A H Reed Memorial Park

The A H Reed Memorial Park is a magnificent remnant of the original Northland kauri forest.

Maturing kauri trees known to be at least 500 years old can be easily viewed close up from a raised walkway through the forest canopy.

The bubbling Wai Koromiko Stream runs through the middle of the park and the Paranui Falls, at over 23m high, are well worth a visit.

The site received recreational reserve status in 1889 and was named in 1956 after the well known author and publisher A H Reed who had an interest in long distance walking, the natural environment and kauri trees in particular.

Dogs

Dogs are prohibited from the loop. However, dogs are allowed on leash on Hātea River walkway to Whangārei Falls only, which passes through the western side of the park.

Parking

There are three carparks for visitors to use.

The main Lower Car Park is on the left, 1.5km from the turn into Whareora Rd.
The Middle Car Park for visitors with mobility restrictions is 300m past the main carpark, on the left.
The Upper Car Park just off Clapham Rd is a further 300 metres along the same road.

The park can also be reached by walking from the Hātea River Walkway or from the Sands Rd/Clapham Rd link to the north.

What to expect

The Canopy Walkway is an experience in itself and is considered to be a ‘must do’ for visitors to Whangārei. The park offers a variety of scenery and experiences for people of all abilities.

There may be some known and potential hazards that users should be aware of and avoid.

Known hazards in caves and on Council reserves

Walking tracks

There are several loop tracks through the park, with one designed to be suited for people of all abilities including wheelchair users. Times given are for walking the tracks in one direction only.

The Elizabeth / Alexander / Canopy Loop

Grade:   1
Time:   30 minutes
Distance:   890 metres

From the Lower car park, cross over the bridge by the information board and then right onto the surfaced Alexander Walk.

At the cross ways, turn left over the Canopy Walkway to the large kauri trees. The Elizabeth Track (steeper, with steps and not surfaced) makes a circular walk back to the car park.

The Alexander / McKinnon / Canopy Loop

Grade:       1
Time:        15 minutes
Distance:   300 metres

From the middle car park, take the ramp down to the cross ways. Turn right along the Alexander Track over the stream and then left along the McKinnon Track. At the large kauri trees, turn left over the Canopy Walkway back to the base of the ramp near the Middle Car Park.

This walk is suitable for wheelchairs and the less able.

The walk can be extended down the Alexander Walk to the Lower Car Park but some people may find the return walk a little too steep.

Paranui Falls

Grade:    2
Time:   60 minutes
Distance:   1450 metres

From the Lower Car Park, take the Alexander Walk to the right. At the Canopy Walkway, continue ahead to the McKinnon Track and then turn right. This track becomes quite steep and uneven in places.

Paranui Falls

There are two lookouts over the Paranui Falls from near the top where there are also many kauri rickers (young trees). The Elizabeth Track can be used to make a circular walk back to the car park, via the large kauri trees.