PUHOI VALLEY TOPS HIKE & GIANT KAHIKATEA TREE VISIT & Puhoi Pub for Dinner

Greetings All.

Puhoi Valley is famous for its Bohemian settlers and the Historic Pub and Restaurant, and Kayaking, on the River between Wenderholm and here...and a hidden valley off the main highway north to nearby Warkworth...rich in farmland ...Puhoi Yoghurt and Cheese and Milk is another reason people come here ...as well as fabulous nature trails for hiking and socializing outdoors together.

And for outdoor adventures and getting away from boardwalks and steps....Puhoi Tops where we start this adventure ....has mature, old bush, rocky outcrops, open ridges, and has huge native trees, including Puriri, Rimu, Totara, and two giant Kahikatea, which is the main reason we are visiting...Which are almost 1000 year old...measuring 1.8m in diameter. We see these in the later part of the day.

Plus there's a diverse bird life , so expect to see and hear many birds here, the land here has thick undergrowth...gets cold, here , even in summer, so be sure you bring along wool layers, a woolie hat is helpful when we stop..to keep yourself warm and happy.

It's not summer yet, and we are mostly under the cover of thick bush today..

If you're unfamiliar with me, I am the Founder and former Main Organiser and Guide of Feet First Hiking Meet Up Group, for 15 years, I've been bringing people together for outdoor adventures for many years, including leading over 750 Events on Feet First. Auckland Trailblazers Hiking Group is my new Meet Up Group which I’m beginning for the Summer Season of 2025/2026.

I have a passion for helping us learn something about the things we see along the tracks, like trees and plants and birds, the Historic Heritage and welcome you here today.

The tracks here in Puhoi are also rugged where we hike , and are true tramping trails... that make up part of the Te Araroa Trail, ( 3000km going the length of New Zealand).

Here in Puhoi Valley and Tops, it doesn't have any boardwalks or anything like the Waitakere Ranges.

Track conditions here can be muddy and slippery throughout the year, and not just in winter.. starting from the carpark we have a big downhill section without any wooden steps.

At a Glance -

Grade - Moderate level hiking and tramping. Not suitable for Beginners new to Aucklands wilderness areas without boardwalks.

Time- About 5 hours walking with extra for lunch and breaks.

Distance- 8km Circuit approx.

Please don't plan on leaving the group early, it's important for outdoor activities here that we all stay together.

Cost - We will have a $2 to $5 Collection/ Donation for the Website and putting on these events for your pleasure and socializing interests and exercise. Please pay accordingly to your income as Meet Up Website Fees have tripled worldwide.

WHEN- SATURDAY 1ST November 2025.

WHERE MEETING- Puhoi Domain Reserve Carpark and Toilets . Off Ahuroa Road opposite The Puhoi Pub and Restaurant.

Meet and Greet is 11.30am. We will do a Safety Gear Check together before driving to our Destination Carpark several KM away.

NO DOGS OR SMOKERS PLEASE.

CARPOOLING- This is upto to Organise before the Saturday morning event. Add your Mobile number and Area where you live and contact each other. If you're the Driver, check with passengers if they are Attending dinner option after .

You do not need to be a Meet Up plus member. Contact me for any questions or help with Carpooling .

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Kind regards Stephen F
Auckland Trailblazers Guide.
Mob 0274 779495