By Sarah Bainbridge
An easy 25-minute cycle one way. The pathway starts just south of the Pukerua Bay shops and finishes at the weigh station just outside Plimmerton. A wide, sealed track winds through low regenerating bush and alongside Taupo Swamp.
Although close to State Highway One, there is a safe distance and plantings between the path and the road. There is limited shade. Suitable for children. Toilets at Pukerua Bay shops, Whenua Tapu cemetery, and by Plimmerton railway station underpass. The track is shared with pedestrians. Parking at both ends on residential streets.
Who it suits
The sealed path is wide and gently undulating. Suitable for most levels of fitness. A safe path for children. Suitable for prams. Dogs on leads. There are a few seating areas along the path, including one with information panels about Taupo Swamp. The path will suit most types of bikes.
How long it takes
The walk is 6km, about 25 minutes one way.
Highlights
The path is alongside Taupo Swamp, a protected lowland freshwater mire. Here is the sea of harakeke the path is named for, which was once harvested for milling in Foxton. You can sit and enjoy the views and read the information board.
The swamp is home to birdlife including kōtare, pūkeko, and bittern. Equally important – but not visible from your bicycle – are the longfin eel, banded kōkopu and redfin bully.
Transport
There are train stations at both Pukerua Bay (cross SH1 on the pedestrian footbridge) and Plimmerton. Car parking is possible on residential streets at both ends.
Facilities
Toilets are available at Pukerua Bay shops, Whenua Tapu cemetery and by the Plimmerton railway station underpass.
Food and drink
There is a dairy and several café/restaurants at the Plimmerton shops (currently including pizza, Indian food and a Polish cafe). Pukerua Bay also has a dairy.
Tips
- Water is available at Whenua Tapu cemetery about halfway along the pathway.
- South of the weigh station, the path travels a short distance through a light industrial area, around the back of the Domain, and to Plimmerton Railway Station via an underpass. The way is well signposted.
- Good mobile coverage throughout.
- Here is a map from Porirua City Council.
Read Taupo Swamp by Sarah Bainbridge