Pukenui Forest and the Western Hills make up the largest area of native bush close to Whangārei city — a network of DOC and Pukenui Trust walking tracks that wind through regenerating kauri and tōtara forest, past WWII-era dry stone walls, and alongside the calls of tūī and miromiro (tomtit). It’s the city’s quiet bush escape, mostly unknown to visitors, and genuinely rewarding for those who find it.
Practical Information
| Location | Pukenui Forest / Western Hills, north Whangārei |
|---|---|
| Main access | Three Mile Bush Road (4 km from Kamo traffic lights, signposted); also Amalin Drive |
| Track options | Pukenui Forest Loop, Taraire Ridge Track, and connected routes |
| Total distance | Up to 8.2 km for combined loop routes |
| Time | 3–4 hours for combined routes; shorter options available |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate — well-formed tracks, some inclines |
| Track marking | Orange triangles throughout |
| River crossings | Several narrow stream crossings — slippery after rain |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation and Pukenui Forest Trust |
About the Forest
Pukenui Forest sits on the western hills immediately north of Whangārei city, part of a larger stretch of regenerating native bush that the Pukenui Forest Trust has been working to restore and protect. The tracks pass through groves of mature kauri and tōtara trees — a rare thing this close to a city — with the understorey recovering well from historical clearing and grazing.
Two main DOC tracks cover the area: the Pukenui Forest Loop and the Taraire Ridge Track. These can be combined into a longer route of around 8 km taking 3–4 hours. Both are well-formed and marked with orange triangles, though stream crossings can be slippery after rain.
One of the more unusual features is the stretch where the track crosses open farmland via stiles over dry stone walls built by the McGregor brothers around the time of World War II. These walls are a distinctive piece of local history tucked into an otherwise natural setting. After about 15 minutes on the farmland section, the track enters the forest boundary and the atmosphere shifts completely.
What Visitors Say
“A lovely regenerating bush walk — the kauri and totara are impressive and the birdlife is excellent. Those dry stone walls on the farm section are unexpected and interesting. An underrated option close to the city.” — AllTrails reviewer
“Well-marked, peaceful and uncrowded — exactly what you want in a city forest walk. Took the Taraire Ridge loop and saw plenty of tūī. Stream crossings need care after rain.” — AllTrails reviewer
Where to Learn More
DOC — Pukenui Forest Loop has the official track description, access directions and facilities information.
Pukenui Forest Trust — Walking Tracks has information about all tracks in the forest and the Trust’s restoration work.
AllTrails — Pukenui Forest and Taraire Ridge Loop has GPS mapping, elevation profiles and recent user reports.
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. A second access point is on Amalin Drive.
How long are the Pukenui Forest tracks?
The full combined route is approximately 8.2 km, taking 3–4 hours. Shorter options exist — the Pukenui Forest Loop and Taraire Ridge Track can be done separately, each taking 1.5–2 hours.
How difficult are the tracks?
Easy to moderate. The tracks are well-formed and marked with orange triangles. There are some stream crossings that become slippery after rain and moderate inclines on the ridge sections.
What are the dry stone walls?
Historic field boundaries built by the McGregor brothers around the time of World War II, now protected within the reserve. 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 in the forest, particularly in the kauri and tōtara sections. The Pukenui Forest Trust’s restoration work has improved habitat for native birds throughout the area.
Are dogs allowed?
Check current signage and DOC regulations at the trailhead — rules may vary between sections of the forest.
For more walking options close to Whangārei city, see our guide to Whangārei walking tracks. The Mount Parihaka Track offers a summit walk with city views from a different angle of the same Western Hills.