Mahurangi Farm-Forestry Trail

Last Updated on: 21 October 2026

My Walk Experience – 23rd February 2025

I walked the Mahurangi Farm-Forestry Trail on a beautiful cloudless summer day in late February with a lovely group from my local gym and it was a delightful experience perfect for families. Starting from the Parsley Pot Cafe, this well-maintained trail offers a gentle walk through regenerating native bush alongside Duck Creek, with plenty of surprises along the way.

The highlight for us was getting up close with friendly cows in the paddocks and picking ripe blackberries along the trail, a real treat on a summer walk! The kids loved exploring the small stream and were thrilled to discover a small waterfall just before the turnaround point. The trail is clearly well looked after by the local community, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for all ages.

Parking tip: We parked at Parsley Pot Cafe, but it’s courteous to ask permission first if you’re planning to walk rather than patronise the cafe. There’s also a small paddock at the very beginning of the track where you could fit a couple of cars.

Quick Facts About This Walk

• Walk time: Approx. 1 hour 7 minutes
• Distance: About 6.23 kms (out and back)
• Start: Parsley Pot Cafe, Sandspit Road, Snells Beach
• Track: Well-maintained grass and farm track with bridges and boardwalks
• Difficulty: Easy – suitable for families with children
• Buggies/Wheelchairs: Suitable for sturdy buggies on most sections
• Dog Friendly: Yes – dogs permitted but must remain under control at all times (borders working farm)
• Highlights: Duck Creek, regenerating tōtara, small waterfall, blackberry picking in summer, close encounters with farm animals, native bush sections

Best time to visit: Summer months for blackberry picking and pleasant walking conditions

Note: The trail is on private land and borders a working farm. Please respect the property and keep dogs under control at all times.

What Makes This Walk Special

The Mahurangi Farm-Forestry Trail is a hidden gem that connects Parsley Pot Cafe to the Hamilton Road bridge. Inspired by the need to protect the Duck Creek catchment, this 1.1-kilometre trail (one way) provides access to regenerating tōtara and demonstrates various exotic and indigenous farm forestry practices.

Family-Friendly Features:

• Safe, well-marked trail suitable for children
• Wildlife spotting opportunities (farm animals, native birds)
• Stream access for exploration
• Seasonal blackberry picking
• Small waterfall discovery at the turnaround point
• Educational farm forestry demonstrations

For Nature Lovers: The trail showcases various tree species including tōtara regeneration, eucalyptus stands, and native bush sections. Duck Creek runs clear over a sandstone bed, shaded by tōtara trees, creating a beautiful natural setting.

Trail Information

Getting There

From Auckland: Drive north on State Highway 1, take the Mahurangi Regional Park turnoff (approximately 50 minutes from Auckland Harbour Bridge). Continue to Snells Beach and follow Sandspit Road to Parsley Pot Cafe.

Parking:

• Main parking at Parsley Pot Cafe (ask permission if not visiting cafe)
• Small paddock parking area at trail entrance (space for 2-3 cars)
• Limited additional parking along Sandspit Road during summer

Trail Description

The Farm-Forestry Trail is an out-and-back walk that follows Duck Creek through a mix of regenerating native bush, farm forestry demonstrations, and open farmland. The trail features:

• Well-formed grass track surface
• Bridges and boardwalks over creek sections
• Some portions through native bush
• Clear waymarkers throughout
• Gentle terrain with minimal elevation change (51m-87m)

Turnaround Point: A small waterfall marks the end of the maintained trail where you return via the same route.

Facilities

• Cafe: Parsley Pot Cafe at trailhead (check opening hours)
• Public toilets: At cafe (for patrons)
• Water: Bring your own
• Picnic spots: Along Duck Creek – perfect for a streamside lunch
• Dogs: On leash at all times

Additional Information

The Farm-Forestry Concept: This trail was conceived not only to protect the Duck Creek catchment but also to demonstrate sustainable land use options. It showcases both exotic and indigenous farm forestry, establishing a precedent for larger networks of cycle and walkways throughout the Mahurangi region.

Seasonal Highlights:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Blackberry picking, warm weather, ideal for stream exploration
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cooler temperatures, changing colours
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Quieter trail, waterfall at its best
• Spring (Sep-Nov): New growth, native birds nesting

Conservation: The trail is maintained by local volunteers and the Mahurangi community. The riparian margins have been fenced and planted with indigenous species, creating habitat for native birds and helping to protect water quality in Duck Creek.

Tree Species to Look For:

• Regenerating tōtara (some stands approximately 70 years old)
• Eucalyptus pilularis
• Eucalyptus muelleriana
• Pinus radiata
• Chestnuts (grown for timber)
• Swamp cypresses
• Cryptomeria japonica

Safety Notes:

• Trail borders a working farm – stay on marked paths
• Keep children supervised near the stream
• Dogs must be under control at all times due to livestock
• No swimming in Duck Creek
• Check weather conditions before setting out

Nearby Attractions

• Brick Bay Sculpture Trail: Art and walking combined
• Matakana Village: Cafes, markets, wineries
• Sandspit Wharf: Boat access to nearby islands
• Goat Island Marine Reserve: Snorkelling and marine life
• Tawharanui Regional Park: Beaches and coastal walks
• More walks in Warkworth

If you’re keen on more than just trails, I’d pop into Sculptureum Galleries & Gardens while you’re out this way, it’s a lovely complement to a morning spent among the totara and farmland.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite on the trail, the Matakana Mystery Picnic is a fun way to turn lunch into a bit of an adventure.

If you want to make a full day of it, the Kawau Island Super Cruise is a relaxing way to extend your time out in the region after the walk.