11 Sublime Things to Do In Puhoi
Author: Tessa Mager – 11 min read.
Looking for things to do in Puhoi?
Not many people will have heard about Puhoi which is a shame really! There are so many awesome things to do in Puhoi and the surrounding region. From food to history, and all the way to hiking and tying the knot. This list covers everything there is to do in Puhoi and so much more!
What is Puhoi known for?
Puhoi Valley has a big rep for a small town. With only 4,080 residents as of June 2021, it has a disproportionate number of great things to do and as a result, high number of weekend visitors. Visitors mainly get attracted by the high-quality products that come from the Puhoi Valley like their cheeses, organic milk and butter. Puhoi is also rife with history, attracting many history buffs to the area.
The statistical area of Puhoi valley stretches way beyond the town borders. It also includes Kaipara Flats and Mahurangi West. Puhoi valley only has an incredibly low population density of 17 people per km2. In comparison, Auckland has 1210 people per km2.
Puhoi, meaning ‘slow water’, was established in 1863 by Bohemian Settlers. As the Settlers all had a Roman Catholic faith, one of the first things to be erected was a church. The building still stands in its original glory in the centre of town today. Not only the church building stood the test of time. The hotel and general store also have their origins from when the first settlers arrived.
Is Puhoi part of Auckland?
Puhoi lies 50km north of Auckland CBD and falls under the Rodney Ward which is part of the Auckland Region. Auckland is one of the sixteen regions of New Zealand, and believe it or not, the second-smallest land area. Why this might be hard to believe is because it has by far the largest population and economy.
Getting to Puhoi
One of the great things about the Auckland Region is the extensive bus network. The NX1 bus will take you all the way to the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station. From the station, you can hop on the 981 to Waiwera Rd. For the last 6km of the trip, you can order a taxi.
If you have a car or campervan it is even easier. You just have to navigate to State Highway 1 North (towards Whangarei). Stay on the 1 it until you see signs for Puhoi, approximately 50km from the CBD.
If you haven’t decided on your mode of transport for your trip yet, make sure you check out our previous post: 7 Best Ways To Travel Around New Zealand.
1. Puhoi Cheese Factory
No matter if you are looking for a killer cup of Columbian Espresso, a Mouth-watering Belgian Chocolate Milkshake, or a piece of award-winning cheese, the Puhoi cheese factory has got you covered. From excellent cheese platters to a yummy ice cream bar, there is plenty to choose from to tickle your fancy.
With amply indoor and outdoor seating the Cheese Factory is a great stop for any weather conditions. The grounds offer beautiful views of the ponds and valley. There is a huge lawn for kids to play on with a smaller fenced playground for the younger kids.
Make sure you try the triple cream brie and cranberry croissant as well as the warm cheese platter!
Expect some great quality time as you won’t get any data or mobile reception while being in the valley. All-in-all a perfect stop for good food and family fun. Don’t forget to pick up some of their artisan cheeses on the way out.
We can’t recommend their cheeses enough! We even used their cheese wheels to create our wedding cake. Every tier of the cake was an absolute winner with our guests. The added benefit to having cheese as a wedding cake… The leftovers stay yummy for the next couple of weeks!
UPDATE: The Cheese Factory Cafe & Store is currently closed. They are hoping to open again in the summer of 2022. You can check their Facebook Page for the most recent information.
2. Puhoi Historic Village
Puhoi might seem like you could pass through it while holding your breath, however, it is well worth a full day of your time as you explore all the history the town has to offer. Most of these historic places date back to the arrival of the original Bohemian settlers in the 1800s.
Catholic Church
The first stop will have to be the Church of Sts Peter and Paul. In Europe, the birthplace of these Settlers, the majority of people were Roman Catholics. Because of their faith, the church was one of the first buildings that were established when they arrived in Puhoi. The church was designed by architect James Wrigley and officially opened on the 10th of August 1881.
The Puhoi Centennial Hall
One thing that marks small towns in New Zealand is the presence of a town hall. Puhoi is not an exception to this rule. The Hall was opened in 1900 and was fully funded by its shareholders. In 1963 the hall was gifted to the people of Puhoi. To this day the facility is still being for most public as well as private celebrations and events.
The Landing Memorial Stone
This Memorial Stone, Erected in 1988, honours the site where two Nikau whare were built to house the first group of settlers. A whare was a Maori hut made from Nikau (palm leaves), hence the name Nikau hut (whare). The Stone shows the names of the settlers and of the ships that brought them to New Zealand. The stone commemorates Te Hemara Tauhia, chief of the Ngāti Rongo, who helped Captain Krippner, leader of the Settlers of Puhoi. Without the chief’s help, it is questionable if the Settlers would have been able to establish the village in the challenging bush conditions they encountered.
The Puhoi Store and the Puhoi Hotel
John Schollum was the first man responsible for building the original store and hotel. The buildings also housed the Post Office and sold any and all things the Settlers could need. In addition, the store functioned as a wholesaler, buying up the produce from the Settlers and selling them on. These historic landmarks you can now visit stand on the sites of the first buildings and are wall to wall covered with the history of the early days of Puhoi.
