Discover Pohuehue Reserve
Located along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway between Puhoi and Warkworth, Pohuehue Reserve is an easy stop for those taking the scenic route north from Auckland. This reserve has well-maintained tracks that meander through regenerating native forest, leading to a waterfall.
Exploring the Waterfall Track
The Waterfall Track is a delightful walk that begins with a bridge crossing over a stream. The path winds around the edge of a gully through regenerating forest, leading to a small platform overlooking a waterfall.
While it might be tempting to explore further down to the stream below the falls, it is advisable to remain on the designated path to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease. Instead, to access the stream, there is a series of rock platforms shortly after the track begins. These are particularly picturesque, but easy to miss.
The round trip to the waterfall and back takes approximately 30 minutes.
The Beverley Price Loop
The Beverley Price Loop is a rougher track that connects with the Waterfall Track at both ends. A highlight of this loop is a stand of kauri trees beyond the waterfall, around 100 years old, nestled among the forest regrowth. From there, the track climbs about 100 metres to a gravel road at the top of the ridge. Head north along he road to reconnect with the track and loop back to the start near the bridge. Allow about an hour to complete the loop.
Getting to Pohuehue Reserve
To reach Pohuehue Reserve, drive north from Auckland on the northern motorway to the Puhoi off-ramp. From there, head north on the Twin Coast Highway. After passing over the Pohuehue Viaduct, you will see a sign for the reserve and track on the side of the road. The drive is 52 km and takes 43 minutes.
Nearby, you can also visit Mahurangi Regional Park and Wenderholm Regional Park, Waiwera, and the charming towns of Puhoi and Warkworth on the Matakana Coast. In Warkworth, you can visit the Parry Kauri Park, with two ancient trees and a significant forest of younger kauri regrowth.
