Where is Warkworth?
Warkworth there are plenty of things to do. Warkworth, wrapped around the Mahurangi River is an urban buzz meets regional New Zealand town with a bustling main street, ducks along its river banks and a gateway to vineyards, artisan crafts, Goat Island marine reserve and regional parks… For other trips and holiday inspiration check out Auckland Road Trips.
Steamboats moored on Mahurangi River, Warkworth
Parry Kauri Totora
What is so special about Warkworth as there are lots of cute towns with country cafes?
Parry Kauri forest reserve is a special nook I am not sure if I want to write about. The reserve is a quiet place with ancient Kauri and Totara trees within view of the car park. You could be very lazy, not get out of the car and simply look at the magnificent kauri (approximately 800 years old) from your vehicle.
As New Zealand kauri is under threat from a very nasty disease called kauri dieback (usually fatal) the kiwi icon has its own guardians instructing people how to avoid transmitting the disease to trees not yet affected. Parry Kauri reserve has a guardian, with a comfortable chair, sitting by the tree making sure visitors respect the trees.
Parry Kauri fern underside
Parry Kauri steps
Get out of the car …
And I am not advising visitors to turn up, park their cars and gawp at the trees. Get out and take a short relatively flat loop walk around the reserve. You will be surrounded by New Zealand forest magic, just a short detour from state highway one.
Parry Kauri forest floor
Currently the reserve is off the beaten track destination. It is surprising as it is relatively close to Auckland and the tour buses could definitely fit into the car park.
Let’s hope mass tourism operators are not reading this post.
Warkworth museum shop
Warkworth museum shop
For a bonus there is the Warkworth museum right next to the reserve. It is run by volunteers, hence the request for donations to support the museum. It provides an excellent introduction to the area’s settlement.
Warkworth museum early 20th century life
Warkworth museum sitting room
Human occupation approximately 800 years with the river as a highway up until the twentieth century.
Warkworth Wilsons Cement WWI heritage trailWarkworth Wilsons Cement WWI heritage trail
Warkworth Wilsons Cement
Warkworth abandoned cement works are worth a visit.
I think abandoned industrial buildings provide a tangible link with the past. The cement works definitely fit this bill with their sheer size. And the small lake glimmering with depth just adds to the atmosphere of worker ghosts and stories past. The importance of the river as a transport hub is clearly illustrated with the location of the cement works. After your visit to the reserve the cement works is approximately 15 minutes drive from Parry Reserve.
Goat Island Marine Reserve near Leigh
Snorkeling Goat Island red moki above sandy bottom
Goat Island and Kawau Island are in the vicinity as well as Sandspit beach.
Sandspit beach near Warkworth
Mansion House
Sandspit beach is an estuary beach fed by the Matakana River. It is an area known for its sea birds. The small beach settlement cafe and visitor centre provide a place to gather for cruises to Kawau Island or onto the Hauraki Gulf… remember to check out the post on Hauraki Gulf Islands.
Matakana toilets. Built in 2009 to attract visitors to Matakana township at the cost of about $400,000 (NZD)
Matakana, well known for its weekend markets and proximity to vineyard cafes and sculpture parks. It is now attracting visitors to visit the local toilets. While the toilets are not a patch on Kawakawa’s toilets, fashioned by Hundertwasser they are worth popping into. Perhaps even an Insta photo moment.
Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Auckland & Auckland Region nearby attractions and events.
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