Puhoi combines a riverside village with forest tracks and a clearly defined history of Bohemian settlement. Puhoi lies on the banks of the Puhoi River, which runs through the village and provides a habitat for tuna (eels) and numerous native bird species. This offers several areas of focus when planning a trip: local history, forest walks and river activities. The tracks differ in their specific features—from a flat forest walk to a moderate hike of about 40 minutes.

Forest Tracks and Views

The Puhoi to Remiger Road Track leads into the Puhoi Scenic Reserve, where it offers a flat walk through podocarp forest with kauri, pūriri, tōtara and nīkau trees. Its main entrance is at Puhoi Domain, across the bridge from the historic Puhoi Pub and next to the toilet block. From the car park at the Domain, the track climbs through a community reserve to an open ridge, with views from there across the village and surrounding valley.

The Puhoi Lookout Track is classed as a moderate hike of about 40 minutes and reaches an elevation of 100 m. The path can become boggy after rain.

The Puhoi Track

The Puhoi Track is a section of the Te Araroa Trail and passes through various forest types; its features include abundant birdlife and views of the Puhoi Valley. The track is currently open. A short detour around a river ford about 100 m upstream connects to the site of a bridge destroyed by heavy rain in 2023 and not yet replaced. In extreme weather, conditions in the river and at the ford can change; check conditions before setting off.

River and Paddling

Puhoi River Canoes is in the village opposite the historic church. An offer description for Puhoi River Kayaks, updated on 7 November 2023, mentions an 8 km paddling route on the Puhoi River; people and boats were transported back to Puhoi at a time arranged in advance. Check current availability before planning. The route length and return transport are two separate planning considerations.

Bohemian Settlement History

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

The Puhoi Heritage Museum is housed in a school building opened in 1923, which replaced the public school established in 1872. The Landing Stone is a stop on the Pūhoi Heritage Trail, which runs through the village and explores its pioneering history.

Discover more destinations: Pohuehue, Kawau Island, Papakura, Epsom, Tauhoa, Drury, Takanini, Newmarket

For the main travel overview: Auckland.