Access

  • To access Te Ngahere o Woodhill Kake Hōiho horse park, riders must hold a current membership registration or complete a casual registration for a day pass.

  • Restall Road forest gate and the Muriwai horse gates

    • Open: 6:30 am

    • Closed: 6:00 pm until daylight saving and 8:00 pm during daylight saving.

    • Access is closed when wind gusts reach or exceed 65 km/h.
Office Hours
  • Monday–Friday, 9.30 am–3.30 pm (closed weekends and holidays).

09 420 9566 ext. 1

71 Restall Road Waimauku – map

[email protected]

After Hours

  • For urgent matters requiring an immediate company response – 021 128 4550

In an emergency, dial 111

Riding Requirements

Riders must hold a current membership or complete a casual registration to purchase a day pass.

  • Registered members will receive an email with a digital ID card.
  • Casual riders pay a one-time fee and are sent a receipt.
  • All riders must carry a mobile phone for identification and emergencies.

Important: For easy access, take a screenshot of the ID or receipt and have it ready on your phone when you are in the park. Be prepared to show it to a Kaitiaki at any time. Failure to do so may result in your being asked to leave or trespass action being taken against you.

All riders must wear a riding helmet and a high-visibility vest.

Members must wear a vest with the Kake Hōiho logo to help identify them on the trails. Vests are purchased online and collected from our office. Casual riders can borrow a vest from the office or use their own.

A tag with the rider’s contact name and number must be attached to the saddle or bridle in case the horse gets lost.

Riders 16 and under are not eligible to hold a membership or key. They must be supervised by a registered adult.

Riding is restricted to the horse park and approved trails outside the park.

Riding beyond designated areas is prohibited.

No riding during the hours of darkness.

Please read the full terms and conditions in the section below. You must agree to the terms and conditions when you register.

Kaitiaki

Forest Kaitiaki oversee the use and management of Woodhill Forest. Riders may be approached and asked to provide proof of registration. Ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions helps maintain the security and safety of the horse park and the forest.

Vehicles

  • Vehicles left after hours will be towed at the owner’s expense or incur a release fee.

  • For assistance, contact First Security at 0800 347 787.

Nursery Cabin & Campsite Bookings

  • Availability: Please check with reception at 09 420 9566 extn—1 during business hours.

  • Holiday Periods: Early bookings are available for groups of 10 or more staying for at least two nights.

  • Deposit: A 50% deposit is required within five days of booking.

Download Facility Hire Agreement (Nursery Campsite)

Download Images of the Nursery Campsite Facility

Kake Hōiho Horse Park Map

Download Kake Hōiho Horse Park Map

21/04/2026 – Following an update from Auckland Council regarding the possum control program, we can confirm that it will be safe to bring dogs back into Woodhill Forest starting May 6, 2026. Please note that although the program is complete, dog owners must remain vigilant. We would advise dog owners to keep their dogs under control, within sight, and preferably on a leash to ensure their safety and prevent ingestion of carcasses. 

Pest control remains essential to protecting the ngahere and native species, and this work will continue over time as part of our ongoing responsibility.

Moving forward:
  • Future pest control programmes will not trigger a blanket dog ban; riders can use their discretion.
  • We will provide clear and timely updates as soon as we become aware of, or plan, any pest control activity.
  • We will share information available to us so that you can make the best-informed decisions for you and your dog.

We are currently awaiting results from the most recent programme. Further pest control may be required.

With winter weather approaching, keep an eye out for branches that may be hung up. If you encounter any issues, please report them by emailing a photo and location to [email protected]. 

If your key gets stuck in a lock, try pushing the barrel in while turning the key and notify us so we can arrange for the lock to be repaired or replaced.

Access and Registration
  • The casual registration fee is $30
  • Payment is by debit or credit card.
  • You must agree to the terms and conditions before purchasing.

Additional casual riders can be registered using the same form.

If a key is needed, select the option on the registration form.

Register as close to your ride date as possible.

If you are unsure of your ride date, we recommend registering on the same day as your scheduled ride. The cut-off time for same-day rides is 4 pm.

