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This short track takes you on a walk through Cobourne Reserve in Port Waikato. It may be a short walk, but it’s part of the dramatic landscape where the mighty Waikato River meets the Tasman Sea.
Port Waikato is a seaside town 28 kilometres west of Tuakau and 88km south of Auckland. It lies on the southern side of the Waikato River where the river meets the Tasman Sea.
This area is steeped in history. It was a key port during the New Zealand Land Wars of the 1860s and, for centuries prior, an important place for local iwi, Ngāti Tīpā.
One of its lesser-known gems is the Cobourne Reserve. The walk itself takes you through the Cobourne Reserve down to the boat ramp, following much the same route to head back to the parking area. It’s a short walk, just over half a kilometre, but well worth stopping in if you’re heading to the Port Waikato area.
The reserve is a lovely spot to wander in, especially if you have young children, with picnic tables, a small playground and toilets on site, with the beach a short walk away. It also has a heartwarming history.
In 1983, sisters Florence and Daphene Cobourne gifted the land to the then-Raglan County Council. Their father, Alfred Cobourne, represented Port Waikato Riding for 40 years (from 1901 to 1941) on the Raglan County Council.
A team of dedicated locals and volunteers worked hard to transform the bare hillside into the beautiful reserve it is today. The reserve continues to be landscaped and maintained by volunteers, and is a popular spot for garden weddings.
So the next time you’re out near the port, have a relaxing walk through this wonderful reserve.
