Sometimes, the best walks are the ones you almost miss. I was en route to Matakana’s Saturday market when a sign for “Kowhai Park” caught my eye. A 20-minute detour, I thought. I’m so glad I took it. What awaited me was a lush loop steeped in native bush, local history and bird chatter, all within walking distance of a decent coffee.
This walk is ideal if you’re short on time but big on appreciation for New Zealand’s flora, fauna and stories. It’s also a brilliant introduction to our native conifer-broadleaf forests without the need for hiking boots or packed lunches.
As our resident walk specialist Sandra puts it,
“Kowhai Park is a real hidden gem. It’s where locals go to unwind, and where visitors end up wondering why it’s not more famous.”
Watch my 3d video of the walk…
| Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Location: | Kowhai Park, Warkworth |
| Nearest town: | Warkworth, Auckland Region |
| Distance: | 1.3 km loop |
| Time required: | 20–25 minutes at a moderate pace |
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
| Track type: | Loop |
| Dog-friendly: | Yes (on leash, keep to tracks to protect kauri) |
| Kid-friendly: | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible: | No – some uneven and rooty sections |
| Toilets nearby: | Yes – at the main park entrance car park |
| Best time to go: | Morning or late afternoon, spring to autumn |
| Are Drones allowed: | No |
| Are bikes allowed: | No – walking only |
Car park location: Just of Sandspit Rd at Kauri Park, Warkworth
Parking availability: Approx. 15–20 spaces, not shaded. Free.
Public transport: Limited – buses run to Warkworth township, then walk ~10 mins.
Google Maps link: Kowhai Park Carpark
Entry fees / permits: None
Signage to walk start: Clear signage, walk begins at the carpark entrance
Track surface: Leaf litter, dirt path, occasional gravel. Some exposed roots. Lots of lovely boardwalks
Track condition: Well-maintained, can be slippery after rain
Elevation gain: 34m overall – mostly gentle with a few mild inclines
Pace / fitness level: Beginner, easy
Phone reception: Good
Map needed? No – very straightforward, loop walk with clear signage
Common wrong turns: None – it’s a simple loop
Weather watch-outs: After heavy rain, some muddy patches and slipperiness.
Footwear: Trail shoes or sturdy sneakers
Water: 1 small bottle is enough
Snacks: Optional – the walk’s too short to require them
Sun/weather protection: Hat, sunscreen in summer, raincoat if drizzle’s about
Insect repellent? Yes – mozzies can be cheeky under the canopy, although I didn’t encounter any on my walk
Optional extras: Camera (birds & foliage!), walking pole if knees aren’t keen on uneven surfaces
Closest café or food: Pete and Mary’s Café (10 mins walk – excellent cabinet food and the best coffee in town)
Picnic spots: Park benches along the track
Family extras: Small playground near the carpark
Accommodation nearby: Several motels and BnBs in central Warkworth
Date of walk: June 2025
Weather and track: Dry, crisp air, well-maintained path
What I loved: The song of tūī echoing through tawa groves, and seeing how far the forest has come after its industrial past
Unexpected moment: A tūī swooped so low I could hear the air ripple off its wings
My tip: Don’t treat this as just a filler walk – it’s short but has heart
Verified walker testimonial:
“I didn’t expect such rich history on such a short walk. The lime kilns were fascinating and the bush is surprisingly dense for being right in town.”
— Liam M., Wellington, walked March 2025
What stood out the most? The way history and nature coexist so effortlessly here. From ancient tōtara to the industrial bones of lime kilns, this loop is a quiet tapestry of New Zealand’s past and present.
Who’s it for? Anyone and everyone. Families, solo wanderers, history nerds, or even just someone who needs 20 minutes of green space.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. And next time, I’ll bring someone new so I can watch their eyebrows raise in surprise.
What I’d do differently next time: Bring a thermos and sit longer. It’s the kind of place that makes time feel like a suggestion.
A big thanks to the local Warkworth Lions Club, whose volunteers have played a huge role in building and maintaining the Kowhai Park track. Their hard work has helped turn this once-industrial site into the peaceful bush walk it is today. If you see someone out there with tools in hand, give them a smile, they’ve earned it.
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