Refunds are only issued if we need to close the park on your ride day.

Important Confirmation Email & Key Allocation Information

After completing your casual ride booking, you should receive two separate emails within approximately 5 minutes:

• A payment receipt/booking confirmation email.
• A separate email from [email protected] containing your key allocation number (if you requested a key), maps, and access instructions.

Please check your spam/junk folder and any email filters before leaving for your ride to ensure you have received these emails.

If you have not received the emails within 5 minutes of purchasing, please contact our office on 09 420 9566 during office hours, or call the after-hours duty manager on 021 128 4550 if you are arranging a key collection outside office hours.

You will need the key allocation email, relevant access information, and your receipt before arriving at the park.

To readily access your receipt, download it or take a screenshot on your phone. Carry your phone with your receipt on it in the park, and be prepared to show it to a Kaitiaki at any time. If you do not have proof of registration, we may ask you to leave the park or take trespass action against you.

All riders must carry a mobile phone for identification and emergencies.

To register, click the horse logo below
Dogs must be under control

Dogs are welcome, but they must always be under control and in sight of the rider.

We have received complaints about dogs, so we are monitoring the situation. If issues persist, we may review our policy regarding dogs in the park.

  • Strictly one dog per rider.

  • Your dog must be under control at all times.

  • Your dog must keep up with you while you ride.

  • You must be able to recall your dog immediately if it moves too far ahead or out of sight.

  • Your dog must not harm or cause distress to riders, horses, or other dogs.

  • You must tie up your dog in the car parking areas.

Rider Safety Requirements

  • All riders must wear a hi-vis vest and a riding helmet.

  • Casual riders can borrow a vest when the office is open or use their own.

  • All riders must carry a mobile phone for identification and emergencies.
Membership Offer

  • The Early Bird Special 12-month membership is available online from November 1 to November 30. See the Membership tab for details.

Contact Information
Office Hours
  • Monday–Friday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm (closed on weekends and holidays).
09 420 9566 ext. 1

71 Restall Road Waimauku – map

[email protected]

After Hours
  • For urgent matters requiring an immediate company response – 021 128 4550
EMERGENCIES – dial 111

21/04/2026 – Following an update from Auckland Council regarding the possum control program, we can confirm that it will be safe to bring dogs back into Woodhill Forest starting May 6, 2026. Please note that although the program is complete, dog owners must remain vigilant. We would advise dog owners to keep their dogs under control, within sight, and preferably on a leash to ensure their safety and prevent ingestion of carcasses.

Pest control remains essential to protecting the ngahere and native species, and this work will continue over time as part of our ongoing responsibility.

Moving forward: 
  • Future pest control programmes will not trigger a blanket dog ban; riders can use their discretion.
  • We will provide clear and timely updates as soon as we become aware of, or plan, any pest control activity.
  • We will share information available to us so that you can make the best-informed decisions for you and your dog.

We are currently awaiting results from the most recent programme. Further pest control may be required.

With winter weather approaching, keep an eye out for branches that may be hung up. If you encounter any issues, please report them by emailing a photo and location to [email protected]. 

If your key gets stuck in a lock, try pushing the barrel in while turning the key and notify us so we can arrange for the lock to be repaired or replaced.

Registration  fees and membership periods

  • Early Bird 12-month membership: $320 – includes one child at no extra charge; $120 per additional child. Available November 1–30.

  • 12-month membership: $365 – $120 per child. Available from December 1.

  • 9-month membership: $315 – $105 per child. Available from March 1.

  • 6-month membership: $230 – $95 per child. Available from June 1.

  • 3-month membership: $135 – $80 per child. Available from September 1.

The current registration is for a 9-month membership.
Photo Requirement 

Have a recent photograph of yourself ready on your device to upload to the registration page. We need a headshot that clearly shows the face. The photo must be in an image format, e.g., JPEG or PNG. Do not submit it in PDF or Word format. DO NOT use your passport or driver’s licence.

