The first part of Te Hikoi (‘the walk’) at Wenderholm starts almost immediately behind Couldrey House and takes you up to the high point above the coastal cliffs of Maungatauhoro. The track has many steps and climbs about 150 metres, but is gravelled and well-maintained. The first section is also part of Te Araroa.
This track takes you through one of the best remnant native coastal forests in the Auckland region, certainly outside of the Waitākere Ranges. About two-thirds the way up, a fabulous cliff-edge viewpoint looks north and back along the beach and up the coast. Near the top, you will be at the site of the Kakaha Pā, signposted but now well overgrown by regenerating forest.
From the top of the first section of Te Hikoi, you can continue on Te Araroa around the coast on a rough tramping track or follow Te Hikoi over Maungatauhoro to loop back to the start of the track behind Couldrey House. About halfway along the second section, the track connects with the Puhoi Track in a wide-open grassed area, which takes you south to connect with Te Araroa at the Waiwera Estuary.
Continue straight on Te Hikoi through more forest and another excellent viewpoint over the Pukoi River, which snakes behind Te Akeake spit to the north end of the beach. One more section downhill through the native forest completes the loop.
