Puhoi: River, Forest and Bohemian History

Along the Puhoi River, on trails through podocarp forest and in the history of Bohemian settlers, Puhoi reveals different sides of itself. Nature by the water, walks and hikes, and local history offer concrete starting points for planning your stay. Which of these you focus on can also guide your search for a hotel in Puhoi.

The River as a Natural Area and Excursion Destination

The Puhoi River runs through the town and provides habitat for tuna (eels) and many native bird species. Puhoi lies on its banks, making the waterway and its wildlife some of the town’s defining natural features. Puhoi River Canoes is located in the village opposite the historic church.

A service description updated in November 2023 lists an 8 km paddling route on the Puhoi River for Puhoi River Kayaks, with people and boats transported back to Puhoi at a time arranged in advance. Check whether the service is currently available before making plans.

Forest Trails, Views and Trail Conditions

The Puhoi to Remiger Road Track leads into Puhoi Scenic Reserve. There, it offers a flat walk through podocarp forest, where kauri, pūriri, tōtara and nīkau trees grow. From the car park at Puhoi Domain, the track climbs through a community reserve to an open ridgeline, with views of the village and the surrounding valley. The main entrance is at Puhoi Domain, on the other side of the bridge opposite the historic Puhoi Pub and beside the toilet block.

The Puhoi Lookout Track is a moderately challenging hike of about 40 minutes that reaches an elevation of 100 m. The trail can become boggy after rain. The Puhoi Track is part of the Te Araroa Trail and passes through different types of forest, with abundant birdlife and views of the Puhoi Valley. The different trail descriptions give you a choice of natural experiences: a flat walk, a climb to the ridgeline, or a hike with a stated duration and difficulty level.

The Puhoi Track is currently open. A short detour around a ford about 100 m upstream connects to the site of a bridge destroyed by heavy rain in 2023 and not yet replaced. River and ford conditions can change in extreme weather; check them before setting out.

Bohemian Roots and Building History

Puhoi was settled in 1863 by immigrants from Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. The Church of St Peter and St Paul (Catholic) at 83 Puhoi Road was built by Bohemian settlers to a design by architect James Wrigley and opened on 10 August 1881 at a cost of 264 pounds. It is classified as a Category 1 historic place, is privately owned and is not open to the public.

The Puhoi Heritage Museum is housed in a school building that opened in 1923, replacing the public school established in 1872. The Landing Stone is also part of the town’s history: it is a stop on the Pūhoi Heritage Trail, which runs through the village and traces its pioneer history. Together, these places offer different insights into Puhoi’s development, from the beginning of Bohemian settlement to later public institutions.

Puhoi for Your Travel Plans

When choosing a hotel in Puhoi, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: the river and its wildlife, a flat forest walk, or a hike with a climb and views each offer a different way to experience the town. If you’re interested in culture, you can also explore the history of Bohemian settlement and the stops on the Pūhoi Heritage Trail.

Discover more destinations: Kumeu, Helensville, Awhitu, Great Barrier Island, Waiwera, Glen Murray, Muriwai Beach, Auckland.

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