Proof of Membership

Registered members will receive an email with a digital ID card. To access it readily, download it or take a screenshot on your phone. Carry your phone with your digital ID in the park, and be prepared to show it to a Kaitiaki at any time. Failure to do so may result in trespass action.

Payment

Payment is via debit or credit card.

When we process your registration, we will allocate you a key and email you collection instructions. Your digital ID and a horse park map will be attached. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive the email in your inbox.

Membership Rules & Regulations 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, members must follow these guidelines:

Mobile phone—Members must carry a mobile phone for identification and emergencies.

Proof of membership— Carry your digital ID on your phone and be prepared to show it to a Kaitiaki at any time.

High-visibility vest—Members must wear a Kake Hōiho high-visibility vest in the horse park. You can purchase a vest online and collect it from HQ at 71 Restall Road during business hours. Children are not required to wear a vest.

Returning members — Returning members must exchange their old keys when collecting new ones, or pay a $100 lost key fee, refundable upon key return.

You must return your key at the end of the membership period.

Members must not

    • Share their horse park keys with other riders.

    • Bring non-registered riders into Woodhill Forest (only registered members with an ID card or casual riders with a current receipt are permitted).

Riders 16 years old or under cannot be issued a membership or key. A registered adult rider must supervise them.

No pedestrians, dog walkers, cyclists, or non-riding companions are allowed in the horse park.

Dogs must always be under control.

Dogs are welcome, but they must always be under control and in sight of the rider.

We have received complaints about dogs, so we are monitoring the situation. If issues persist, we may review our policy on dogs in the park.

  • Strictly one dog per rider.

  • You must always control your dog.

  • Your dog must keep up with you while you ride.

  • You must be able to recall your dog immediately if it moves too far ahead or out of sight.

  • Your dog must not harm or cause distress to riders, horses, or other dogs.

  • You must tie your dog up in the car parking areas.

Please read the terms and conditions section before registering.

All memberships expire on November 30 each year.
The new membership year begins on December 1, when the horse park locks change.
Keys for the Early Bird Special 12-month memberships are available to collect from December 1.

To register, click the horse logo below.
Contact
Office Hours
  • Monday–Friday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm (closed on weekends and holidays).
09 420 9566 ext. 1

71 Restall Road Waimauku – map

[email protected]

After Hours
  • For urgent matters requiring an immediate company response – 021 128 4550
EMERGENCY – dial 111

Registration & Identification
  • Only registered members and registered casual riders have access to Te Ngahere o Woodhill Kake Hōiho horse park.
  • All riders must carry a mobile phone for identification and emergency communication purposes.
  • All riders must have proof of registration saved on their phone (valid digital ID or receipt) and present it to Kaitiaki upon request. Failure to comply may result in trespass action.
  • All riders must wear a riding helmet and a high-visibility vest. Members must wear a vest displaying the official Kake Hōiho logo. You can purchase vests online and collect them from our office. Casual riders may borrow a vest from the office or use their own. Small children do not need a vest.
  • A tag with the rider’s contact name and number must be attached to the saddle or bridle in case the horse gets lost.
Membership & Guests
  • Only registered riders may enter the horse park or access the approved riding trails in Woodhill Forest. Key-carrying members are not allowed to bring unregistered guests.
  • Horse park keys are for registered members only and may not be shared.
  • Memberships run from December 1 to November 30; you must return your key at the end of the membership period.
  • A registered adult rider must supervise riders 16 and under who cannot hold a membership or key.
Membership Renewals & Lost Keys
  • Memberships renew annually on December 1.
  • Gate locks change annually on December 1, and you must register for membership or casual entry to continue accessing the horse park.
  • A new key is not issued to a returning member until they return the old key or pay the lost key fee.
  • Lost keys incur a $100 fee. If the key is found and returned, the fee is refunded.
Vehicle Access & Parking
  • There are designated car parks within the licensed area.
  • All vehicles and horse floats must have a current Warrant of Fitness and vehicle registration.
  • Members must display a Vehicle Parking Permit sticker. We keep a daily record of vehicle registrations for casual riders.
  • Vehicles left after hours will be towed at the owner’s expense or incur a release fee. For assistance:
    Contact First Security at 0800 347 787.
Access & Restrictions
  • Riding is permitted from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm until daylight saving begins and until 8:00 pm during daylight saving.
  • No riding in the dark.
  • You can ride in the horse park and on the approved trails south of the park. The southern trails are in a shared-use area and are closed to riders for scheduled events.
  • Riding outside designated areas is trespassing and may result in prosecution and/or cancellation of your membership.
  • No pedestrians, dog walkers, cyclists, or non-riding companions are allowed in the horse park or on the designated trails.
  • Always lock gates behind you to prevent unauthorised access.
  • Logging trucks and forest vehicles have the right of way on forest roads.
  • You may cross forest roads, but you cannot ride along them. Take extra care when crossing.
  • Horses led by a mounted rider must be tethered to the rider with a sturdy lead or rope and remain under control at all times.
  • Registered members can enter via the Muriwai horse gates. Members may bring registered casual riders. Members may not bring unregistered guests.
  • Dune areas north of Muriwai Regional Park (beyond Old Telephone Track) are off-limits.
  • We may restrict access due to organised events, land management activities, fire risk, or high wind gusts (65+ km/h).

