Clevedon Scenic Reserve Track and Thorps Quarry: Honest Guide Before You Go
What the Clevedon Scenic Reserve Track and Thorps Quarry walk is actually like
If you’re looking at the Clevedon Scenic Reserve Track and Thorps Quarry walk, here’s the honest version:
It starts easy.
Then it turns into a bit of a grind.
Thorps Quarry is relaxed, short, and straightforward.
The moment you push past that and head into the reserve, the stairs and incline start stacking up quickly. That’s where it catches people off guard.
Not because it’s extreme.
Just because it asks more from you than the distance suggests.
If you go in expecting that, it’s a much better walk.
Quick overview
🔸 short loop-style walk
🔸 easy quarry section at the start
🔸steady climb with plenty of stairs
🔸 moderate overall effort
🔸 dogs allowed on leash
🔸 parking is easy to access
Short version:
Easy start.
Solid climb.
Good payoff.
Start with Thorps Quarry
Thorps Quarry is the simplest part of the track.
Short walk in, small waterfall, and a bit of bush. No pressure, no real effort required.
It works well as a standalone if you just want something quick.
Or it acts as a warm-up before the climb starts.
That choice is what makes this place better than a lot of short walks. You’re not locked into one experience.
Where the effort actually begins
Once you leave the quarry behind, the track changes quickly.
The stairs start coming in.
The incline becomes steady.
It’s not technical, but it’s consistent enough that you feel it build.
This is where people usually realise the walk isn’t quite as casual as it looked at the start.
Not a problem.
Just something to be ready for.
If you’ve got a basic setup sorted, this section feels a lot more manageable than if you’ve just turned up and hoped for the best.
Why it’s worth doing
Because it doesn’t drag.
You get:
🔸 a relaxed entry
🔸 a climb that actually makes you work a bit
🔸 and views that feel earned, not handed to you
That balance is what makes it stick.
It’s short enough to fit into a day easily, but still gives you that feeling of doing something properly.
When it gets busy
This one isn’t a secret spot.
During summer, and especially on weekends, it can get noticeably busier.
You’ll feel that most around:
🔸 the car park
🔸 the quarry section
🔸 the first part of the track
Once you’re further into the climb, things usually spread out a bit.
Still worth going.
Just better if you’re not expecting it to be empty.
Dogs are allowed, just use common sense
Dogs are allowed here, but keep them on leash.
There are stairs, narrow sections, and other people moving through.
If your dog handles climbs and steps well, no issue.
If not, this probably isn’t the best track to test that.
What makes or breaks this walk
It’s not the distance.
It’s how prepared you are for the climb.
Bring water.
Wear shoes with grip.
Keep things simple.
That’s all it takes to turn this from slightly frustrating into a genuinely good walk.
If your setup works, you stop thinking about it.
Leave it better than you found it
We came across a fair bit of rubbish here.
It’s a good spot. That’s why people keep coming back to it.
Keeping it that way isn’t complicated.
Take your stuff with you.
Don’t leave anything behind.
That’s it.
Honest take
The Clevedon Scenic Reserve Track and Thorps Quarry walk is a solid choice.
Easy to start.
More effort than expected.
Worth it once you’re up there.
The only real mistake is underestimating it.
If you go in prepared for a short walk with a steady climb, it delivers exactly what it should.
If you like walks like this
Walks like this usually feel better the second time you do them.
First time, it’s the steps that stick with you. After that, you start noticing the smaller stuff.
What you wore, whether you brought enough water, how much easier it feels once you know what’s coming.
Nothing complicated.
Just things that make the whole climb feel a bit smoother instead of dragging on halfway through.
If you’ve been working through a few of the easier Auckland walks, this is where it starts to shift a bit. Still short, just more of a push.
And if you’re trying to figure out where it fits, the best beginner hikes in Auckland guide lays it out properly without overthinking it.
FAQ
How hard is the Clevedon Scenic Reserve walk?
Short answer, it’s tougher than it looks.
It’s not long, but the climb is mostly stairs, and you feel it. Around 3 km with a steady climb to the top, so it’s more about effort than distance.
How long does the Clevedon walk take?
Most people are up and down in about an hour to an hour and a half.
Depends how often you stop, especially on the way up.
Why do people say it’s all steps?
Because it basically is.
There are hundreds of stairs through the bush, and they don’t really let up. That’s what catches most people out the first time.
Is Clevedon Scenic Reserve good for beginners?
Yeah, but not as your first walk.
It’s a good step up once easier walks like Māngere or Mount Eden start feeling too easy.
Is Clevedon good for training?
It’s one of the better short, hard efforts around Auckland.
You get a proper leg burn without needing a long day, which makes it good for building strength quickly.
What’s the track like?
Bush most of the way, shaded, with a steady climb up to the top.
There’s a loop option and a side track to the old quarry, plus a lookout with wide views once you’re up there.
Does it get muddy or slippery?
It can.
After rain, the dirt sections between the stairs get slick, especially on the way down. Just take it easy.
Is it worth it for the view?
Yeah, once you’re at the top it opens up properly.
You get a full lookout over the valley and out toward the coast, which makes the climb feel worth it.
Can you do it with dogs?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash.
Just keep in mind the stairs can be a bit awkward depending on the dog.
Where does Clevedon fit in Auckland hikes?
It’s the jump between easy and “you actually feel it.”
You go from something like Māngere or Mount Wellington into this, and it’s a noticeable step up.
If you want to see how it fits with everything else, the best beginner hikes in Auckland guide lays it out properly without overthinking it.