The Puhoi Wharves
Before the improvements of the road running through Puhoi, the wharf was the gateway of life to all residents of Puhoi and tribes living further upstream. Trade mainly happened by the steamer service that operated up and down the river. In 2009 two smaller landings were built to replace the long-gone utilitarian wharf.
The Logging Dray
Both the log and the dray displayed in Puhoi tell a story about the trying conditions of the Early Settlers. The last remaining dray was restored by the Puhoi Historical Society in 2006. It beautifully reflects the timber trade which dominated the early years of the settlement and provided livelihoods and materials. The wagons were traditionally pulled by 12 bullocks (similar to an ox) and were used to move heavy logs out of the bush down to the banks of the Puhoi River.
To keep it worth a visit, we won’t reveal all there is to know. What the story is behind the log will remain a mystery until you go and find out for yourself.
The Cemetery
Not everyone’s cup of tea but a remarkable site nonetheless. The cemetery lies 3 km from the village and is the resting place of the original settlers.
3. Puhoi Cottage Tea Rooms
What else could you ask for when visiting a tea room? The scones are wonderfully flaky and the famous Devonshire tea is hot! The Cottage Tea Rooms is open from Friday to Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM.
With its great ambience, friendly owners, and organic feel, the establishment resembles a visit to granny on Saturday for tea more than it does a commercial establishment. They even serve plunger coffee on the table to those who prefer plunger!
We don’t know what’s not to love about this place. Besides cakes and scones they serve freshly prepared soup, made on-site, and they even offer kids platters for the little ones. The setting is peaceful with a view of the river.
We highly recommend you visit the Puhoi Cottage Tea Rooms for some good ol’ high tea when visiting the area.
4. Puhoi Village Pub, Hotel & Stables
That great food doesn’t always make or break a place is evident when looking at the always popular Puhoi Village Pub, Hotel & Stables. Even though the pub hasn’t had the greatest reviews lately when it comes to its culinary skills, everyone still raves about the vibe and the great beers.
Our solution… Make sure you have eaten but definitely still visit the pub for a pint, some history, and a great time! Try and time your visit to be on a sunny day as they have a huge beer garden. Just be warned, the pub is very popular on weekends!
The walls and ceilings in the pub are drenched in Puhoi history. Artifacts within the building and its grounds showcase the history of the original settlers and tell the tale of their struggles and triumphs.
If you are lucky you might also be treated to some live music. Make sure to check the upcoming events on their page.
5. Pioneer Memorial Park
It is safe to say that the original Settlers had their work cut out for them when they arrived on the banks of Puhoi in 1863. 75 years after that memorable day, the Settlers were acknowledged for their bravery and efforts. In 1938 the Puhoi reserve was dedicated to these pioneers and serves as a reminder of their incredible labours in establishing the settlement to this day.
The park is a nice sunny flat area with parking available. It is an easy walk and a perfect picnic spot for families.
Tablets set into the concrete pillars are engraved with the names of the seven local men who lost their lives in the First World War and three who lost their lives in the Second World War.
6. Lookout Track
Accessible from Pioneer Memorial Park is the Lookout Track. This track takes about 1.5 hours to complete. At first, the walk is all uphill, think lots of stairs! After the initial climb though, you will be rewarded with an easy meandering path along the ridge.
Since this track consists of a lot of bushy sections it is a great walk to do in summer as it provides great shelter from the sun. There is a variety of bush, farm, and pine forests to enjoy. A bonus is the wild blackberry bushes on open parts of the track that offer a wonderful snack in the right season (May – September)
CAUTION – The track can become a bit slippery and squishy after rain.
7. River Kayak Hire
Since 1995 this family-operated business has been offering Kayaks hire to the public. The shop is open from September until June – June and has double and single kayaks available. No worries if you are a complete beginner, a safety briefing will be given before your departure.
If you get confused at any point, just remember… Always turn right!
The waters of the Puhoi river are calm which allows you to go at your own pace. Expect a scenic and relaxing trip with the option to go for a swim. The water is fairly shallow so perfect for families. Unfortunately, you won’t be allowed to bring any children under the age of 3 or your pets, so please make a plan beforehand.
The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the tide. There are toilet facilities on site so make sure you go before you depart so you don’t need to make any awkward stops on the way. To book your kayak, visit their website.
Remember to bring:
* Sunhats/sunblock or a raincoat for rainy days.
* Water Bottle
* Small bag with some snacks.
* Towel & change of clothes (leave in the car for when you return)
8. Bohemian Settlers Museum & Heritage Museum
Originally built as a Catholic convent school (1923–1964), the building now houses the local museum. You can visit the museum every day from 12 noon until 3 PM (11 AM – 2 PM in winter)
The museum, albeit a bit on the small side, tells the story of the bohemians who bravely embarked on an epic journey from Europe to New Zealand in the 1800s. Since the church is right next door you might want to combine a visit to the museum with a walk down to the church
Both buildings have been very well kept and renovated from time to time, making both buildings worthy photo opportunities.