We notify members of any closures via email, on www.woodhillforest.co.nz, and the Te Ngahere Kake Hōiho Facebook page.

Risks & Reporting
  • Horse riding is inherently high-risk. Riders using the horse park and approved Woodhill Forest trails acknowledge and accept all associated risks.
  • Stay alert to the forest environment. There are wild animals that may spook your horse.
  • Ensure you only use the trails in suitable conditions. If it is windy, be mindful of potential hazards from above, such as windthrow, heavy leaning trees, and hung-up branches. If you notice significant tree movement and falling twigs, please leave the trails.
  • Report any hazards you observe on the trails via email to [email protected], ideally accompanied by a photo and a map location.
  • Immediately report lost horses or dogs to Kake Hōiho staff:
    • Office (09 420 9566 ext.1) during business hours: Mon-Fri, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm
    • After-hours duty manager (021 128 4550)
  • Do not search on foot, by vehicle, or in the dark for horses or dogs lost in the forest, or post about lost animals on public social media. Use the Kake Hōiho Facebook page for member updates. People who are not staff or part of Kake Hōiho attempting to enter the forest and search unfamiliar terrain for lost animals may worsen the situation by getting lost or injured themselves.
  • In emergencies, dial 111.

For urgent matters outside of business hours, call 021 128 4550.

Dogs

  • Dogs are permitted on the property but must be under total control at all times and be easily recalled by their owner, especially at high-traffic entrances and access points.
  • Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Ngahere Ltd undertakes pest control activities from time to time. These will be announced to members. Where a dog is likely to roam, scavenge, or consume carcasses of poisoned animals or bait, the use of a leash or muzzle is strongly recommended.
  • Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Ngahere Ltd does not guarantee that dogs will not be harmed or incur illness from pest control activities or any other cause while on the property.
  • All dogs are brought onto the property entirely at the owner’s risk.
  • Owners must ensure dogs do not interfere with wildlife, livestock, walkers (in shared-use areas), other dogs, or forestry operations.
  • Dogs must keep pace with the rider; if they go ahead or out of sight, the rider must call them back immediately.
  • Dogs must be tied up when in the car parking areas.
  • Dogs must not harm or cause distress to others.
  • Continued violations may result in dogs losing access to the park.
Code of conduct
  • Riders must respect the natural and cultural environment, wildlife, infrastructure, and any livestock present.
  • Littering is strictly prohibited. You must take your rubbish with you when you leave.
  • No smoking or open flames are allowed on the property.
Health & Safety
  • Riding helmets and high-visibility vests are mandatory.
  • Riders are required to carry a mobile phone for identification and emergency communication purposes.
  • A registered adult rider must supervise riders 16 years of age or younger.
  • Do not enter any area where warning signs and tape have been erected.
  • Be mindful of potential hazards from above, such as windthrow, heavily leaning trees, and hung-up branches. If you notice significant tree movement and falling twigs, please leave the trails or move to an area clear of trees.
  • Stay alert to the forest environment. There are wild animals that may spook your horse.
  • Logging trucks and forest vehicles have the right of way on forest roads.
  • You may cross forest roads, but you cannot ride along them.
  • No riding during the hours of darkness.
  • Report any hazards, injuries, or safety concerns to Kake Hōiho staff promptly via the provided contact details.
  • The park will close when wind gusts reach or exceed 65 km/h.
  • In an emergency, dial 111 immediately.
Breach of terms
  • If you don’t follow the rider terms and conditions, it may result in the suspension or cancellation of your membership, removal from the property, or trespass action.
Amendments
  • These terms and conditions are subject to change. We will inform members of any amendments in writing.

