Wenderholm Regional Park

Beautiful lush trails along the waterfront, offering tranquil views of the headlands and ocean. There are about four or five different trail options. Do not be fooled by the time stamped on the map though. The 1.5 hr trail was a mere 45 – 50 minutes. I suppose it depends on your hike speed, but it certainly wasn’t near 1.5 hours. I suggest the perimeter track (which is listed as a 2.5 hr loop) for some epic views of the Puhoi River, Moturoa Isl. and the ocean.
There are rest benches along the ridge, so bring a lunch and enjoy the view above before making the trek down. The only issue I had with this park was the amount of stairs during the ascent. I’d say we came across three sets of stairs with at least 30 – 40 steps each! We assume it was for the preservation of the roots, or that the terrain was not very stable.
Being winter season we caught our fair share of rain. I would absolutely like to return during a full Sun day. Especially since it’s less than an hours drive from Auckland!

Wenderholm is one of Auckland’s gorgeous regional parks and is a popular place for picnicking, swimming and camping. Set just north of Waiwera, the beach is very family friendly and there’s BBQs available under the shade of big Pohutakawa trees.
There’s a couple of baches too that you can hire, along with several larger bookable sites for events from small to large. The historic Couldrey Homestead is situated here and is a popular event venue as well as being open to casual visitors. There’s an information room where you can learn about the estate’s history.
My only complaint about Wenderholm is that these days it’s so damn busy you’re lucky if you can find a carpark, let alone a peaceful spot to claim as your own. Still, it’s a beautiful place and if you go outside peak times or stay overnight, you can enjoy the peace of this special place.

Wenderholm is a truly beautiful park. The only reason I don’t visit at least once a fortnight, is because it is too far away from where I live in Takapuna. I first went here for an extended family BBQ. I believe I was feeling a little rough from the night before so I wasn’t exactly jumping at the idea.
When I got there though, even in my state I could appreciate how awesome this place was.
The drive way down to the park is quite unassuming which I suppose is a good thing as I don’t think people realise the amazingness that lurks down there.
Winding down the road it opens up onto a beautiful sea scape with big Pohutakawa trees, lots of grass, picnic tables and a fantastic view. The swimming is really safe both in the sea and estuary and there are plenty of places to explore.
It’s hard to believe you are just five minutes from a main highway. All you can hear are the waves and the birds. There are also public toilets for use so no need to cut your stay short.
A fantastic place for the whole family to spend a day in nature.

Wenderholm regional park is one if the oldest parks in the region, and one of my favourites. Only 30min from Auckland (and mostly by motorway) it’s easily accessed. It’s large and is surrounded by huge old trees, perfect for picnicking under. My younger sister had her 21^st birthday there (a family picnic) and it was brilliant. There are public bbq’s, either wood/​coal (bring your own) or gas (coin operated) and we had a nice private area. One side of the park is the estuary and river. When the tide is in I love swimming here, it’s deep and cool. You can also bring a kayak and go up the river, or amonsgt the mangroves. The other side is the beach, which is quite small but lined with impressive yellowy brown cliffs. Wenderholm is a beautiful place and a nice relaxing destination out of the city

Here you will find such a beautiful scenic park, with a fantastic beach to swim at in summer.
I love Wenderholm, there is so much to offer here. Massive old Pohutakawa’s line the park and bloom to maximum beauty during the hottest months of the year.
I really enjoy taking my son to the beach as its super safe, have nice calm waters, and also close by an estuary which is also brilliant for child play.
Stunning views across the sea call for many hours spent lying at the beach, reading that fave book or building sandcastles with the little ones.
Super facilities for the public; include lots of space to choose a private spot, birds roaming in their natural habitat, lots of picnic tables to use, and public bathrooms.
Be sure to spend a day down at Wenderholm and be at one with nature.