AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park is a remnant of the ancient kauri forest that once blanketed Northland, sitting just minutes from central Whangārei. The park protects a stand of mature kauri trees and offers a short canopy walkway through the bush — one of the few places in the region where you can walk among giants without driving hours out of town.
Practical Information
| Address | 199 Whareora Road, Tikipunga, Whangārei |
| Entry | Free |
| Open | Year-round, daylight hours |
| Walk time | 15–20 minutes (canopy loop); longer with waterfall detours |
| Facilities | Car park, clean boot station (mandatory) |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Managed by | Whangārei District Council |
About the Park
The park is named after Arthur Henry Reed, a prominent Northland publisher and conservationist who was instrumental in preserving the kauri stand. The centrepiece of the park is the raised canopy walkway — a boardwalk that winds through the upper canopy of the kauri grove, giving visitors a close look at the massive trunks and spreading branches of trees that have stood for centuries.
Kauri dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicida) is a serious threat to kauri forests across Northland. Before entering the bush section, you must clean your footwear at the boot cleaning station near the car park — this is not optional. The disease spreads through soil on boots and tyres, and a single infected visitor can carry it deep into the forest.
The main loop takes around 15–20 minutes, but the park connects to longer walks in the surrounding network. A short detour leads to Pukenui Falls, a 23-metre waterfall tucked into native bush — one of several waterfalls accessible from the Whareora Road area. Paranui Falls is also reachable from the same network for those wanting a longer outing.
Getting There
The park is on Whareora Road in Tikipunga, about 5 kilometres north of central Whangārei. Drive north on SH1, turn onto Whareora Road and follow it to the car park. There is free parking at the entrance. The area is also linked to the wider Whangārei city walk network, so it can be reached on foot from Mair Park and the Hātea River path.
What visitors say
“The canopy walk is short but really special — you’re right up among the kauri trees, which is something you don’t get on most walks. Don’t skip it just because it looks brief on the map.” — visitor review via AllTrails
“Make sure you clean your boots at the station — it’s clearly marked and takes 30 seconds. The park stewards take kauri dieback very seriously here.” — visitor via TripAdvisor
Where to Learn More
Useful links
Whangārei District Council — AH Reed Memorial Park — official park information and walking map download
DOC — Kauri dieback information — what it is, why boot cleaning matters, and how to protect kauri forest
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AH Reed Memorial Park free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the park and use of the canopy walkway are free. There is no charge for parking either.
How long is the walk?
The canopy loop takes around 15–20 minutes at a comfortable pace. Adding the detour to Pukenui Falls extends the outing to around an hour return.
Why do I need to clean my boots?
Kauri dieback disease spreads through infected soil. The clean boot station at the car park is mandatory — scrub all soil from your footwear before entering the bush. The disease has no cure and has killed kauri across Northland.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted in AH Reed Memorial Park.
Is the walk suitable for children?
Yes. The canopy boardwalk is well-formed and suitable for children. Pukenui Falls involves a steeper track but is manageable for older kids.
Are there toilets at the park?
There are no toilets at the park. The nearest public facilities are in Tikipunga.
AH Reed Memorial Park is part of Whangārei’s broader reserves network — see the parks and reserves guide for more places to explore across the district. Mair Park is nearby and connects via the Hātea River walkway.