Horse park boundary:

Boundary tracks marked in red below:

Approved trails south of the horse park (access closed when other activities are scheduled in the area):

21/04/2026 – Following an update from Auckland Council regarding the possum control program, we can confirm that it will be safe to bring dogs back into Woodhill Forest starting May 6, 2026. Please note that although the program is complete, dog owners must remain vigilant. We would advise dog owners to keep their dogs under control, within sight, and preferably on a leash to ensure their safety and prevent ingestion of carcasses.

Pest control remains essential to protecting the ngahere and native species, and this work will continue over time as part of our ongoing responsibility.

Moving forward: 
  • Future pest control programmes will not trigger a blanket dog ban; riders can use their discretion.
  • We will provide clear and timely updates as soon as we become aware of, or plan, any pest control activity.
  • We will share information available to us so that you can make the best-informed decisions for you and your dog.

We are currently awaiting results from the most recent programme. Further pest control may be required.

With winter weather approaching, keep an eye out for branches that may be hung up. If you encounter any issues, please report them by emailing a photo and location to [email protected].

If your key gets stuck in a lock, try pushing the barrel in while turning the key and notify us so we can arrange for the lock to be repaired or replaced.

Access to the Horse Park 

To enter the horse park, please register as a member or casual rider. To avoid a trespassing action, always carry a valid ID or receipt on your phone as proof of identification.

Gate Closing Times
  • The forest gate closes at 6 pm until daylight saving, and at 8 pm during daylight saving.
Office Hours
  • Monday–Friday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm (closed on weekends and holidays).
09 420 9566 ext. 1

71 Restall Road Waimauku – map

[email protected]

After Hours

  • For urgent matters requiring an immediate company response – 021 128 4550

EMERGENCIES – dial 111

Dogs in the Park 

We have received multiple complaints about dogs in the horse park that are creating safety issues for riders, horses, and other dogs. Unfortunately, some incidents have resulted in injuries to riders. While we recognise that most owners comply with park rules and manage their dogs responsibly, there are ongoing concerns.

If owners do not comply with our requirements, we will review our policy on dogs in the park.

  • Dogs are permitted but must be under control at all times.
  • Strictly one dog per rider.
  • The dog must keep up with rider and horse.
  • The rider must recall the dog immediately if it moves too far ahead or out of sight.
  • The rider must tie up the dog when in the car parking areas.
  • The dog must not harm or cause distress to others.

Continued violations may result in dogs losing access to the park.

Early Bird Membership 

The 12-month Early Bird Special membership is available online from November 1 to November 30 each year (see the membership section for details).

Key Return Policy

Returning members will not receive a new key unless they return the old one or pay the $100 lost key fee, which is refunded upon return of the key.

Reporting Hazards

If you encounter a hazard while riding, please report it by:

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Phone: 09 420 9566 ext. 1 (office hours)

    Include a detailed description, location (track name), and a photo if possible.

After-Hours Contact

  • For urgent, after-hours incidents that require an immediate response, call 021 128 4550.

EMERGENCIES – dial 111.

Horse park boundary tracks in red:

Approved trails south of the horse park. Access to these trails is closed for scheduled activities.

