Duder Regional Park

Duder Regional Park is located on the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula. The park is a working farm bounded to the west by Duders Beach. It is situated on a headland and offers commanding views of the Hauraki Gulf. There is limited native bush as most of the land is grassed, however the area to the southwest of the peninsula (called "the Big Bush") is a remnant of pre-human settlement forest. The southern coast is home to tidal mudflats and shell banks, which is a habitat for migratory birds. Small numbers of the endangered tuturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) breed on shell banks south of the park, which is not accessible to the public. Other birds found in the park are the pīwakawaka, kererū, ruru, tūī and riroriro. == History ==

Prior to human settlement, the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula was heavily forested with Beilschmiedia tawa, Beilschmiedia tarairi (taraire), pūriri, karaka and kauri trees. An extra was added in 2010 to prevent coast development obstructing views from the park. Annual visitors to the park increased from 42,000 in 2016 to 73,000 in 2021. ==Recreation==

. The park has original native forest and birdlife, and views of surrounding hills, the Hunua Ranges and the Hauraki Gulf islands. The beaches in the park have been used for swimming, picnicking and fishing since the late 19th century. Other activities include shell hunting, orienteering and mountain-biking. == References ==