Kauri Forest on the Edge of Whangārei
AH Reed Memorial Park is a pocket of forest close to central Whangārei in Northland on the east side of the Hātea River, north of the Town Basin. Part of the forest is regenerating, but it is best known for a grove of large, mature kauri and an elevated canopy walkway that leads to them. The park also lies on the Hātea River Walkway and links to Ōtūihau Whangārei Falls and Town Basin.
The Canopy Walkway Loop
The reserve has two connected, looped forest tracks that wander along both sides of the Waikoromiko Stream. The tracks are generally easy with moderate stepped climbs. The first highlight is the canopy walkway, which connects the loops. This bridge takes you high above the stream, with wonderful forest views, to a grove of big, mature kauri trees, at least 500 years old. At the end of the canopy walkway, you will find yourself on a cliff-edge viewpoint high up the side of a couple of the trees. These trees are a surprise, being just a few lesser-known survivors from the aggressive kauri milling that took place in this part of Northland during the 1800s and early 1900s.
The loops take about 30 minutes, and the south side track and canopy walkway are wheelchair accessible.
Walk to the Paranui Falls
Heading a bit further east from the kauri grove beyond the second loop, there is a short, steep but stepped walk through a sizable grove of younger kauri to a viewpoint over the Paranui Falls. The water flow on these falls is modest compared to the Ōtūihau Whangārei Falls, and the viewpoint is further away, but they drop 23 metres into a spectacular, steep-sided amphitheatre, mainly surrounded by recovering forest. From there, you can continue on the track to a rural access on Clapham Road, or return on the other side of the loop.
Add about 15 minutes of total time for the walk to the falls.
A place named for a long-distance walker
The park is named after AH Reed, a famous NZ author and publisher. In his early years, he lived in Northland and had an arduous life gumdigging. Later, in his 80s, he was known for long-distance walking and climbing, including Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and the length of the country from North Cape to Bluff, before Te Araroa was a thing. The reserve status dates back to the late 1800s, and the park was named for Reed in 1956.
How to Get There
From central Whangārei, take the Twin Coast Discovery Highway north to Whareora Road. Follow Whareora Road to the car park, and signage for AH Reed Memorial Park. The drive takes 10 minutes and is 5 km.
Other places to visit around Whangarei include Bream Head, Hundertwasser Art Centre and the Tutukākā Coast.
