Starts at Wenderholm Regional Park
A peaceful bush track in beautiful Wenderholm Regional Park, best suited to confident walkers. This walk takes you around Maungatauhoro, an area rich in Māori history with some great scenic lookout points.
The track is well marked and is a combination of boardwalk, steps, gravel and grass. Be prepared for varied track quality with some steep sections, lots of climbing and an unformed track on the Waiwera estuary side. Wear sturdy walking shoes - some of the steep sections of unformed track can be slippery.
Follow the signs from the main car park and look for the red markers.
You'll pass the pou whenua (carving), which represents the physical and spiritual connection of tangata whenua (people of the land) to the region and memorialises historic events that have passed.
The track passes historic Couldrey House and Gardens. Stop in to soak up the atmosphere of yesteryear within the beautiful garden setting and fully furnished historic homestead. The colonial house is open most days 1-4pm (there's a small admission charge for adult entry).
The bush track begins and there are some steep climbs to the top of Maungatauhoro. Maungatauhoro is a wāhi tapu (sacred place) because of the battles and burials that took place here.
Kererū and tūī plentiful and easy to spot, and you may be lucky enough to see pīwakawaka (fantail) and the occasional morepork. Grey warblers are often heard singing in the trees.
Enjoy spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf from the log seats at the Maungatauhoro lookout. From here you can see Mahurangi Regional Park, Kawau Island and many smaller islands including Motu Kororā/Te Haupa (Saddle Island).
The track descends past the historic Kākaha Pā (defended village) to Kokoru Bay on the Waiwera estuary, and continues through regenerating bush near the park entrance.
Public toilets and drinking water are available at the main car park and on Schischka Road.
Wenderholm is a 35 minute drive north of central Auckland. You can also reach Wenderholm by public transport. Take the bus to Waiwera and walk ten minutes (over the Waiwera River bridge) to reach the park entrance.
