Kotukutuku Gully

Getting there

Little Waihi Road, Maketu

You can access the pathway from either the bottom (corner of Hapimana Road) or near the top of Little Waihi Road.

About the walk

Opened in 2010, The Kotukutuku Gully restoration is a product of countless hours of community volunteer effort. Through the vision and leadership of Maketu resident, Trevor Hughes, this historic spot has been returned to its natural beauty for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

Today visitors and locals enjoy the tranquility of the gully and its wonderful showcase of more than 2000 native and exotic trees, fruit and nut trees all of which help create a habitat corridor for bird life. A few non-native fruit trees can be found for the enjoyment of those who stroll along the all-weather pathway.

It’s also a popular venue for local picnics, outdoor entertainment and is a handy walking link from upper to lower Maketu.

The Kotukutuku Gully receives its name from the Kotukutuku tree which is being re-established in this beautiful natural walkway. A native to New Zealand, small flowers appear on the tree between August and December, and then change from greenish-yellow to purple-red. The flowers are rich in nectar and are visited by honey-eating birds, especially tui, bellbirds and silvereyes. The dark purple berries, known as konini by Maori, are edible and taste like tamarillos.

Come for a stroll through this peaceful area. There are many different native plant species here including kaka beak, clianthus and swamp maire. Get off the pathway and browse at your leisure.