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- By David Mallowes
A walk around the Hololio Estate in Clevedon combines river views, open countryside, the 1892 Hololio House, gardens, and the polo terrace and fields. We were privileged to be guided by Josephine around this expansive property as part of the East Auckland Walkfest.
The walk begins beneath towering mature trees progressing to beautifully maintained flowers and established gardens surrounding the original Munro family kauri homestead.
The interior of the house is warm and spacious, timeless with elegant verandahs. The adjacent huge old barn is an attraction in its own right, loaded with character and history.
We progressed along quiet farm tracks past horses and sheep and beehives to the Wairoa River and visited the original concrete crossing. The river was once an important transport route; food source and settlement corridor, travelled by waka between coastal and inland settlements.
Around the polo training field then to the competition ground. Walking across the field is a sensory experience in its own right, dense and springy yet very soft; every step sinks slightly into the grass.
Beyond the polo area, there has been extensive tree planting and trail development. The wetland area is mesmerising – tall trees, ponds, reflections – absolutely beautiful. The track progresses into a wide winding bridle trail that extends through ribbonwood, coral, poplar, cypress, gum and other trees to a road entrance opposite the Clevedon Showgrounds.
Back towards the beginning, we visited the large limestone edged pool and the pool house, part of a private entertaining courtyard. If you have the opportunity to visit the Estate, it is a lovely outing with a sense of stepping into another era.
Access can be by accommodation stays, private events (eg weddings), polo events, or by arrangement with the owners. We look forward to walking this again as part of the 2027 Walkfest.
While in the area, consider some of the public walks around Clevedon – Te Nikau Pa and the “Stairway to Heaven” climb, Clevedon Village and river pathways, Duder and Waitawa Regional Park walks, and the Hunua Falls to Cossey Dam loop. Then relax at Hallertau or one of the many cafes in Clevedon, or head towards Papakura and the Farm House Cafe with its own, always open, public rural walk.
For more information, photos and printable maps, visit the Facebook page WalksOutEast.
