We enjoyed a half-day tour of the stunning Wenderholm Regional Park on North Island this morning. This park is between the Puhoi and Waiwera Rivers and boasts breathtaking views at every turn.
We left Albany, Auckland, in the morning, where we set off for Wenderholm Regional Park in anticipation of rain in the afternoon. The leisurely drive took approximately thirty minutes, and the park’s tranquility greeted us as we arrived.
The park was with few visitors, with the impending rain allowing us to relish the peacefulness of the surrounding nature.
As we made our way towards the river, we were greeted by a few pūkekos wandering freely around us, adding to the serene ambiance of the park.
Booking.comWenderholm Te Akeake Path
Our first stop was at the riverside of the Puhoi River. The stunning pohutukawa trees lining the riverbank made it incredibly scenic, rendering us pure tranquility.
Pohutukawa trees, also known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, have bright red flowers that blossom during summer around Christmas, giving the tree its festive nickname.
We arrived at the Puhoi River, with a small, tranquil beach. A solitary family enjoying kites on the beach, making the most of the strong winds perfect for kite flying. The gusts were just right, sending the kites soaring high into the sky. We couldn’t help but envy the carefree joy as they played with their kites.
The Hauraki Gulf can be seen well from a peaceful sandy beach, and pohutukawa trees overlooking the beach offer a spectacular view.
We notice a gradual change in the color of the water, from the initial greenish transformed into a beautiful shade of blue. The rippling water added to the mesmerizing ambiance, and the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore provided us with a sense of tranquility and peace.
Watch the video we shot at Wenderholm Regional Park. It is at the end of this article. 👇👇
Despite the rain and strong winds, we found ourselves not minding the weather conditions or the lack of clarity in the view of the sea. On the contrary, the weather only added to the charm of the experience, providing us with a unique feeling as we savored the cool sea breeze and watched the waves rushing onto the shore.
Numerous picnic tables and barbecue facilities were scattered along the way, providing the perfect opportunity for an enjoyable outdoor lunch.
We were delighted that the park has a well-maintained and clean toilet, a testament to the proper care by the Auckland Council.
Couldrey House and Gardens
For a mere $5 admission charge, visitors can enter the historic Couldrey House and Gardens, a Victorian-Edwardian family house open to the public from 1 pm to 4 pm. Unfortunately, the house was closed when we arrived at 11 am, and we could only capture a few photographs of the captivating exterior.
Although the house was closed, we were captivated by the outstanding architecture and the beautiful garden. The ornate trimmings and elegant pillars exuded an air of grandeur, while the meticulously maintained gardens added to the overall charm of the property.
The Maungatauhoro lookout
After exploring the exquisite Couldrey House and Gardens, we took a twenty-minute walk along the Wenderholm Perimeter Track, leading us to the Maungatauhoro lookout.
The carved pouwhenua represents the strong connection between the land and its people.
The walking track is a mix of boardwalks, steps, and gravel.
The Maungatauhoro lookout has a breathtaking view of the Hauraki Gulf. We took a moment to sit on the comfortable log seats at the lookout point and admire the stunning panorama.
For a leisurely half-day tour, consider exploring the charming village of Devonport, a mere 10-minute ferry ride from Auckland City.
Watch the video we shot at Wenderholm Regional Park. 👇👇
If you have read this blog post this far, don’t miss out on the video we shot at Wenderholm Regional Park. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!).
