wenderholm

 

wenderholm

DURATION: Various (from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours)

Wenderholm is just north of Orakei, about 5 minutes from Waiwera, so around 40 mins from Auckland city.  It's a popular destination for families, boats, beach goers and nature lovers alike.  With an expansive area of green parkland and BBQs available on site, many family and friend groups head out for the day and there's often a game of cricket or touch rugby happening and that's before getting to the beach, where of course you'll find more people enjoying the calm waters.

There is also an historic building - Couldrey House, a home with ample history since 1857 and open to the public to view in all it's Victorian glory.  But we're here for the walks and there are walks aplenty.  Whether you just want a casual stroll to the view point or are looking to traverse the whole headland, you can easily pass the time amongst the tracks that feed you plenty of coastal views that will always wow you.  So much so, there is a seat situated at one of the best spots where you can take 5 to ponder how magnificent nature really is - or just have a competition with your companion as to how many islands you can a) see and b) name!  It does help if your companion is Australian so doesn't really know what the islands are called and therefore if you have the answers right!

As well as a mix of trail length there is a mix of trail grades.  Most of the tracks start off pretty well sealed but you will move into more rugged terrain the further you go.  If it's been raining recently, it will be a bit muddy so be prepared for that.  As always, there is plenty of beautiful native fauna and the tuis particularly enjoy this area so you will be treated to their bird song as you wander.  Being a headland, it has a mix of gradients but mostly a steady climb to the top of the headland followed by a steady decline as you make your way back to the carpark.

All in all, plenty of variety, plenty of brilliant views and plenty of swimming opportunities (should it be summer).

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There are various dog rules for the park, but from my understanding, there are no dogs allowed on the bush tracks