Renew your 2026/2027 Hīkoi Ngātahi membership now! 

To renew your membership, please scroll down to the “Membership and Casual Access” toggle and click the “Book Now” button. You will need to complete a new registration each year to ensure we have your most up-to-date details and that you have re-signed the Terms & Conditions for health and safety purposes.

Photo Requirement
Please have a recent headshot photograph of yourself ready to upload during registration. The photo must clearly show your face and be uploaded in an image format such as JPEG or PNG. Please do not upload PDFs, Word documents, passports, or driver’s licences. Casual walkers are not required to upload a photo.

Overview

Hīkoi Ngātahi is a walking group established to provide a safe and structured way for people to enjoy the natural beauty of Woodhill Forest. This initiative was developed in response to organised local community requests for improved forest access while respecting the private ownership of the forest, and ensuring environmental and cultural stewardship. Hīkoi Ngātahi provides ongoing access to designated walking trails through a managed access approach.

Following a successful one-year trial, we are pleased to confirm that Hīkoi Ngātahi will continue beyond 30 April 2026. This decision reflects strong community support and the positive uptake of the initiative.

Community feedback has been central to shaping the next phase. In particular, we have listened to requests around family access and have updated our membership approach accordingly.

Land Ownership

Woodhill Forest is owned by Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara (the post-settlement entity for Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara) and managed by its subsidiary Ngahere Ltd. Access to the forest is granted under our stewardship, ensuring that all activities recognise our property rights and align with kaitiakitanga principles and respect for the whenua. We are also cognizant of our obligations under health and safety legislation.

Access & Membership Requirements

To participate in Hīkoi Ngātahi, walkers must either hold a current membership registration or complete a casual registration for the day.

  • Registered members will be emailed a digital ID card. To access it easily, you must download or screenshot it on your phone.
  • Casual participants must pay a one-time fee and will be issued a receipt for the day.

Important: All participants must carry their ID card or casual walk confirmation while on the trails. Failure to do so may result in being asked to leave or facing trespassing action.

QR Code Check-in and Check-out: You must scan in and out using the provided QR codes when entering and exiting trails.  Following this process ensures we do not have to deploy search parties after hours for walkers who have scanned in but failed to scan out. Use your smartphone camera or a QR code scanning app to scan the designated codes at the trail entry and exit points. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your check-in or check-out.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and remain under that adult’s responsibility while in the forest. When signing in, the adult must record the number of children accompanying them. This information is critical for health and safety purposes in the event of an emergency. Please note that the adult member’s emergency contact details associated with their membership will be used if required.

Quick Access Tip: Copy the confirmation code from your email and paste it into the login page for faster check-in. To check out, leave the page open and click the “Check Out” button.

Additional Conditions

  • You must agree to the terms and conditions before accessing the property.
  • Dogs are permitted but must always be under control. They must be on a leash at high-traffic entry points and the stretch of Grass Track also used by horse riders (refer to map). Dog-walkers must give way to horse-riders. Excrement must be removed.
  • Members must wear a vest with the Hīkoi Ngātahi logo. This allows Kaitiaki to identify members on the trails easily. These must be purchased online and can be collected from our office.
  • No walking during hours of darkness.

Contact Information

🚨 In an emergency, dial 111
📍 HQ Location: 71 Restall Road, Waimauku
🕘 Office Hours: Staffed 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday or by appointment.
🚫 Closed: Weekends & Public Holidays
📞 Phone: 09 420 9566 ext. 1 | After Hours (urgent matters only): 021 128 4550
📧 Email: [email protected]

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.
13/04/2026 – The walking trails have officially reopened after Tropical Cyclone Vaianu. Please remain alert for hazards while walking. To assist with our assessment and cleanup, please report any hazards you encounter to [email protected], including the specific trail name and location, and any relevant photos.

As winter is now well underway, this is a friendly reminder about Health and Safety on the trails.

Over the next few months, we anticipate needing to close the trails occasionally due to significant weather conditions. These may include wind gusts exceeding 65km/h, heavy rainfall, and other significant weather events.
We ask that you take personal responsibility when walking and ensure you only use the trails in suitable conditions. If it is windy, please be mindful of potential hazards above, such as windthrow, heavily leaning trees, hang-ups, interlocking crowns, vines, and heavy undergrowth. If you notice significant tree movement and falling twigs, we advise you to leave the trails.

We aim to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Therefore, please report any hazards you observe on the trails via email, ideally with a photo and the map location.

Notice: Temporary Dog Prohibition – Woodhill Forest

From February 16, dogs are not permitted anywhere in Woodhill Forest due to pest control operations by the Auckland Council. These operations are essential for the long-term health of the forest. However, baiting and follow-up control work present a risk of secondary poisoning to dogs. For their safety, dogs are strictly prohibited from all areas of the forest until at least April 24. We will advise as soon as it is confirmed that it is safe for dogs to return.

This prohibition applies to all forest areas, including:

• Hīkoi Ngātahi trails

• The Horse Park

• All riding and walking access areas

We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep people, animals, and the forest safe during this time.

For enquiries regarding the pest control programme or baiting schedule, please contact Auckland Council on 027 500 1042.

Join Hīkoi Ngātahi 

Hīkoi Ngātahi provides access to designated walking trails managed by Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara. This is your chance to enjoy the forest, connect with nature, and be part of a growing walking community, whilst respecting the mana whenua of Ngāti Whātua.

Membership –  Sliding Scale Pricing

Memberships are priced on a sliding scale, depending on the date of purchase within the membership period:

  • From 1 May (12 months) – $100
  • From 1 August (9 months) – $85
  • From 1 November (6 months) – $60
  • From 1 February (3 months) – $35
  • Casual Walk – $2 per visit

Youth Memberships (14 – 16) are half price.

