WARKWORTH

Often referred to as the gateway to the Matakana Coast, Warkworth is becoming a destination in and of itself. With a friendly, country atmosphere and under an hours drive from the Auckland CBD, Warkworth is becoming popular with those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle whilst still being within commuting distance from the city.

Hepburn Creek Trees - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

Warkworth Lights - By Andrew Tunnicliffe Jane Gifford - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

WARKWORTH CEMENT WORKS

PARKS

If you’re looking to take a dip and can’t bring yourself to join the masses at the beach, the Warkworth Cement Works is located a short drive from the town centre on Wilson Road. Perched on the banks of the Mahurangi River, the flooded quarry provides a freshwater swimming hole for the public to enjoy. A sunny day can be spent picnicking on the water’s edge surrounded by the historic ruins of what was once the Southern Hemisphere’s first Portland cement manufacturer. However, a word of warning to those with small children, the swimming hole gets deep straight away, so be sure to pack the floaties

Cement Works - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

Cement Works - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

Parry Kauri Park is located just south of Warkworth and is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch. A short detour off State Highway 1, Parry Kauri Park is home to the two tallest Kauri Trees on the East Coast of New Zealand.

The 8.5-hectare park is primarily made up of dense native bush dating back thousands of years, with various loop tracks weaving through, ranging from 10 minutes to 45 minutes in duration. These walks are great for the whole family, with informative signs located throughout explaining the native trees and birdlife that live within the grounds. The local Warkworth and District Museum

is also located at the park. You will find historical displays, photographs, and items dating back to the Kauri Gum digging days of the region, including large pieces of Kauri Gum. Lucy Moore Park is another quiet picturesque spot located on the eastern end of the town centre. With plenty of parking, Lucy Moore Park sits right on the river’s edge and is great for families with a double flying fox and plenty of room for children and dogs to run around off-leash.

Lucy Moore Park - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

BIKE AND WALKING TRACKS

Whilst, not a long walk, it’s a lovely one – the path that runs along the Mahurangi Riverbank takes you between Lucy Moore Park and the old road bridge. Lined with native Pohutukawa and Kowhai trees, the easy walk is a perfect way to take in the picturesque riverside. The walk at Kowhai Park next to the infamous Hill Street intersection is a great way to stretch your legs after a long journey. The dog-friendly track is a 30-minute loop that takes you through the native bush of Kauri and Totara trees and past historic lime kilns dating back to the late-1800s.

Just north of town, the Warkworth Showgrounds is an excellent spot for the family (both two and four-legged) to go to burn off some energy. Recently upgraded and with more works in the pipeline, the Showgrounds is home to the Mahurangi Rugby Club along with the local Pony Club, netball courts, hockey turf and has a great playground for the kids. There is a 2km track that runs around the grounds’ perimeter and is incredibly popular with friendly locals walking their dogs. Be sure to keep your dog on the lead if the Pony Club is meeting.

The Kowhai Festival runs for a month and is held every year in Spring to coincide with the flowering of the bright yellow Kowhai Trees that line the town and river. There are many different events run by volunteers throughout October including a Family Day Out, Mahurangi Riverside Vibes, Great Debate and even an outdoor movie night extravaganza. Mahurangi Riverside Vibes located on the river hosts local artisan food and wine and a large stage featuring live music throughout the day. The Family Day out offers a great day for the family and kids who will be entertained with games, rides and the recently reintroduced famous Kowhai Festival Raft Race.

The Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights is one of the newest events on the Warkworth social calendar and has quickly become one of the most popular. During the day, the Warkworth wharf turns into a kids wonderland with amusements and rides, face painting, an ice skating rink and food trucks. Once the sun goes down, the town centre lights up with laser light and music shows held throughout the evening. Another event on the local social calendar is the Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show, which takes place every year at the local showgrounds. With a line-up of local music, delicious food and the free Fun Zone for the children, the A&P Show is always a fun day out for the whole family and a great way to get an insight into the local farming way of life.

Festival of Lights - By Andrew Tunnicliffe

SHOPPING

With the perfect mix of well-known retail stores and independent boutiques and galleries, Warkworth is the hub of the area and the best place to stock up on the essentials (and some non-essentials) before travelling further afield. The town centre is the main hub for the surrounding areas with a full range of businesses and services including branches of each of the major national banks, a post office, information centre and two large supermarkets. Necessities aside, a wander through town will take you past several cafés, boutiques and galleries. For those on the lookout for second-hand pieces, there are several opportunity and charity shops in the area where you can pick up vintage and retro items for a bargain price.