Rider Guidelines & Safety

  • Forest Roads: Riders may cross forest roads, but riding along roads is prohibited.

  • Operational Forest: Woodhill Forest is an active logging site. Riding near harvesting areas endangers both riders and workers. Entering these areas may result in removal from the forest, cancellation of your membership, and/or taking action for trespass.

  • Restricted Riding Areas: Riding outside the horse park boundary is prohibited except on the approved, marked trails south of the park. Riding in unauthorised areas constitutes trespass and may result in prosecution and loss of membership.

Coast Road Public Access Easement

  • Coast Road is permanently closed to motorised vehicles.

  • You can access the easement on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback during daylight hours.

  • No access is allowed beyond the Muriwai Regional Park (no going past Old Telephone Track or into Woodhill Forest).

  • Auckland Council Regional Parks manages Muriwai Regional Park (5-mile Strip).

Private Property Notice

  • Woodhill Forest land east of Coast Road and north of Old Telephone Track is private property.

  • Trespassers will be prosecuted.

  • Dogs must always remain near their owners and be under control in the horse park. They must be tied up in the car park areas (one dog per rider).

  • Keep dogs out of water troughs.

  • Riderless horses must be led by a mounted rider, using a connecting lead or rope, and kept under control at all times.

  • Riders must wear a hi-vis vest at all times in the forest.

  • Gates must be locked immediately after entering or exiting the horse park. If waiting for others, wait for them at the gate rather than leave the gate open for them.

  • Slow down and be courteous when passing other riders on the trails.

  • Crossing forest roads is allowed, but riding along them is not permitted.

  • Access Restrictions:

    • No entry to Restall Road or the Muriwai horse gates before 6:30 am or after 6 pm (winter) / 8 pm (summer).

    • No riding in the dark.

  • Permitted Riding Areas:

    • Riders may ride within the horse park boundary and on approved, marked trails south of the southern border.

Riding in unauthorised areas is trespassing and may result in prosecution and membership cancellation.

KIA ORA KAKE HŌIHO RIDERS

Our recent clarification of the ways to access the Horse Park from Muriwai has generated lots of commentary on our Facebook page and other social media forums.

Although this topic has been addressed before via our website, Facebook, newspapers, pamphlets and in public forums, we’ll present some key information again now.

In 2013 Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara (NMWoK, the ‘corporate’ entity representing Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara) purchased the land under Woodhill Forest from the Crown as part of our Treaty of Waitangi settlement. The land then became privately owned. The primary reason for purchasing the land was a commercial investment to fund the hapū’s social, educational, cultural and health programmes.

As private land, there is no obligation on NMWoK to provide access to the public – just as there is no public right to roam on the private land any of us own, our homes.

Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara has for centuries now welcomed new people into our region – even when for periods of time we became marginalised and dispossessed. We understand and value the development of a strong community and will play our part. The various activities we run or licence within Woodhill (e.g. Bike Park, Tree Adventures, off-roading / dirt biking, paintball) give opportunities to the public to enjoy the forest – whilst contributing to the commercial return we expected when we decided to purchase it. However unquestionably the most significant activity in the forest is forestry, which we both licence and now, increasingly, participate in as a joint venture partner. Forestry is a high-risk industry and the forest is a workplace. Other mobile businesses such as firewood collection also use the forest. One-off events are increasingly common. There is even a live-firing weapons range at the northern end of the forest and military exercises at times outside of that area. We have strict obligations on us as the landowner, landlord and now forestry company to keep this workplace, and all within it, safe as required under legislation. The new health and safety legislation that came into force this year (2016) is much tighter than the old and sets out massive penalties for our senior staff and board members should an incident occur and our processes be found lacking. This encourages caution. We know other organisations with similar responsibilities to us are grappling with how to manage their obligations in a sensible way. You may well see a range of responses but no-one wants to be the test case for a prosecution under the new legislation. Our tenant businesses are as conscious as we are of their organisational risks operating in the forest. We need to take their concerns into account in how we manage the forest.

