Discover a heritage park. Wenderholm was the first of Auckland’s regional parks. The park, situated at the mouth of the Puhoi River has a great beach for swimming, picnic areas and campsite.
Wenderholm is part of Auckland’s 27 regional parks.
Couldrey House
Couldrey House is an historic homestead with Victorian/Edwardian era furnishings, paintings and family stories. The homestead reflects the life of significant politician and nineteenth businessman, Robert Graham. The entrance to Couldrey House passes mature trees from caucasian fir, bunya bunya pine, moreton bay fig, Holm oak, cork oak, magnolia, coral trees and others planted as long ago as the 1860s. Many of these were gifts to Robert Graham from Sir George Grey. Check travel pack information brochure for opening hours.
- Great place for family gathering and/or birthday party with BBQ, beaches and walks
- A boat ramp is located on the Puhoi River estuary side of the park. It is not recommended to launch and retrieve boats for 3 hours each side of low tide
- Kayaking is popular on the Puhoi River estuary passing native mangroves and the historic wharf in Puhoi.
- Peer into the mangrove roots for life that provides essential food sources for fish
- Picnic goodies in the parents hamper
The sandy beach is approximately 900 metres of family friendly beach with mature pohutukawa trees creating shady spots for hot summer days. Grassed areas, picnic tables and toilet facilities are the ingredients for a day outdoors.
The best land based fishing in Wenderholm park is fishing for kahawai and snapper at the mouth of the Pūhoi River (estuary).
Sustainable travel facts for Wenderholm Regional Park
According to Wenderholm and Te Muri Coastal Forest, The Wenderholm and Te Muri Coastal Forest biodiversity focus area contains some of the best examples of coastal forest in the north-eastern part of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. This biodiversity focus area covers the northern headland of the Waiwera River within Wenderholm Regional Park and the northern headland of the Puhoi River within Te Muri Regional Park.
Conservation efforts: Animal pest control has been undertaken at Wenderholm Regional Park since 1990 and is being implemented in Te Muri Regional Park.
Possum browse can cause significant damage to coastal forest. Pest plant control is undertaken at both parks. Control of weeds such as pampas on the coastal cliffs is an ongoing challenge.
Wenderholm walks
- Climb the park’s headlands and enjoy panoramic views of the Puhoi river and islands dotting the Hauraki Gulf.
- Regenerating forest is now populated with the endangered North Island robin.
Yes, there is a basic camping ground managed by the Auckland Regional Council. Check the travel pack section for booking details.
Campgrounds
Located alongside the Pūhoi River is the new Schischka campground which has space for 160 people. Wenderholm beach is approx: 1.5km from the camp.
Staying overnight in selected parking areas Campervans, vehicle units and caravans with a
Self-Containment Certificate (SCC) can stay overnight in selected parking areas. Conditions apply.
Other accommodation
Book a bach escape at one of Wenderholm’s three baches.
- The Wenderholm Beach House,
- Schischka House,
- For a real getaway expectance try the Pūhoi Cottage only accessible by water craft across the Pūhoi River.
For information on park facilities, conditions and restrictions: phone 09 301 0101, from the park use the contact phone at the notice board in the main car park. Following the on site instructions or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/holidayplaces
Wenderholm Regional Park location
Wenderholm Regional Park is situated between the Puhoi and Waiwere Rivers. The beautiful park has quiet sandy beaches looking out over the Hauraki Gulf.
What can you do nearby Wenderholm Regional Park?
- Puhoi cheese factory, artisan ice cream cafe and museum
- Take the scenic route to Wenderholm on the twin coast scenic highway
Travel pack information
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