Last updated November 2026
The Kauri Bushman’s Walk is a short, gentle DOC walk through kauri forest in Kauri Bushman’s Memorial Scenic Reserve, between Matakohe and Paparoa.
DOC grades it as an easy short walk and allows about 15 minutes for the 300 m loop. It is suitable for children and an easy way to experience the kauri forest environment. The track starts about 1 km along Sterling Road, off Wearmouth Road and State Highway 12.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kauri Bushman's Walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- About 1 km along Sterling Road, on the left
- Distance from the city
- About 43 km from Whangārei
- Walking time
- 15 minutes
- Track length
- 300 m loop
- Grade
- Easy short walk
- Dogs
- No dogs; no domestic pets
- Track type
- Short walk
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Kauri Bushman’s Walk
This is a brief, easy walk in Kauri Bushman’s Memorial Scenic Reserve. DOC describes the walk as gentle and suitable for children, making it a good leg stretch on a drive through the Kaipara.
The appeal is the setting: a short stretch of kauri forest where you can slow down and take in the trees without committing to a longer walk.
DOC notes that hunting in the reserve is by permit only, with free permits available from the Kauri Coast Office.
Getting There
From Matakohe, DOC says to travel east about 5 km along State Highway 12, turn left onto Wearmouth Road, then left into Sterling Road. The track starts about 1 km along Sterling Road on the left.
Before You Go
No domestic pets are allowed on the track. DOC warns to beware of falling branches in strong winds. Check DOC before you go.
Protect Kauri
DOC asks every visitor to help stop kauri disease: scrub all soil off shoes and gear, use the cleaning stations, and always stay on the track.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Kauri Bushman’s Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Kaipara District Council: local roads, parks and reserves in the Kaipara district.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kauri Bushman’s Walk?
DOC gives a 300 m loop and allows 15 minutes.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. DOC describes it as gentle and suitable for children, and grades it as an easy short walk.
Where does it start?
About 1 km along Sterling Road, off Wearmouth Road and State Highway 12, east of Matakohe.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC says no domestic pets are allowed on the track.
Is hunting allowed?
By permit only. DOC says permits are free from the Kauri Coast Office.
Is it OK to visit in windy weather?
DOC warns to beware of falling branches in strong winds.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.