So, for now, having taken legal advice, discussed these matters in depth with our tenants and business partners, and considering our own appetite for risk (especially those in positions of authority for us who would face fines into the millions should we be convicted of a failing under health and safety legislation), our cautious position is that the public may only access Woodhill Forest by permit, or in one of the licenced activity areas. For horse-riders, this means the exclusive horse park area, the boundary of which is described as the ‘perimeter trail’ on your maps. As registered riders, we know we have your details should we need to contact you. We know you have been informed of the dangers in the forest and made aware of where to find information on changing situations in the forest (e.g. areas that are out of bounds because of harvesting activity). We know the area within which you will be found (and importantly where you should not be, therefore where we could then permit other activity). The same can be said of all the other licensed activities we sanction in the forest. This knowledge and ability to exert control and keep things safe are absent when we don’t know who is in the forest, doing what and where. Managing this mosaic of use takes a lot of staff time and attention – and so there is a cost to this. There is also a limit to the complexity of use that we believe we can actually keep track of across all 12 500 hectares of the forest and keep everyone within safe to a reasonable standard. Only we out of all the businesses/groups/individuals that access and use the forest can appreciate and need to know, everything that is happening in it every day. Thus, we reserve the right to only permit what we believe we can safely manage. We will continue to make use of tools like media, signage, pamphlets, our kaitiaki educators, and trespass to discharge our responsibilities and preserve our own rights.

Constructive feedback is welcome but we will continue to take a precautionary approach that allows us to feel we are discharging our duty of care to ourselves and our workers, our tenants and business partners, and our customers. Over time we will make changes to the forest regime as experience, understanding and the mosaic of activities change. Some of these may be less restrictive, some may prove to need to be more restrictive.

We came to help with the working bee in the Five Mile Strip, knowing that we are encouraging people to use that as a way to reach the Horse Park from Muriwai. It was good to confirm on the ground that it can be used by riders. We are also working with Council in other ways to encourage the improvement of this area for use by horse-riders.

Going into the new horse-riding season this spring, we are intending to allow the use by registered horse riders of some trails between the exclusive horse park (southern boundary Wightman Way) and Muriwai. This is reliant on us getting those trails up to spec by then and getting in place a system of which riders can effectively be warned if these need to be closed from time to time (e.g. for harvesting or other events that may be taking place). The intention is that generally only horse-riders will be using those trails, but the area may still be offered up for use for another activity / event from time to time – in which case other access may need to be restricted.

Eke Hōiho will change its name at that time to ‘Kake Hōiho’ (pronounced ‘Kar-keh Hoy-hoar’) to better reflect the Kaipara dialect.

It would be easy (and tempting) to discuss and debate public access in the forest forever, but we are loathed to endlessly revisit this. Now and again we will respond if there is something new to be added or clarified but generally, we hope and trust that people will respect us as a private landowner and business. We know we won’t meet the wants of all the wider public who would like to have unfettered access to the forest, but this posting sets out again why we are acting as we are. We will take note of reasonable suggestions but will generally consider these in our own way and time as we manage the large, complex beast that is Woodhill Forest.

Happy riding.

A Message from Auckland Council

As our normal reminder, if you are driving on the beach, please make sure you keep your speed down (stick to the speed limits), keep your distance from others, and acquaint yourself with the skills you need to drive on a beach, including having the right tyre pressure and equipment and being aware of the tide cycle and swell states. Please stay out of the dunes, the Defence area, and the forest – it is private property.
I would ask for your continued help reporting dangerous driving and driving in prohibited areas (like the dunes and the forest). Please report the matter immediately to the police.
If lives are at risk or someone is in imminent danger, call 111. For non-urgent incidents or events after the fact, make a report online via 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105. Please help us to keep the beach safe for everyone by reporting bad driving behaviours.
Lastly, do not light any fires, as these have always been prohibited on Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach. Dry conditions present a significantly heightened risk to the forest and surrounding area.

