WARKWORTH

Best known as the area you passed through before reaching one of its more coastal siblings, Warkworth is no longer such a sleepy town filled with ducks, and is instead worthy of stopping and exploring.

Photo: Cement Works - by Andrew Tunnicliffe

Photo: Cement Works - by Andrew Tunnicliffe Photo: Warkworth - by Dominey Flores

Warkworth is the central shopping hub and is home to two leading supermarkets, numerous places to eat (that will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters) and a chocolate box selection of boutiques and mainstream shops, all located in one handy section of town. Set to grow even more in the next few years once that motorway is complete.

For something a bit different yet impressive, visit the Warkworth Cement Works, located at the end of the narrow and gravelled Wilson Road. In 1880, it was the Southern Hemisphere’s first Portland cement manufacturer; the ruins are now fenced off but are still incredible to admire. This flooded quarry provides fresh water to take a dip in – please pack floaties for non-confident swimmers as it gets deep straight away. This area is full of places to explore in the sun and is also the location choice for the popular Netflix series Sweettooth.

Photo: Warkworth - by Andrew Tunnicliffe

Kowhai Park is located at the Southern end of Warkworth - right by THAT intersection! Currently, some trails are closed to prevent Kauri Dieback, but you can still walk through and witness the now mossy kilns built in 1884. Following the track you will encounter abundant native flora, including the largest Matai Trees in the area. A more recent addition are the numerous Weta houses built by a local community group – open the doors and see who is home! This gentle walk will see you finish at the end of Heritage Lane, where you can either turn around and come back through the bush or walk out to Matakana Road. The Sesquicentennial Walk is a very long name for a short walk! It starts beside the Bridgehouse Lodge and allows you to follow the river along a bush-lined path. You can pop out at the start of Pound Street and walk back down to the main road past the police station, or you can continue the walk under the SH1 bridge and come out near the Scout Den. It is a fantastic track for children to see the little rapids that the Mahurangi River holds, and just past the Scout Den is an amazing playground. If you cross the old bridge (next to Bridgehouse Lodge) and go down the steps, you can walk next to the river and go through town without stepping on the main street. Following the wharf, you will pass the incredible Jane Gifford that is moored there. The Jane Gifford was built in 1908 and is now the last remaining rigged scow – you can have a look on the website to see when the next river trip will be. There is a fenced playground located just after Jane Gifford, and this is also where the public toilets are. If you stay on the path, you will end up at a vast green space called Lucy Moore Park – named after Lucy Moore, who is known as “the mother of New Zealand Botany” this park is also home to two flying foxes and a fantastic hill to roll down.