Exploring Te Hikoi at Wenderholm
Te Hikoi, or 'the walk', at Wenderholm Regional Park on the Hibiscus Coast offers a rewarding hike through one of the finest remnant native coastal forests in Auckland. Starting just behind Couldrey House, this track leads you up to the high point above the coastal cliffs of Maungatauhoro. The path is gravelled and well-maintained, featuring many steps and an ascent of about 150 metres. The initial section of this track is also part of Te Araroa.
Scenic Highlights and Historical Sites
As you make your way up, you'll encounter a stunning cliff-edge viewpoint about two-thirds of the way along. This spot provides sweeping views northward, back along the beach and up the coast. Near the top, you'll reach the site of the Kakaha Pā, which is marked but now largely overgrown by regenerating forest.
Continuing Your Journey
From the top of the first section of Te Hikoi, you have a couple of options. You can continue on Te Araroa around the coast via a rough tramping track or follow Te Hikoi over Maungatauhoro to loop back to the starting point behind Couldrey House. Midway through the second section, the track intersects with the Puhoi Track in a spacious grassed area. This connection leads south to Te Araroa at the Waiwera Estuary.
Completing the Loop
If you continue straight on Te Hikoi, you'll pass through more forest and reach another excellent viewpoint overlooking the Pukoi River. The river winds behind Te Akeake Spit to the northern end of the beach. A final downhill section through native forest completes the loop, bringing you back to your starting point.
Getting to Te Hikoi
Wenderholm is a 35-minute, 47 km drive from Downtown Auckland on the northern motorway. Take the Puhoi offramp, then take the Twin Coast Discovery Highway east towards Waiwera, and you will see the park entrance on the left. The track begins just behind Couldrey House, which is a short walk from the park's main entrance.
Nearby, you can also explore Ōrewa to the south and Mahurangi and the wider Matakana Coast to the north.
