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.

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.

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.

Map and Directions for Kopurererua Valley Reserve

Kopurererua Valley Reserve Image Gallery

Click through the image gallery below of Kopurererua Valley. Explore these wetlands by photo before deciding to walk or cycle these awesome tracks.

Other Walks in Tauranga