Wenderholm Regional Park Perimeter Path

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

• Maungatauhoro Viewpoints: The undisputed crown jewel of this hike. From these elevated clifftop lookouts, you can gaze out across the blue expanse of the Hauraki Gulf. Keep an eye out for Motuora Island, Kawau Island, and the rolling green hills of the neighbouring Mahurangi Regional Park in the distance.
• Couldrey House and Gardens: Located near the start of the trail, this Victorian-Edwardian homestead offers a fascinating window into the lives of early European settlers. The surrounding flat, grassy parkland is also the perfect spot for a post-walk family picnic.
• The Pouwhenua: This magnificent carving serves as a powerful reminder of the area's rich heritage, representing the ancestral ties and history of local iwi (tribes).
• Kokoru Bay: A peaceful, sheltered bay on the estuary side of the park, offering a quiet place to sit on the shoreline and watch the tide drift in and out.

Getting There

Wenderholm Regional Park is located just north of Orewa, roughly a 40-minute drive from Auckland Central.

To get there, head north on State Highway 1, take the exit toward Waiwera/Wenderholm, and follow the signs onto Schischka Road. Drive right to the very end of the road, where you will find ample free parking in the main car park right next to the beach. Well-maintained public toilets and changing facilities are available here, making it a highly convenient base for your day out.

Wildlife Spotting

Thanks to intensive, ongoing pest control efforts by regional park rangers and dedicated volunteer groups, Wenderholm has become a thriving sanctuary for native birdlife. As you walk beneath the dense canopy, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for some of New Zealand’s most iconic species:

• Tūī (Very Common): You will hear their boisterous, metallic chiming long before you see them. Look for the distinctive white tuft under their throats as they dart through the treetops.
• Kererū (Common): These large, heavy native wood pigeons are easily spotted by their brilliant white waistcoats and the loud, characteristic whoosh-whoosh of their wings as they fly between fruiting trees.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail, Common): These cheeky little birds love to flutter right alongside hikers, using the insects kicked up by your boots as an easy snack.
• Riroriro (Grey Warbler, Common): Listen out for their long, delicate, whistling song echoing through the canopy.
• North Island Robin and Morepork (Ruru): Though more elusive, lucky hikers might spot a friendly robin hopping along the forest floor, or hear the haunting more-pork call of our native owl if walking close to dusk.
• Laughing Kookaburra: Occasionally spotted in the park, adding an unexpected Australian chuckle to the Kiwi birdsong.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Wenderholm Regional Park Perimeter Path is a true year-round trail, with each season offering its own unique charm.

• Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit. The iconic pōhutukawa trees lining the beach burst into brilliant crimson blooms, and you can easily pair your hike with a refreshing swim in the ocean or a lazy paddle in the river estuary.
• Autumn and Spring offer cooler, more comfortable hiking temperatures, quieter trails, and spectacular crisp morning light that is absolute gold for photographers.
• Winter brings a moody, dramatic beauty to the coastline. While the trail remains open, the clay and grassy sections can become slippery after heavy rain, so walking poles and sturdy boots with good grip are highly recommended during the wetter months.

What to pack: Pack plenty of water, some high-energy snacks, sun protection (the headland viewpoints can be highly exposed to the midday sun), and a light windbreaker jacket, as coastal breezes can whip up quickly along the ridgeline.

Local & Regional Context

Established in 1965, Wenderholm was the very first regional park in the Auckland network, and it remains one of the region's most beloved.

Long before European settlers arrived, the area was highly valued by Māori. The Maungatauhoro headland was the site of a strategic, fortified pā (village). Its commanding views over the Hauraki Gulf and the dual river systems made it a crucial lookout and defensive outpost.

Later, in the mid-19th century, the land was acquired by Robert Graham, who built the homestead that would eventually become Couldrey House. Today, the park represents a successful harmony of cultural preservation, historic conservation, and ecological restoration, allowing visitors to walk through centuries of history in a single afternoon.

After the Walk

After tackling the steps of Maungatauhoro, you will have certainly worked up an appetite. Luckily, there are some fantastic local spots nearby to relax and refuel:

• Waiwera Hotel - Cocktail Lounge & Eatery (2.5km away): Located just a quick drive down the road in Waiwera, this spot offers a wonderfully casual, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to sit back, enjoy a hearty meal, and toast to a successful hike.
• Walnut Cottage Cafe (4km away): Heading back south towards Orewa, this charming cafe is set inside a historic cottage with a beautiful garden. Known for its fantastic coffee, delicious cabinet food, and relaxed garden seating, it is a favourite local haunt.
• Orewa Surf Club Cafe (5.5km away): If you want to keep those coastal views going, head to this relaxed cafe situated right on Orewa Beach. Sip on a cold drink, enjoy some classic beachside fare, and watch the waves roll in.

4km away

A charming cafe in Orewa known for its excellent coffee and lunch options, set in a pleasant cottage garden environment.