Warkworth Activities and Attractions You Can’t Miss
It’s a town that everyone passes through on a road trip to Northland or the Bay of Islands, but little people know how epic of a pitstop the town of Warkworth is! Located in the northern Auckland region, Warkworth is a picturesque riverside town packed with pretty architecture, shops and eateries. It’s also a great base for exploring breathtaking kauri forests or even taking a quick ferry to Kawau Island with its beautiful clear waters and sheltered bays. Check out the activities you could be getting up to in this list of things to do in Warkworth!
As well as all these wonderful things to do, consider taking quick day trips to the surrounding towns! Check out 9 Places You Can’t Miss on the Matakana Coast and 10 Things to Do in Leigh for more inspiration!
1. Walk Alongside the Mahunrangi River
Warkworth is all about the picturesque Mahurangi River. There are many great places to relax, watch boats go by, and hang out by the river, which you can find along the boardwalk walkway.
Location: Mahurangi River.
2. Explore the Parry Kauri Park
One of the most enchanting natural attractions in the Warkworth area is the Parry Kauri Park, which will have you walking among some of the tallest trees in New Zealand. A network of boardwalks and raised platforms give you different perspectives on walks ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Pick up a free brochure from the Warkworth Museum (see below) to identify and learn more about the amazing tree species you see along the way.
Location: Collins Drive, Parry Kauri Park.
3. Do Some Shopping or Have a Bite to Eat
Warkworth has a pretty town centre with historical architecture, specialist shops, boutique galleries and a wealth of eateries and cafes. It’s well worth taking the time to have a look around, whether it’s to pick something up from the local chocolate factory cafe or treat yourself at the French deli.
Location: Warkworth town centre.
4. See the Old Cement Works
For any history buffs or people that just find old ruins kind of cool, visit the Old Cement Works! These cement works were the home of New Zealand’s first manufacturing of Portland cement in the 1880s, but today they make some fun ruins to explore. Plus, it’s claimed to be one of the haunted locations of New Zealand! Check out 10 Seriously Spooky and Haunted Places in New Zealand for more places like this one.
Location: Wilson Road.
5. Take the Ferry to Kawau Island
Kawau Island is a popular holiday destination for Kiwis and you’ll see why with its crystal-clear waters and sheltered bays. There are a number of walks to do on the island to take in the landscape. Additionally, the island used to be the home of an influential and controversial politician who build a mansion and subtropical gardens on the island. You can still visit these today! Find out more about what to do on the island at The 10 Best Islands in Auckland to Visit.
Location: Sandspit Wharf. There are seasonal timetables for the ferry. Otherwise, cruises also depart from the wharf.
6. Visit the Warkworth Museum
Step into the past at the Warkworth Museum! See mock-ups of various shops and rooms of the home that would have been the style all over the Warkworth area back in the 1920s. See popular clothing from the 1890s to the 1950s. Visit on a Wednesday to join the Working Machinery exhibit. What’s more, the museum is set in the stunning surroundings of the Parry Kauri Park (see above).
Location: Collins Drive, Parry Kauri Park.
7. Visit Historical Puhoi
Just a 10-15-minute drive south of Warkworth is quaint in the historical village of Puhoi! The village was established in 1863 and has well-preserved buildings that are perfect for a photo stop.
Location: Puhoi Road, State Highway 1. (16km/10 miles south of Warkworth).
8. Play a Round of Golf
The visitor-friendly Warkworth Golf Club is a great place to stop by when exploring the northern Auckland area! Golf is a pretty big thing in New Zealand, with the highest sports participation rate in the country, so go and see what the fuss is about on this affordable golf course! Choose from 18 or 9 holes, hire all the gear you will need there, and enjoy 5578m (6100 yards) of gently-rolling greens. Find more golf courses worth trying in our Top 5 Golf Courses in Auckland.
Location: 4 Golf Road, Road 5.
9. Go Horse Trekking
You have two amazing horse trekking options in the Warkworth area: Ti Tree Horse Treks and Horse Riding Warkworth. Take a 1 or 2-hour scenic farm and forest trek with either company for a great day out!
Location: Ti Tree – 449 Weranui Road & Horse Riding Warkworth – 42 Kaipara Flats Road.
10. Join an Oyster Farm Tour
For a special “foodie” experience, tour an oyster farm! Join the crew as you learn about naturally-grown Pacific Oysters and get to sample some of these seafood delights! Seafood is a huge thing in New Zealand, so if you are looking for a true New Zealand food experience then this is a great option!
Location: Matakana River Tours. Tours depart at Scotts Landing, Mahurangi. (17km/10.5 miles southeast of Warkworth).
More Things to Do Near Warkworth
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Discover Auckland (Regional tourism website)
- Auckland Council (Local council website)
- Hauraki District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The Author
Laura S.
This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.