Highlights include:
- The White Heron (Kotuku): A rare and elegant bird, often seen wading gracefully in shallow waters. Its presence in the reserve is a special treat, as this species is typically elusive and breeds in only one location in New Zealand.
- The Shining Cuckoo (Pipiwharauroa): A small, iridescent migrant that travels thousands of kilometers from the tropics to New Zealand. Its distinct whistling call is a hallmark of the warmer months.
- Other notable species, including pukeko, kingfishers, fantails, and grey warblers, which thrive in the diverse habitats the reserve provides.
Whether you’re drawn to the serene sight of the White Heron gliding across the wetland or the lively song of the Shining Cuckoo echoing through the bush, Kopurererua Reserve offers an unforgettable birdwatching experience. This guide introduces you to the reserve’s remarkable birdlife, with links to detailed posts on these incredible species, their habits, and where you’re most likely to find them in the reserve.
Prepare to be captivated by the avian beauty and ecological richness of Kopurererua Reserve—an unmissable destination for those looking to connect with New Zealand’s natural heritage.
Read more about the Shining Cuckoo and the White Heron in the Kopurererua Reserve below. Additional images are there too.
White Heron in Tauranga
Visit the White Heron here, photographed in the Kopurererua Reserve.
Shining Cuckoo in Tauranga
Take a look at the Shining Cuckoo in Tauranga, Photographed in the Kopurererua Reserve.
Ngāi Tamarāwaho
The Ngai Tamarawaho’s role in the area is to provide a cultural and environmental perspective on the management of land and water in the Kopurererua Valley. For many centuries, people have lived in this area, including the Kopurererua Valley and the Waikareao Estuary. As a result, they have a deep understanding of the kaitiaki obligations that they have to the land and water within their rohe.
The Kopurererua Stream and valley land were identified as significant to Ngāi Tamarāwaho. The need for this land to be retained by the local Council for cultural, environmental and recreation purposes is a must.
Ngāi Tamarāwaho has a strong shared history with Tauranga City Council. The partnership has resulted in some awesome developments and improvements undertaken in the valley and to the Kopurererua Stream since 2005, including:
- The major Kopurererua River realignment in 2006 with the second stage of the river realignment beginning in early 2022.
- Adding several bridges throughout the reserve (including Whakapaewaka over Route K) has created awesome cycling and walking links.
- Bringing back into awareness the archaeological features of Puketoromiro Pā. This Pā stands back towards the southern end of the valley.
