Wenderholm REGIONAL PARK

Setting off from the tree canopy-covered carpark at Wenderholm Regional Park, you’ll follow the enchanting, pebbled path to find yourself at Couldrey House where you can learn about the life of those who used to live there.

This historic home was built by Robert Graham who purchased the land in the 1840s – giving it its name – although for hundreds of years prior, Wenderholm’s natural resources and convenient location were used by Māori, who gathered fish from the river and coast, built settlements, and found food and medicinal plants in the forests.

Once you’ve absorbed the history and taken in the sites of the old homestead, your gaze sets upon the impressive headland of Maungatauhoro, cloaked in New Zealand’s beautiful flora and fauna. A carved pouwhenua marks the way to the start of several loop walking tracks.

You can do the short Couldrey House Lookout walk, 15 minutes one way; the Maungatauhoro Te Hikoi track, 1.5 hours; or, if you’re feeling a bit braver, you can opt for the full Maungatauhoro