Pukenui/Western Hills Forest is the largest remaining native forest in the Whangārei Ecological District — nearly 2,000 hectares of bush right on the edge of the city. Managed jointly by DOC and the Pukenui Forest Trust, it shelters North Island brown kiwi, long-tailed bats, kererū, and large stands of kauri and tōtara. A network of tracks winds through the forest, ranging from short 30-minute strolls to full-day traverses.
Practical Information
| Location | Western Hills, Whangārei (access via Three Mile Bush Road / Amalin Drive) |
| Entry | Free |
| Open | Year-round, daylight hours |
| Main track | Pukenui Forest Loop — 8.2 km, approx. 3–4 hours |
| Shorter options | Various tracks from 30 minutes |
| Managed by | DOC and Pukenui Forest Trust |
About the Forest
Pukenui Forest and the adjoining Western Hills Forest together form the largest block of native forest remaining in the Whangārei Ecological District. The forest covers the hills directly west of the city and has been largely protected from development, giving the native ecosystem room to regenerate over decades.
Kauri and tōtara dominate the upper canopy in parts of the forest. Native orchids grow in sheltered spots, streams cut through the gullies, and the understorey is rich with ferns and regenerating broadleaf species. The forest is also home to some of Northland’s most important wildlife — pekapeka-tou-roa (long-tailed bats) roost here, as do kererū (wood pigeon) and, thanks to ongoing predator control, North Island brown kiwi.
The Pukenui Forest Loop is the main track — an 8.2-kilometre circuit through regenerating bush, past towering trees, tranquil streams, and areas with good birdlife. The full loop takes around 3–4 hours. Shorter walks branch off and allow visitors to experience the forest without committing to the full circuit.
Pukenui Forest Trust
The Pukenui Forest Trust is a community conservation organisation that has been actively restoring the forest since 2001. The trust runs predator control programmes, plant pest management, and ongoing monitoring of kiwi and bat populations. Their work has been central to the recovery of wildlife in the forest. Volunteers are regularly welcomed for planting and pest control days — see their website for details.
Getting There
The main access point is off Three Mile Bush Road. From SH1 heading north through Whangārei, turn left onto Three Mile Bush Road, then left at Amalin Drive to reach the forest entrance. Several other access tracks branch off from the western suburban streets. The forest also connects to Coronation Scenic Reserve and Parihaka Scenic Reserve via ridge tracks for longer traverses.
What visitors say
“We heard kiwi calling during an evening visit — genuinely memorable. The predator control work by the trust has made a real difference to the wildlife here.” — visitor review
“Big forest right next to the city — you’d never know you were a 10-minute drive from the CBD. The loop track is a proper bush experience, not a manicured stroll.” — AllTrails reviewer
Where to Learn More
Useful links
DOC — Pukenui Forest tracks — track descriptions and access information
Pukenui Forest Trust — conservation work, volunteer opportunities, and current forest information
AllTrails — Western Hills of Whangarei Crossing — route maps, photos and user reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pukenui Forest free to visit?
Yes. Access to all tracks in Pukenui/Western Hills Forest is free.
How long is the main walk?
The Pukenui Forest Loop is 8.2 kilometres and takes around 3–4 hours for the full circuit. Shorter tracks within the forest are available if you want a 30–60 minute walk instead.
Are there kiwi in Pukenui Forest?
Yes. North Island brown kiwi are present in the forest thanks to ongoing predator control by the Pukenui Forest Trust. They are nocturnal, so daytime sightings are rare, but visitors occasionally hear them calling at dusk or dawn.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs must be kept on a lead in the reserve. Given the presence of kiwi, it’s best to avoid bringing dogs into the forest if possible.
Does the forest connect to other reserves?
Yes — Pukenui Forest connects via ridge tracks to Coronation Scenic Reserve and Parihaka Scenic Reserve, allowing longer multi-reserve traverses for experienced walkers.
Are the tracks well marked?
The main tracks are well marked. Some connecting routes are less maintained — carry a map and check the DOC or Pukenui Trust websites before attempting longer traverses.
Pukenui/Western Hills Forest is part of Whangārei’s wider parks and reserves network — see the Whangārei parks guide for more. Whangārei Quarry Gardens is nearby on the eastern edge of the same hill system.