9. Organic Distillery
Said to be the makers of the best gin in New Zealand, this family-owned business is worth a visit. The Kirichuk family only offers 100% all-natural products and operates the first and only solar-powered Distillery in New Zealand.
Don’t let the ‘by invitation only’ scare you away. Have a look at their website and book the type of visit you are most interested in. Once you arrive you will be swept off your feet by the hospitality of the family as well as the quality of their products.
They even use fresh water from deep underground and gravity to run the brew from vat to barrel, creating top-notch rum, gin, vodka and food-grade alcohol. This is used to make limoncello and paint for cakes.
10. Puhoi Village Market
You will soon discover that one of the best things about Puhoi is the locals. And you can’t get more local than the monthly Village Market. Come and enjoy the laid-back Puhoi atmosphere on every last Sunday of the month.
There will be live music as well as a wide variety of stalls. Ranging from fresh coffee (this is non-negotiable in NZ) to local honey, handmade candles, jewellery, plants, and the list goes on. Afterwards, the kids can burn off some energy in the safe play area at the sports club opposite the market.
You can find the Village Market in the Puhoi domain from September to April. Forget all the faux-fancy Matakana market, this is the real deal. Quaint and quirky, and always lots of smiling faces.
11. Puhoi Library
The building that now houses the town library was originally built for the District Roads Board Office. It became the Puhoi Town Library in 1923 but it was meant to last for long. in 1924 all the contents were destroyed in the Great Flood.
Before reopening as the town library in 1976, the venue was used for meetings, as a first-aid post, small craft outlet, and even as a mortuary. Now the library offers a collection of 4000 books and 500 DVDs, making it one of the smallest in New Zealand.
Winter is the perfect time to visit the library as the fire will be going inside and if that doesn’t warm you up then the smile of the one and only volunteer librarian will. All books in the library have been donated by the community. It is completely independent and run by volunteers only.
Getting Married in Puhoi
Now for some very personal history for us in Puhoi. On the 30th of June, 2021, on the coldest winter morning, we can ever remember in New Zealand, we got to say ‘I do’ in one of the most beautiful venues in New Zealand.
The Boutique Barn in Puhoi Valley specialises in elopements and small weddings and deserves to have a spot in the top 10 wedding venues in New Zealand. As soon as you drive up to the barn, the entire ambience screams bohemian chic and the kindest soul will be there to greet you with a big hug. And in my case a glass of sparkling water to try and settle the hangover from the previous night’s hen-do (Kiwi bachelorette party).
The shed is filled to the brim with quirky decorations, old-fashioned games, traditional glassware, and anything else you can think of to make your wedding truly unique. Morrae, the owner, is there to help you every step of the way and will be present on your big day to make sure everything is perfect.
Even if you aren’t planning to get married, the bridal suite is perfect for a weekend getaway and comes with all the Puhoi classics for breakfast: Free range eggs, organic milk, butter, and cheese all locally produced.
Easy Day Trips From Puhoi
We have given you enough ideas to spend at least a couple of days in the area. If you however would like to venture out a bit further in the region, we have listed a few easy day trips that you can do from Puhoi or just directly from Auckland.
Piha Beach
Located to the west, lies the scenic and famous Piha beach. Well-known for its rugged terrain, and black sand (remains from volcanic rock), Piha is the perfect place to spend a sunny day.
Although surfing is a popular activity, swimming can prove to be hazardous with unpredictable surges and rip tides. Please make sure you stay in between the swimming flags at all times.
If you are happy to keep your feet dry, try climbing Lion rock or hiking the Laird Thompson Track. Finding the entrance to this hike is the most difficult part. When walking unto Piha beach, take a right and keep walking with Lion Rock in your back. Walk all the way to the end of the beach, into the bush where you will see a sign to show the start of the track.
Matakana Market
Arguably, one of the best Farmers’ Markets in New Zealand. And the best thing is that it happens every weekend! Every Saturday people from all over flock to this semi-permanent market. What we mean by that is that the stalls are all set up under the roofed patio that runs in a big square all along the boundary of the market. That means this farmers’ market is worth a visit come rain or shine.
Once you have seen all the stalls you can hop over to the Matakana Village which houses all sorts of stylish boutiques and galleries. Once you have chosen between one of the many food options, take your scrumptious meal to the natural benches on the backend of the market to watch the eels in the river.
Whangaparaoa Peninsula
For anyone who wants to experience a little taste of the far north but doesn’t want to venture out all the way to the Bay of Islands, Whangaparaoa Peninsula is your next best thing. Home to Orewa, the most expensive place to buy a house in New Zealand, the Peninsula offers many options for a great day out.
Whangaparaoa, which is Maori for “Bay of Whales” has some of the best beaches in Auckland and as the name suggests is a great place to spot whales, dolphins and orcas. Grab your towel and an umbrella and spend a perfect day on the beach without having to fight for a pot as there are many beaches to choose from.
a little further but definitely worth the drive is Shakespeare Regional Park. The park is located on the tip of the peninsula and therefore offers some killer views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. Shakespeare Park is a predator-free zone which means you will be able to spot rare bird species on of the beautiful walks the park offers.
