Pūhoi & Mahurangi West

Visit historic Pūhoi, gateway to the Matakana Coast. Walk the heritage trail, kayak the Pūhoi River, or hike and camp at Mahurangi West. Just 20 mins from Auckland.

Nestled between gentle green hills and a lazy river, historic Pūhoi is the gateway to the Matakana Coast.

Turn west from State Highway 1 and follow the winding leafy avenue into the picturesque village, settled in 1863 by immigrants from Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). When the voyagers arrived at the mouth of the Pūhoi River, they were met by local iwi who escorted them by waka to a small clearing four miles up the river, where two nīkau whare offered shelter.

The landing stone at the site of the clearing is a popular stop on the Pūhoi Heritage Trail, a fascinating stroll through the village’s pioneering history. Visit the Bohemian Museum, stop by the Church of Saints Peter & Paul, then pop into the iconic Pūhoi Village Pub and enjoy a cold drink and the museum-like collection of historic photos, vintage tools and farm equipment from the area.

Pūhoi has a thriving and creative community of growers and  producers who gather on the pub lawn on the last Sunday of the months from September to April, for the vibrant Pūhoi Village Market. Enjoy live music and freshly roasted coffee, while you browse the fresh produce, preserves, plants, and handmade soaps, skincare, jewellery and art works.

Enjoy a traditional Devonshire tea at the Pūhoi Cottage Tea Rooms, or watch the kids run on the expansive lawns while you relax over a light meal at the Pūhoi Valley Café and Cheese Store. For a boutique experience, book a private tasting at the Pūhoi Organic Distillery or visit the Feijoa Lounge at Lothlorien Winery, long time producers of organic sparkling feijoa wine, juices and liqueurs (bookings essential).

Once you’ve eaten, there’s plenty of outdoor action to be had. For a relaxing family outing, rent kayaks and paddle downstream from Pūhoi to Wenderholm Regional Park. The popular and gentle two-hour trip is best timed to coincide with a full or outgoing tide.

Keen walkers can hike Dunns Bush Track, part of the Te Araroa national trail. Cross the swing bridge located four kilometres beyond the village and climb through mature forest and farmland to the ridge. The track loops back to the Pūhoi Domain and the valley views are especially impressive when autumn colours are in full display.

On the eastern side of SH1, follow the signs for Mahurangi West and enjoy breathtaking views as the road winds down to the Mahurangi Regional Park, an idyllic spot for family picnics or camping adventures. Enjoy a swim or a paddleboard in the sheltered waters of Sullivan’s Bay (Otarawao Bay) or walk across to Pudding Island at low tide.

The Mahurangi Regional Park spans both sides of the Mahurangi Harbour, with additional points of interest on the northern side at Scott’s Landing and Sadler Point, accessible via Snells Beach.

On the Mahurangi West side, the park offers several spectacular walking tracks winding through regenerating native bush, open pasture, along the foreshore and past ancient pa sites. For an off-the-grid camping experience, pack your backpacks and follow the farm track from the park entrance and cross the estuary at low tide, to reach  , where an historic urupa (cemetery) is watched over by two ancient and sacred pohutukawa trees.

You’ll find a great range of accommodation within easy reach of Pūhoi, from boutique cottages to luxury lodges, farm stays and coastal retreats. Stay a while and rejuvenate your soul in the peace and tranquility of Pūhoi & Mahurangi West.