The walk to the Clevedon Reserve lookout, known as the Stairway to Heaven, was suggested to us by some of my wife’s work colleagues and what a great surprise.
Large kauri, Kahikatea, Puriri and Puka trees grace the slopes and make for an impressive bush canopy.
Plenty of birdlife is enjoyed, as is the view across Auckland City in the distance and the Hunua Ranges to the East. Adding to the value of this amazing walk is exploring the quaint Clevedon Village.
Take note of these walk details, to ensure you explore the very best of what Clevendon Reserve has to offer:
Quick facts about my walk
| Walk time: | 60-70 mins |
| Distance: | 3.36 km |
| Elevation: | 219 m |
| Track Quality: | Wooden Stairs, gravel, dirt |
| Difficulty: | 3 - steep and stairs requires reasonable fitness and stability |
| Buggies/Wheelchairs: | Not suitable except for the short walk to the quarry |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes – welcome on leash |
| Facilities: | Toilets, Picnic tables, Parking, Kauri dieback cleaning station, confidence course, Burma trail |
| Map: | Click here to see the map track |
Here’s my full walk description
Be aware that this walk is uphill to the lookout and then downhill back to the start – there is very little flat and hundreds of stairs – the new wooden stairs on the northern section of the track are exceptionally well made and well spaced, making it a more comfortable climb.
We completed the walk anti-clockwise, suggested to us by our local guide – very good advice.
Take some time to view some of the tree specimens. Our friend and guide took the time to point out some of his special trees – there really are some unique and fascinating specimens.
A fantastic walk and one for the whole family. The native bush is fantastic and quite unique with large kauri being the highlight. This bush also benefits from relatively spaced undergrowth (for NZ bush), enabling you to enjoy the uniqueness of each large specimen.
Drive through Clevedon and turn left into Thorpes Quarry Rd and drive to the end, where you will find the carpark.
Next to the carpark is the local scout hall, toilets and confidence course. Head beyond the scout hall and to the bridge that takes you across the Tataia Stream, a pretty waterway that joins into the Wairoa River before heading all the way to the sea between Duder and Waitawa Parks. Presently there is Kauri Dieback cleaning stations to disinfect your shoes.
Once across the bridge, continue on the track straight ahead to complete the loop walk in an anti-clockwise direction. This enables you to enjoy the new stairs on the way up the hill and take in the more original track on the downhill return.
The stairs are very impressive, built to keep foot traffic off the path to protect the kauri and other large trees. You will climb 30 – 40 minutes up and up until you reach the lookout at the top of the hill.
From here, enjoy the 360 degree views that take in the Clevedon Plains, Hunua Ranges, Hauraki Gulf, Waitakere Rangers and Auckland City.
We completed the return journey by continuing on the loop, offering more magnificent bush and trees on your descent. You’ll notice a couple of large kauri not far from the path, very impressive specimens.
Once at the base of the hill again, you will be at a junction – it is worth turning left and taking the short walk (5 minutes) to the quarry. This is amazingly beautiful and has picnic tables for your enjoyment.
This is a really enjoyable walk that should be added to your list of walks to do that are unique and a little ‘out-of-the-way’. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
My Google map showing the track
FAQ's and "did you know"
How many steps are on the Stairway to Heaven Clevedon?
As someone who has hiked the Stairway to Heaven Clevedon walk, I can attest that it has exactly 240 steps. While the climb can be challenging, I found the breathtaking views of the surrounding Clevedon Valley and the nearby Hunua Ranges make it a truly rewarding experience.
Here are some Google reviews from others who have walked this walk
Natural, not many people and the 40 minute walk to the top has, to the left, 761 steps interlaced with flat bush walks. Lovely. Fantails, Tuis and Grey Warblers abound with their song. Richard Smythe
Really loving with this little trek and the lookout up top is breathtaking, especially if you time it right to catch the sunset 😊. Alexander
Good climb with well maintained stairs and boardwalk. Lyle Lex
A nice place for doing exercise with stairs. It took me around 45 minutes to complete the track. The place is well maintained. You can see the sky tower when you reach the top. Dogs are welcome here. Easy parking.
990 odd stairs up, good exercise and great views at thr top, well maintained paths, kauri dieback area, dogs ok on leash. Zak Amadeus
Here's a great video by Cai and Dee on their walk around the Clevedon Reserve Stairway to Heaven walk.
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