Pigeon Mountain Wetland

Probably the most aptly named road you’ll find, Pigeon Mountain Rd leads to indeed, Pigeon Mountain Wetlands. Named after the Pigeons that used to live here, this dormant volcano is now home to cute pukekos, stilts and swampland.
There’s plenty of board walks, gravel roads and shrubbery to guide yourself through. I took my dog along (they have to stay on the leash) and she found the wire netting on the board walk extremely weird. She kept dancing on it like it was hot coals! Incredibly funny. Then the pukeko’s arrived to size her up, and she was ready to flee. They were far more afraid of her than she was of them though, as they quickly leapt off the board walk and into the flax!
Anyway, it’s a pleasant, short walk for those inclined to take adventures around East Auckland.

I always thought Pigeon Mountain was a euphamism for a really big pile of pigeon poo. So you can imagine what I thought Pigeon Mountain Wetland was.
These misunderstandings aside, I love walking here these days I bring my dog and she has a great time being alternately brave and fearful of the pukekos. I adore getting so close up to pukeko, they’re such little weirdos, but really cute.
This is a nice place to bring out-​of-​towners who are into photography — they’ll be able to get some amazing shots. The walkway is in good condition and the walk isn’t too long, so it’s nice for the whole family too.