Last updated October 2026
Pukenui Forest and the adjoining Western Hills form a large area of regenerating native bush immediately north of Whangārei city. The network includes tracks managed by the Department of Conservation and Whangārei District Council, with support from the Pukenui Forest Trust.
Walkers pass through stands of kauri and tōtara, follow streams, and cross historic farmland marked by dry stone walls. Native birds including tūī and miromiro are commonly heard. The area offers a peaceful escape close to the city and forms part of Whangārei’s broader parks and reserves network.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Pukenui Forest Loop on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Location
- Pukenui Forest / Western Hills, north Whangārei
- Main access
- Three Mile Bush Road (signposted, approximately 4 km from Kamo traffic lights); also Amalin Drive and other points including Barge Park
- Track options
- Pukenui Forest Loop, Taraire Ridge Track, and connected routes including those in Coronation Scenic Reserve
- Total distance
- Pukenui Forest Loop 8.2 km; Taraire Ridge Track 8.9 km (DOC)
- Time
- Pukenui Forest Loop 3 to 4 hours; Taraire Ridge Track 4 to 5 hours (DOC)
- Difficulty
- Pukenui Forest Loop easy to intermediate; Taraire Ridge Track advanced tramping track (DOC)
- Track marking
- Orange triangles throughout
- River crossings
- Several narrow stream crossings, slippery after rain
- Cost
- Free
- Dogs
- Not allowed
About Pukenui Forest
Pukenui Forest sits on the western hills immediately north of Whangārei city. It forms part of a larger 1,700-hectare area of regenerating native bush that includes Pukenui Conservation Park and Coronation Scenic Reserve. The Pukenui Forest Trust works with land managers on restoration, pest control, and track maintenance to improve habitat for native species.
Two main tracks are the Pukenui Forest Loop and the Taraire Ridge Track. DOC gives the Pukenui Forest Loop as 8.2 km and 3 to 4 hours, and the Taraire Ridge Track as 8.9 km and 4 to 5 hours.
The loop follows the Mangere Stream, passes mature kauri and tōtara, and includes a section of historic logging road. Tracks are well-formed and marked with orange triangles, though stream crossings require care after rain.
The route crosses open farmland via stiles over dry stone walls built by the McGregor brothers around the time of World War II. After the farmland section the track enters the forest proper and the setting changes to dense native bush. The area also contains remnants of Māori pā sites within the connected Coronation Scenic Reserve.
The forest supports a range of native birds, with tūī and miromiro frequently heard. Restoration efforts have enhanced the habitat. The tracks provide a quiet bush experience within easy reach of the city and link to other reserves in the Western Hills.
Taraire Ridge Track
The Taraire Ridge Track is the longer and harder of Pukenui Forest’s two loops. DOC lists it as an 8.9 km loop taking 4 to 5 hours and grades it an advanced tramping track, which puts it a step above the family-friendly Pukenui Forest Loop.
The Pukenui Western Hills Forest Charitable Trust gives the same distance and time, and rates it as needing moderate fitness.
The loop begins at the entrance to the forest. You can walk it either way, but DOC recommends turning left at the entrance and going clockwise, because the gradient is easier in that direction.
The track follows the ridge through several forest types. Taraire trees dominate, as the name suggests, with rimu and kauri among them, and there are good picnic spots beside the Mangere Stream.
Pukenui is being restored by DOC, local iwi, the trust and the community through planting and weed and pest control, and North Island brown kiwi have been released into the forest as predator numbers have dropped.
Dogs, horses, firearms and fires are not allowed, and the trust also asks walkers not to bring bikes. DOC warns there may be wasps and wasp nests in the area.
To protect kauri, scrub all soil off your shoes and gear, use the cleaning stations and stay on the track. Because it is a longer tramp, check the DOC page before you go, tell someone your plans and take extra food, water and a warm layer. Plan My Walk can help you prepare.
Whangārei Parks and Reserves
Whangārei District Council manages numerous parks and reserves across the district, ranging from urban green spaces to larger bush reserves. Pukenui Forest and the Western Hills form one of the most significant natural areas close to the city centre.
Coronation Scenic Reserve, purchased in 1912, protects bush-clad hills with walking tracks, city views, and historic pā sites. Other notable reserves include A H Reed Memorial Park, which features a canopy walk through mature kauri and a waterfall track.
Many reserves offer walking tracks, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The council maintains maps and facility information for all sites. Pukenui Forest tracks connect Whangārei District Council land with Department of Conservation areas, creating an extended network for walkers. Dogs are prohibited in several reserves, including Pukenui Forest and Coronation Scenic Reserve, to protect wildlife.
Walking Tracks and Access
Access points include Three Mile Bush Road, Amalin Drive, Barge Park, and connections from Western Hills Drive. Detailed maps are available from the Department of Conservation and Whangārei District Council websites.
The Pukenui Forest Loop is described as family-friendly, while ridge sections offer moderate climbs. Visitors should check current conditions, especially after heavy rain, and follow all signage regarding dogs, fires, and other restrictions.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation — Pukenui Forest Loop: Official track description, access details, and safety information.
Pukenui Forest Trust — Walking Tracks: Information on all tracks, restoration work, and the wider forest network.
Whangārei District Council — Coronation Scenic Reserve: Details on the connected reserve, history, and facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Pukenui Forest track entrance?
The main access is on Three Mile Bush Road, approximately 4 km from the Kamo traffic lights in Whangārei. Look for the entrance sign almost opposite Rotomate Road. Additional access points include Amalin Drive and Barge Park.
How long are the Pukenui Forest tracks?
DOC gives the Pukenui Forest Loop as 8.2 km (3 to 4 hours) and the Taraire Ridge Track as a separate 8.9 km loop (4 to 5 hours).
How difficult are the tracks?
DOC grades the Pukenui Forest Loop easy to intermediate and the Taraire Ridge Track an advanced tramping track. The tracks are well-formed and marked with orange triangles. There are some stream crossings that become slippery after rain and moderate inclines on ridge sections.
What are the dry stone walls?
Historic field boundaries built by the McGregor brothers around the time of World War II. The track crosses the old farmland via stiles over these walls before entering the forest.
What birds might I see?
Tūī and miromiro (tomtit) are commonly heard and seen, particularly in the kauri and tōtara sections. Restoration work has improved habitat for native birds.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed on the Pukenui Forest tracks or in the connected Coronation Scenic Reserve.
What other parks and reserves are nearby?
Coronation Scenic Reserve forms part of the same Western Hills network and includes pā sites and additional tracks. A H Reed Memorial Park offers a canopy walk and waterfall track further afield.
Who manages the area?
The tracks link Whangārei District Council land, including Coronation Scenic Reserve, with Department of Conservation areas. The Pukenui Forest Trust supports restoration and maintenance.
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