Quick Facts:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3.8 km loop |
| Time | 1-1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate-Hard |
| Grade | Tramping track (rough, uneven, steep sections) |
| Elevation Gain | 375 metres |
| Surface | Bush track, tree roots, forestry road, pine needles |
| Dogs | Allowed on leash |
| Bikes | Not suitable |
| Parking | Free DOC car park |
| Toilets | None (nearest in Warkworth or Puhoi) |
| Water | None – bring your own |
| Pram/Wheelchair | Not suitable |
| Kids | Great for active kids – challenging but doable |
| Mobile Coverage | Patchy in gullies, better on ridge |
| Best Season | Year-round (avoid after heavy rain) |
| Managed By | DOC (Department of Conservation) |
| Cost | Free |
This loop is a proper workout – 375 metres of climbing through some really nice native bush. I walked it with the crew from my gym (ECC by Evana) and we had heaps of kids with us who absolutely loved it. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it fun.
The track’s rougher than your typical Auckland regional park walk – you’ll be scrambling over windfalls, watching your footing on roots, and the descent through the pine plantation is steep and slippery. But the bush is beautiful, you get some lovely nikau palms, and there’s a stand of 100-year-old kauri trees that make the climb worth it.
Getting There
Starting Point GPS: -36.453013, 174.652258 (Pohuehue Reserve car park on Old State Highway 1)
From Auckland CBD:
- Take SH1 north toward Warkworth (52 km, about 45 minutes)
- Take the Puhoi off-ramp and follow signs for Twin Coast Discovery Highway (Old SH1)
- Continue north, crossing over the Pohuehue Viaduct
- Car park is on your left (western side) immediately after the viaduct
- Look for the DOC sign for “Moirs Hill Walkway/Waterfall Track“
Parking: Free DOC car park – it’s actually quite big with plenty of space. There are chickens freely roaming around the car park area which the kids will love. Gets busy on weekends mid-morning, but there’s usually space.
Public Transport: None. You’ll need your own wheels.
The Route – Step by Step
Note: Most people just do the easy Waterfall Track (30 minutes return). This description is for the full loop – the challenging workout part.
The Big Climb Up (30-40 minutes)
- From the car park, cross the footbridge over Pohuehue Stream. The track junction is just a few minutes in – turn left for the Waterfall Track, but if you’re doing the loop, you’ll keep going past the waterfall turnoff.
- The climb starts pretty much straight away. It’s steep and you’ll be gaining 375 metres, so you’ll feel it. The track winds up through regenerating native bush with lovely nikau palms scattered throughout. The bush is really nice – kohekohe, taraire, and those nikau palms make it feel properly native.
- You’ll be clambering over windfalls in places and the track can be rough – tree roots, uneven ground, and it gets muddy. If it’s been raining or just rained, this track would be quite slippery, so pick your day.
- Orange markers guide you up through the bush. Keep your eyes open for them – they’re easy to spot but you do need to watch for them.
- About halfway up, you’ll reach the stand of 100-year-old kauri trees. They’re not massive, but they’re beautiful and it’s special to see mature kauri among all the regrowth.
- Keep climbing and eventually you’ll pop out onto a gravel forestry road at the top of the ridge. This is where you get a breather.
The Gravel Road Section (10-15 minutes)
- Turn right and follow the gravel road. It’s flat, easy walking – a nice break after all that climbing. You’ll walk about 1 km along the ridge.
- Watch for the orange marker on your right where the track heads back into the forest. Don’t miss this turnoff or you’ll just keep walking along the road.
The Descent (20-30 minutes)
- Turn right and head all the way back down. This descent is steep and goes through pine plantation with a thick bed of pine needles underfoot. It’s slippery – take your time, especially if it’s at all wet.
- The track drops quite steeply and you need to watch your footing. Kids will probably bomb down it (ours did), but adults should be more careful.
- Eventually you’ll pop back out near the bridge at the car park.
When to Go
- Best Conditions: Dry weather. The track would be quite slippery if it’s been raining or has just rained, especially that pine descent.
- Best Seasons: Year-round when it’s dry. Autumn and winter are beautiful in the bush, but avoid it after heavy rain.
- Timing: Weekday mornings or early weekend mornings if you want fewer people. We went on a Friday and had the track mostly to ourselves.
The track’s in forest so you’re sheltered from sun and wind most of the way. The gravel road section is exposed.
If you’d rather save the steep stuff for a drier day, The Brick Bay Sculpture Trail gives you an easy wander through art and gardens instead of roots and mud.
My Honest Take
I walked this with my gym crew from ECC by Evana (thanks Evana for organising!) and we had three groups of adults with all their kids. The kids absolutely crushed it and loved the challenge.
That 375m elevation gain is no joke – it’s a proper climb and you’ll feel it. But the bush is beautiful, the nikau palms are lovely, and the kauri grove is worth the effort. The rough sections and steep bits are what make it interesting rather than just another boring loop.
The pine descent is genuinely steep and slippery – even on a dry day you need to watch your footing. If it’s wet, I’d probably skip it and just do the waterfall section instead. Watch out for the gorse too, its a bit overgrown in parts.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It’s a great workout and the kids had such a good time. It’s challenging enough to feel like an achievement but not so hard that it’s miserable.
Once you’ve earned a rest after that climb and the slippery pine descent, the Matakana Mystery Picnic is a laid back way for the adults to treat themselves.
Other Walks Nearby
- Waterfall Track Only (if you’re skipping the loop): 1.3 km return, 30 minutes, easy – great for little kids or anyone wanting a gentle walk.
- Wenderholm Regional Park: 15 minutes south. Coastal walks, swimming beach, much easier terrain. Good for after this walk if you want a swim.
- Scandrett Regional Park: 20 minutes east. Historic homestead, coastal views, farmland walks.
- Mahurangi Regional Park: 25 minutes northeast. Beaches, estuary walks, more family-friendly options.
- Puhoi Lookout Track: 10 minutes south in Puhoi village. Short uphill walk with views. Stop for a beer at the Puhoi Pub afterward.
