Perfectly placed for a pitstop
It’s better to travel hopefully than to arrive, wrote Robert Louis Stevenson. An adventurous traveller who covered many clicks, he knew what he was talking about. When you’re exploring Aotearoa/New Zealand, taking a break every two hours will not only refresh you but also make the most of your journey. And if you are travelling up SH2 from Wellington or Napier, the two-hour mark lands at Pūkaha.
A destination in its own right, Pūkaha is an unfenced sanctuary for native wildlife. Its 942-hectare forest is home to wild kokako, kiwi and kākā, while inside the aviaries endangered birds are bred for release across Aotearoa New Zealand.
You could spend the whole day here exploring the forest and meeting the birds or drop by and take in as much as you can on a shorter break. To get the most out of a brief visit, book a tour with one of the expert rangers. A 1-hour guided tour will give a deeper insight into the conservation work being done; or for something extra special join local iwi Rangitāne for a walk through the bush. Learn about wildlife, trees and the traditional stories of the tangata whenua and how they relate to the ancient Pūkaha forest. This tour offers an insight into Māori whakapapa, spirituality and connection to place.
The Kākā café at Pūkaha has fuel for everyone (including free EV charging stations for the car!). The café team make the most of seasonal local produce and are inspired by Māori ingredients. Meals cater for a variety of dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, dairy and gluten free. There’s a special children’s menu and icecreams in a range of flavours that start at only $2.
Or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy in the leafy grounds at one of the tables located inside the reserve. There’s plenty of space to park your car or campervan during the day. Overnight motorhome stays are possible with prior booking and include exclusive tour options.
Facilities also include accessible toilets, baby change table and most walks are pram friendly. Visitors can use a mobility scooter, stroller or borrow umbrellas if required.
At the nature-inspired gift shop you might find that perfect way to say “thanks for looking after the dog”. Pets aren’t permitted in the reserve or carpark, but all human owners are welcomed!
Super keen walkers may like to stretch their legs on the scenic loop track while those less keen meander forested pathways closer to the visitor centre – either way there’s plenty of choice. The nice thing about a visit to Pūkaha is that the money that you spend there goes straight back into native forest restoration or helping to breed threatened native wildlife for release. That – along with their coffee – is great reason to call in.