Children (under 14) are permitted free access when accompanied by a paying adult. The adult assumes full responsibility for the child at all times while in the forest.  The number of children accompanying the adult must be accurately recorded at the time of QR code sign-in for health and safety purposes.

Photo Requirement

Have a recent photograph of yourself ready to add to your membership 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. Casual walkers do not require a photo to be uploaded.

Membership Rules & Regulations

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

Proof of Membership – Carry your membership ID or email confirmation and purchase receipt and be prepared to show it to a kaitiaki at any time.
QR Code Check-in and Check-out: You must scan in and out using the provided QR codes on site when entering and exiting trails. After scanning, you will need to enter the four-digit confirmation code from your email into the login page.

How to scan the QR code:

  • Open your phone’s camera and point it at the QR code.
  • Tap the link that appears on your screen.
  • If your camera does not detect the QR code, use a QR scanner app.
  • Once the webpage opens, paste or type the four-digit confirmation code into the login field and submit.

Dog Control – Dogs are welcome but must always be under control and on leash at entry and exit points and areas shared with horse riders (refer to map). Dog-walkers, please give way to horse-riders.

High Visibility Vest – Members must wear a Hīkoi Ngātahi high-visibility vest while on the trails. Vests must be purchased online and can be collected from HQ at 71 Restall Road during standard business hours. Children are not required to wear a vest.

Daylight Hours Only – No walking during hours of darkness.

Children Supervision – All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Agreement to Terms – You must agree to the terms and conditions before purchasing a membership.

Join Now

Click the “Book now” button below to purchase your membership or casual access pass.

By joining Hīkoi Ngātahi, you contribute to the success of this initiative and help shape the future of walking access in these special areas, which Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara owns and must safely manage, but is willing to share in a controlled way with the wider community.

Me hīkoi ngātahi tātou – let’s walk together.

Membership and Access 

  • Access to the walking tracks on NMWoK trails is permitted to individuals with a paid annual membership, or
  • You can access walking trails by purchasing a casual walk pass. Proof of receipt will be required.
  • All members must carry a valid membership ID or pass when on the property.
  • All walkers are required to record their entry and exit by scanning the designated QR codes provided at access points.
  • Children under the age of 14 may access the walking trails free of charge, provided they are accompanied at all times by a paying adult member who is signed in. The accompanying adult is responsible for the safety and welfare of the child at all times while on the property.
  • Youth aged 14 to 16 years are eligible for a membership fee set at 50% of the applicable adult rate for the selected membership duration. This is classified as a “Youth Membership.”
  • All walkers must stay on designated walking tracks at all times. Straying from these tracks will be considered trespassing and may result in membership suspension or cancellation. Designated walking tracks are maintained and monitored for risks and hazards whereas other areas are not.
  • If you have previously been trespassed from Woodhill Forest or any other NMWoK property, you are not permitted to enter our properties or purchase from our website.
  • Operations and Trail Access: Other activities (eg. forestry, permitted hunting, events) may take precedence over walking trails. For safety or other reasons, access to trails may be partially or fully restricted at any time without prior notice. All walkers must comply with closure signage and safety instructions to ensure compliance with New Zealand health and safety regulations and the directions of the landowner.

Health and Safety Requirements 

  • Walking on NMWoK trails involves inherent risks. Members undertake all activities at their own risk.
  • Members must wear appropriate footwear and clothing suitable for varying weather conditions and terrain.
  • Members are required to wear high-visibility vests displaying the walking group’s logo while on the trails.
  • Members must carry a mobile phone for emergency communication.
  • In the event of an emergency, dial 111 immediately.
  • Members must report any hazards, injuries, or safety concerns to the landowner promptly via provided contact details.
  • You may not enter any area where warning signs have been erected.
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected out of the forest.
  • Please ensure that your equipment (shoes) have been sanitised if you have been to other trails where you could have been exposed to myrtle rust, kauri dieback, etc.

Code of Conduct 

  • Members must respect the natural and cultural environment, wildlife, infrastructure and any livestock present.
  • Littering is strictly prohibited. All rubbish must be taken off the property.
  • No smoking or open flames are allowed on the property.
  • No unauthorised vehicles, bicycles, or equipment are allowed on the walking tracks. The provided trails are for walking, not for cycling or driving.
  • No walking during the hours of darkness.
  • Vegetation shall not be removed or disturbed.

Dogs

  • Dogs are permitted on the property but must be under strict control at all times and be easily recalled by their owner.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash at all high-traffic entrances and access points, and the stretch of Grass Track also used by horse riders (refer to map). Dog-walkers must give way to horse-riders.
  • 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, other walkers, or forestry operations.
  • All dog waste must be removed from the property.

Restrictions and Closures 

  • Access may be restricted during high fire-risk periods, adverse weather conditions, or for land management activities.
  • Members will be notified of any temporary closures via email or other communication channels, such as our website.

Liability 

  • The landowner accepts no liability for personal injury, loss, or damage to property while members are on the premises.

Breach of Terms 

  • Failure to adhere to these terms and conditions may result in suspension or cancellation of membership, removal from the property, and possible trespass notices.

Amendments 

  • These terms and conditions are subject to change. Members will be informed of any amendments in writing.

Contact Information 

For emergencies: Dial 111

For non-urgent matters: during business hours, please contact the Woodhill Forest Information Line at 09 420 9566 or email [email protected]. For urgent matters outside of business hours, call 021 128 4550.