Pukenui Forest tracks
Track category
Walking track
Description
The Pukenui Forest makes a good day's outing from Whangarei. There are two loop options on this walking track.
View a track location map
Mangere stream in Pukenui Forest
Pukenui Long Loop
Time: 4 hr return
Distance: 8.1 km loop
After crossing open pasture with some attractive dry stone walls, the track enters the forest and can be quite steep in places on the loop. The track goes through a variety of forest types and includes a large kauri tree and some good picnic spots along the Mangere stream.
At the junction of the Taraire Ridge and Main Ridge tracks the Whangarei District Council tracks continue on to Barge Park, Whau Valley Dam and Kensington.
Pukenui Short Loop
Time: 2 hr return
Distance: 4.2 km loop
This track runs along the Mangere stream before climbing up some steep hills. There are a number of large trees on the track. The small loop track comes out on an old forestry road the same one as the long loop track from there you walk the fence line back to the stile and across the open pasture to the car park.
Getting there
The 1500-ha Western Hills and Pukenui Forest area is located right on Whangarei's western doorstep. Pukenui Forest tracks are signposted on Three Mile Bush Road, approx. 4km from the Kamo traffic lights in Whangarei. You can see the entrance sign almost opposite Rotomate Road or on Amalin Drive.
About the area
Pukenui State Forest, with an area of 592 hectares, was last logged in the 1920's and has since regenerated quite vigorously containing most of the forest species found in Northland.
Pukenui Forest, the Whau Valley Catchment and Coronation reserve are of great importance to the Whangarei District. The areas contain high conservation values, are full of historic and cultural sites and provide great recreational opportunities.
As the health of the forest is impacted by pest animals and weeds, the Whangarei District Council and DOC have committed to working together, and alongside local iwi, the community and interest groups, on a long-term project that aims to restore and enhance the forest's original values.
The stone walls, built by hand, are a feature of the landscape in this district and have endured remarkably well over the years.
There are good picnic spots along the Mangere Stream.
Plan and prepare
Dogs, horses, firearms and fires are not allowed.
Track location map
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