Pukenui Forest: The "Advanced" Ridge Mission Join Waitlist for Approval

NOTE: This is NOT the standard Pukenui Forest Loop (red line on the map). This is a technical, high-endurance 16km mission. If you are looking for the easy 3-4 hour family walk, this is not it. We will be off the main gravel paths and on the rugged ridgeline for the majority of the day.

The Vibe: If you’ve done the Dome Forest with us and loved the "roots and mud" factor, this is your next level. We are heading into 1,500 hectares of the High Western Hills in Whangārei. This isn't a gravel path or a tourist walk; it’s a 16km, 7-hour technical traverse through deep Northland bush.

The Challenge: We aren't climbing a radio mast on a mountain for this one. Instead, we are navigating a relentless, unformed "up-and-down" ridgeline. Expect massive tree roots, technical clay scrambles, and significant windfall (fallen trees) from the recent January storms. This is "hands-on" hiking that requires constant focus and agility.

Stats:

• Distance: ~16 km (Out & Back)
• Time: 6–7 hours (Moderate to Fast pace)
• Difficulty: Hard / Advanced (Technical terrain + high humidity)
• Elevation: ~650m cumulative gain
• Drive: Approx 2 to 2 h15 mins from Auckland CBD / East Auckland.

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### The Plan:

• 09:30 AM: Meet at the Amalin Drive Entrance, Whangārei. (Please arrive a few minutes early for the mandatory boot scrub).
• The Ascent: We take the Taraire Ridge—a steep, technical lung-buster to get onto the spine of the forest.
• The Ridge: We hit the Main Ridge Track, heading deep toward the Whau Valley Dam junction. This is high-canopy jungle with massive Kauri and Totara.
• The Return: We retrace our steps. The technicality of the roots is often harder on the back leg when fatigue kicks in.
• Finish: Expect to be back at the cars by between 4 and 4.30 PM.

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### Important (Feb 2026 Updates):

• Storm Debris: Significant windfall is reported on the ridge. Be prepared to scramble over or under fallen logs.
• The Stream: We cross the Mangere Stream near the start. If we’ve had heavy rain in the 48 hours prior, check the comments for a "Go/No-Go" update.
• Kauri Protection: We are entering a high-priority Kiwi recovery zone. Strict hygiene protocols at the cleaning stations are non-negotiable.

What to Bring:

• Water: 3 L. The ridge is dry and the February humidity will be high.
• Footwear: Proper tramping boots with deep lugs. No trail runners or sneakers—the clay is too greasy for them.
• Rain jacket
• Food: High-energy lunch + snacks.
• Safety: A headlamp (just in case) and a light rain shell.

Carpooling: Please post in the comments if you need a lift or can offer one. Suggested fuel contribution to drivers is $20.

Contribution: $2. Please make a transfer to 02-0200-0260173-000 [Wakahi.com](http://wakahi.com/) Limited.

YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY