Donnellys Crossing: Kauri Forest and Railway History

A rusting iron railway bridge on concrete piers spans a stream in Donnellys Crossing, where it flows into the adjoining Waima River. A metal train sculpture stands on either side of a power pole, 20 metres from the shop. These visible traces of the town’s railway history make for an appealing contrast with the Kauri forest landscape nearby.

Railway Traces and Kauri Forest

The Kaihu Branch reached Donnellys Crossing in April 1923. The historic railway line between Dargaville and Donnellys Crossing had already been built in 1896 to serve the Kauri industry. The dates mark different stages of this history: the construction of the line and the branch’s later arrival in the town.

In the wider region, the Kaihu Valley Trail generally follows the historic railway line. It is part of the Heartland Rides network and the Kauri Coast Cycleway. These routes run mostly along roads through the landscapes and small towns of Te Tai Tokerau/Northland. The Kaihu Valley Trail thus links the historic railway line with today’s regional cycling routes.

Near Donnellys Crossing, in the upper Kaihu River valley, lies the 586-hectare Trounson Kauri Park Scenic Reserve. Of this area, 445 hectares are forest, surrounded by land leased for grazing. Trounson Kauri Park has been managed as a mainland island in the Kaipara District since 1995. The aim is to restore native biodiversity and give visitors a sense of what original Kauri forests are like.

Trounson Kauri Park is also home to threatened species, including the North Island brown kiwi, kūkupa, pekapeka bats and Kauri snails. The wildlife adds another dimension to the Kauri forest: it is a habitat rich in native biodiversity, not just an impressive landscape of trees.

A Short Loop and Clear Visitor Guidelines

The Trounson Kauri Park Loop Track passes through an impressive stand of Kauri trees. The easy circular track is 1.6 kilometres long and takes about 40 minutes. This gives you a clear idea of how to plan your time if you’d like to combine a nature walk with the railway traces in town.

A short section of the track is wheelchair-accessible; this does not apply to the entire loop. Dogs are not allowed. Other pets are subject to the rules for conservation land. If you’re planning to visit with a wheelchair or a pet, these distinctions matter: accessibility and pet rules cover different conditions and should not be taken as general permission for the whole loop.

The Wider Setting: Kaipara District

Other landscapes and experiences are also part of the broader Kaipara District destination, rather than Donnellys Crossing itself. Kai Iwi Lakes are set within a 538-hectare recreation reserve, with white-sand freshwater dune lakes known for their clear water. The lakes are suitable for swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and water skiing. Check water conditions and safety requirements before taking part.

For culture and history in the Kaipara District, Dargaville Museum has seven exhibition halls. Their topics range from Māori taonga and Kauri gum diggers to transport, farming, pioneers, collections, maritime history and music. The Pioneer Hall features examples of early timber industry and bush work. The Maritime Hall displays salvaged shipwrecks associated with the Kaipara Bar.

The wider Kaipara District also offers activities such as watersports at Kai Iwi Lakes and the exhibitions at Dargaville Museum. You can decide whether to focus your stay mainly on experiences near the town or include other interests in your plans for the district.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Baylys Beach, Mangawhai, Kaihu, Dargaville, Paparoa, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka.

Return to the main travel guide: Kaipara District.