Exploring Puhoi: A Historic Gem
Puhoi is a quaint rural settlement located approximately 50 km north of Downtown Auckland, on the banks of the Puhoi River in the Hibiscus Coast area. This charming village is best known for its historic pub, which hosts live music on weekends and showcases the Bohemian settler experience. The name Puhoi, meaning 'slow water', aptly describes the river's gentle tidal flow as it meanders into the Hauraki Gulf near Wenderholm.
Discovering Puhoi's Historic Attractions
Puhoi is home to several historic attractions, including a picturesque Catholic Church, a museum, and a hall, as well as other early buildings. In the heart of the village, you'll find delightful shops, a café, a quaint library, and a small wharf on the river. Just a short drive west is the Puhoi Cottage Tea Rooms, a farmyard-style café with exceptional Devonshire teas.
Outdoor Activities and Scenic Trails
For those seeking outdoor activities, Puhoi River Kayaks provides kayak rentals for a leisurely paddle down the river to Wenderholm Regional Park. Here, you can enjoy the beach, hike trails, including a section of Te Araroa, visit a historic homestead, or relax under a pōhutukawa tree. Puhoi River Kayaks provides transport back to town, eliminating the need to paddle upstream.
The Puhoi Lookout Track is a 40-minute loop that starts just over the bridge, near the public toilets. This trail ascends about 100 metres through hilly paddocks and replanted native forest, with views over the valley and village. The loop descends to the Puhoi Reserve, a grassy area above the river. Be aware that some sections can become muddy after rain. This track is also part of Te Araroa, and you can extend your hike westward along the Puhoi Track for 5 km for more native forest and valley views.
Puhoi's Bohemian Heritage
European settlement in Puhoi began in 1863 with German-speaking migrants from Staab in Bohemia, led by Captain Martin Krippner. Initially known as the Bohemian Settlement, it expanded as additional migrant groups arrived over the years. The museum tells the story of these hardy people who had to carve out farms from dense forests.
Support from local Māori is also part of the story. The land to be settled on was a part of the Hemara Reserve that rangatira Te Hemara Tauhia had sold to the government. Te Hemara Tauhia’s canoes carried the newly arrived migrants up the Puhoi River by waka into the forest wilderness. The two large nikau whare that were their first shelter were the work of Hemara’s hapū. The settlers benefited from frequent gifts from Hemara’s haps, which helped them avoid starvation during the early, challenging pioneering years.
The Catholic settlers established a church, completed in 1881, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. A commemorative stone in the village honours these pioneers and their contributions, including Te Hemara Tauhia.
How to Get to Puhoi
To reach Puhoi from Downtown Auckland, take the northern motorway and exit at the Puhoi off-ramp. Follow the signs for a short drive to the village. To avoid the road toll, you can take the Silverdale or Ōrewa Grand Drive off-ramp and follow the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.
Nearby, you can also visit Waiwera, Ōrewa, Alice Eaves Reserve, Ōrewa River Walk and Hadfields Beach.
