Image: DOC
Kahikatea stand.
Taraire Ridge Track

Located in Whangārei area in the Northland region

A challenging walk across a ridge and through beautiful native forest.

The track follows the ridge through a range of different forest types. Taraire trees dominate the forest, as the name suggests, with rimu and kauri also featuring. There are several good picnic spots next to the Mangere Stream.

The loop begins at the entrance to the forest.

You can walk the track in either direction from this point, but we recommend that you turn left at the entrance and walk in a clockwise direction, as this is the easier gradient.

The 1500 hectares Western Hills and Pukenui Forest area is located right on Whangārei’s western doorstep.

Pukenui Forest tracks are signposted on Three Mile Bush Road, approximately 4 km from the Kamo traffic lights in Whangārei. You can see the entrance sign almost opposite Rotomate Road or on Amalin Drive.
  • Dogs, horses, firearms and fires are not allowed. 
  • There may be wasps and wasp nests in the area. 

Pukenui is regionally important for its ecological, cultural and historic significance. DOC, local iwi, 
the Pukenui Western Hills Forest Charitable Trust  and the community are committed to restoring Pukenui through their revegetation programme, weed and pest control.

As predator numbers have dropped, North Island brown kiwi have been released into the area. The vision is for the restoration work to continue, resulting in an increase in the numbers and variety of native flora and fauna.

Pukenui Forest, the Whau Valley Catchment and Coronation reserve are of great importance to the Whangārei District. The areas contain high conservation values, are full of historic and cultural sites and provide great recreational opportunities.

The stone walls, built by hand, are a feature of the landscape in this district and have endured remarkably well over the years.