Exploring Parry Kauri Park's Forest
Parry Kauri Park, located near Warkworth, in northern Auckland, is a remarkable destination for those interested in New Zealand's natural history. The park is home to two ancient kauri trees, approximately 800 years old, including the McKinney kauri, which survived the widespread deforestation during European colonisation. These majestic trees are backed by a regenerating kauri forest, featuring a mix of juvenile rickers and trees over a century old. A scenic boardwalk track winds through this forest, including a tree-top viewpoint for a unique perspective.
Preserving the Surviving Kauri
The park preserves one of the last stands of mature kauri forest in the northern Auckland region. The area was once part of the much larger kauri ecosystem across much of Auckland and Northland that was heavily logged in the 19th and early 20th centuries as the timber trade expanded. The park is named after local farmer and conservation advocate Harry Parry, who helped protect the remaining trees in the mid 1900s.
In the 1960s, the site became part of a community effort to restore native bush and celebrate local heritage, leading to the creation of the Warkworth Museum and loop tracks that now wind through regenerating forest and the two ancient kauri.
Other Park Features
In addition to the trees, Parry Kauri Park includes a large grassy reserve, perfect for a leisurely picnic. Adjacent to the park is the Warkworth Museum, accessible from the car park. The museum provides insights into European settlement of the area and the history of kauri forestry and milling, providing historical context for your visit.
How to Get There
To reach Parry Kauri Park, take the northern motorway from Downtown Auckland to Warkworth. Take the Twin Coast Discovery Highway south through Warkworth and turn east onto McKinny Road. At the end of this road, turn right into Thompson Road, then shortly after, left into Twin Collins Drive, with the car park at the end. The drive is 60 km and takes 45 minutes.
Other places to explore around Warkworth include Wison Cement Works, Mahurangi Regional Park and Puhoehoe Reserve. Warkworth is also the gateway to the wider Matakana Coast.
