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Upper Mangatawhiri Reservoir

Waikato  >  New Zealand

Good full-day hike around Upper Mangatwahiri Reservoir in Hunua Ranges with heaps of forest birds with possible highlight being North Island Kokako.

Ajouté* par Jonathan Klawitter
Dernière actualisation 10 janvier 2026

Description

The area around Upper Mangatawhiri Reservoir offers excellent habitat diversity for forest and wetland birds. Pūkeko (Australasian Swamphen) and Masked Lapwing can be found around the campground, while Black Swan, Paradise Shelduck, Canada Goose and various ducks occupy the lake. Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) pass overhead, New Zealand Fantail and Grey Warbler are everywhere, and forest birds are abundant throughout the area. This is the closest mainland site to Auckland where you can reliably encounter New Zealand Bellbird and have a small chance of finding North Island Kokako.

While you can visit just the campground and dam area, the best way to explore is by walking Ernies Loop Track, which circles the reservoir. The middle section follows a narrow trail that is often quite muddy, includes a river crossing, and climbs up the range on the eastern side. But it's great fun! North Island Kokako are mostly heard and sometimes seen around Piggotts Campsite, while the northeastern section of the circuit is the best area for New Zealand Bellbird. Along the track, you're also likely to encounter the introduced but charming California Quail. Other common forest birds include Tui, Tomtit, and Silvereye. Also very occasionally New Zealand Falcon are seen in the area.

Détails

Accès

The reservoir is accessible only by private vehicle, approximately 1 hour's drive from Auckland. The last stretch through the Hunua Ranges is on gravel road.

Ernies Loop Track is about 15 kilometres and takes at least 6 hours with active birding. The first and last thirds follow gravel road, while the middle section is on a narrow trail. If going clockwise, don't miss the turn-off to the right onto the trail. While there are boardwalks, expect muddy sections after rain. There is also a stream crossing on the northern side of the track before it climbs up into the ranges.

Toilets are available at both Upper Mangatawhiri Campsite and Piggots Campsite.

Terrain et Habitat

Forêt , Lac

Conditions

Vallonné , Marécageux , Glissant

Boucle

Oui

Avez-vous besoin d'une longue-vue?

Non

Saison idéale pour observer

Toute l'année

Meilleure période pour une visite

Printemps , Eté

Itinéraire

Sentier étroit , Route non pavée

Niveau de difficulté de l'itinéraire

Intense

Accessible via

A pied

Observatoire/hutte d'observation

Non

Liens

Voir les sites d'observation voisins publiés sur Birdingplaces

Carte

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