A Message from NZ Police

A reminder that access to the beach requires a permit. To obtain your permit to drive on the beach, please click on the following link, which only takes five minutes and is free of charge:
Apply online for a beach driving permit for Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches
Public Announcements from Manulife Investment Management Forest Management NZ
The Department of Conservation has issued the following notice in October 2022:
We are advising that the public access easement at Tasman and Rimmer Road,/ Muriwai Beach, Auckland, is currently closed to members of the public due to safety concerns.
This means there is currently no public access to Muriwai Beach across the land privately owned by Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara.
The Department is currently discussing with other agencies and interested parties how to address the ongoing maintenance and management of the public access easement.
All correspondence is to be emailed to [email protected].
We thank members of the public for respecting the easement closures during this period.
We asked the public to report all emergencies to FENZ (fire)  or NZ Police (111) and all suspicious behaviour to 027 535 5770.
PUBLIC ACCESS EASEMENT STATUS FROM 5 PM 21 AUGUST 2024 forwards:
Easement
 Date from
 Date to
  Status
Tasman Road
6 pm 10-Feb-23 
 Until further notice.
Closed for the safety of public access easement users.
(PAE No 1 Section 4.2 & 4.3).
Winter rainfall damaged to Tasman Road
makes it unsafe for open public use.
The landowners are in discussion with
the Department of Conservation.
Rimmer Road
3-Oct-22 
 Until further notice. 
Closed for the safety of public access easement users.
(PAE No 2, Section D 4.2 & 4.3).
The weather events have narrowed the road pavement,
making it unsafe for open public use.
The landowners are in discussion with
the Department of Conservation.
Coast Road
5 pm 21-Aug-24 
 Until further notice.  
Walk-in access only on Coast Road
to access Muriwai Regional Park (5 Mile).
Please remember
  1. In addition to the above, no public access is permitted into Woodhill Forest beyond the open Public Access Easement roads and no public access (by any means) east of Coast Road or north of Old Telephone Track.
    Reason: the land is private property. Contact 09 420 9566 for more information.
  2. VEHICLES LOCKED IN MUST CALL SECURITY ON 0275355770 and PAY THE NIGHT GATE OPEN CHARGE.
  3. Auckland Council Regional Parks manage access to the 5-mile strip (Muriwai Regional Park).
Any changes to the Public Access Easement access will be published by Thursday 4 pm during a given week or when conditions change.
Signage will be displayed at the start of the easements.
Access and Use of Te Ngahere o Woodhill

Te Ngahere o Woodhill is a private, operational forest with ongoing forestry activities. Due to the constantly changing nature of these operations, access is strictly controlled through a permitting and deconfliction process to ensure the safety of all staff, operators, and visitors.

Access Restrictions

Public access without a permit is prohibited except for accessing the licensed recreational operators (see Activities).

    • All authorised access and activities require a permit.
    • The NZDF bombing range at the northern tip of the South Head peninsula is not part of the forest.
    • Motorised access over or on the dunes is prohibited.
    • Hunting is managed by the Woodhill Fallow Management Council. Apply for a ballot at www.fallowdeer.co.nz.
Prohibited Activities
    • No fires or smoking in the forest or dunes. No camping.
Forest Access & Safety
    • Forest Information Line: +64 9 420 9566 ext. 0
    • Forest Office – +64 9 420 9566 (Mon–Fri, 9:30 am–2:30 pm)
    •  No public access to the forest without a permit.

    • Forest Kaitiaki/Wardens patrol the area. Anyone found without a permit will be asked to leave and may face trespassing action.

    • Call 105 to report non-emergency incidents at the forest or beach to the police.

    • Emergency – call 111 immediately

After Hours Contact

For urgent matters requiring an immediate response

    • Call the after-hours duty manager at 021 128 4550.
Security Contact Details
    • First Security –  0800 347 787 (Restall Road gate)
    • Forest security – 027 535 5770 (Rimmer Road and Tasman Road gates)
The Muriwai Rangers
    • 09 369 5829

Woodhill Forest land east of Coast Road and north of Old Telephone Track is private property.