Puhoi is a small historic settlement 45 minutes north of Auckland, founded in 1863 by Bohemian immigrants from what is now the Czech Republic. It’s one of New Zealand’s most intact early European communities — the original church still stands, the pub has been licensed since 1879, and the village retains a genuinely unhurried character that has made it a quiet favourite with Aucklanders looking for something different. The main activities are exploring the historic village, eating cheese, and paddling the Puhoi River down to Wenderholm Regional Park — a full day’s loop that needs no planning beyond arriving.
Practical Information
| Distance from Auckland | Approximately 45 minutes by car — SH1 north, exit at Puhoi Road |
| Founded | 1863 — Bohemian settlers from Stará Boleslav, Czech Republic |
| Puhoi Tavern | Licensed since 1879 — open daily, bar and bistro |
| Puhoi Valley Cheese | Café, cheese shop and farm animals — open daily |
| Canoe hire | Puhoi River Canoe Hire — kayaks and canoes for the 3–4 hour river paddle to Wenderholm |
| Wenderholm access | Wenderholm Regional Park — by canoe via the Puhoi River or 15 minutes by road |
| Entry fee | Free to visit the village; canoe hire and food/drink costs apply |
The Puhoi Tavern
The Puhoi Tavern has been licensed continuously since 1879, making it one of the oldest pubs in the Auckland region. The interior is lined with historical artefacts, photographs and memorabilia from the original Bohemian settlement — more like a small museum than a typical pub. The bar serves beer and a bistro menu, and on weekends it draws Aucklanders making the drive specifically for the atmosphere. It’s worth stopping in even if just for a drink and a look at the walls.
Puhoi Valley Artisan Cheese
Puhoi Valley Artisan Cheese is a working dairy farm and cheese producer with a café and shop open to visitors. You can taste and buy cheeses produced on site, and there are farm animals — including goats and calves — that make it a good stop for families with children. The café serves simple food and coffee. The Puhoi Valley brand is well known throughout New Zealand; this is where it comes from.
The Puhoi River Canoe
The highlight of a Puhoi day trip for many visitors is the river paddle. Puhoi River Canoe Hire rents kayaks and canoes for a self-guided journey from the village downstream to Wenderholm Regional Park — roughly 8 kilometres of gentle river through native bush and farmland, taking 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace. The river is tidal in its lower reaches, so timing the paddle with the tide helps. Wenderholm Regional Park, at the mouth of the Puhoi River, has a beach and picnic areas; from there you can return by prearranged shuttle or by driving back.
St Peter and Paul Catholic Church
The Church of St Peter and Paul was built by the original Bohemian settlers and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Auckland region. The building has been maintained and is typically open during the day. The church register contains records dating to the first generation of settlers, and the interior reflects the immigrant community’s determination to replicate their homeland church architecture in the New Zealand bush.
What Visitors Say
“The canoe trip down the river to Wenderholm was the highlight — totally peaceful, native bush on both banks, and you arrive at a beautiful beach. Allow more time than you think you need, especially if the tide is going out.”
— TripAdvisor review, Puhoi River Canoe Hire
“The pub is brilliant — the walls are covered in old photos and farming equipment from the original settlers. The cheese shop is worth stopping at too. Puhoi is a genuinely special little place that feels nothing like Auckland.”
— Google review
Where to Learn More
Puhoi River Canoe Hire
Kayak and canoe rental for the river paddle to Wenderholm, including bookings and shuttle information.
Puhoi Valley Artisan Cheese
Farm, cheese shop and café information including opening hours.
Auckland NZ — Puhoi Village
Overview of the village and activities from the official Auckland tourism site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Puhoi from Auckland?
About 45 minutes by car — take SH1 north past Silverdale and exit at Puhoi Road.
Can I canoe from Puhoi to Wenderholm?
Yes — Puhoi River Canoe Hire rents kayaks and canoes for the self-guided paddle, which takes 3–4 hours. Book ahead on weekends, especially in summer.
How old is the Puhoi Tavern?
It has been licensed since 1879, making it one of the oldest continuously licensed pubs in the Auckland region.
Is Puhoi Valley Cheese open to visitors?
Yes — the farm, café and cheese shop are open to visitors. Check their website for current hours as these can vary seasonally.
What’s at Wenderholm Regional Park?
Wenderholm is an Auckland Council regional park at the mouth of the Puhoi River with a sandy beach, picnic facilities and historic Couldrey House. It’s reachable by canoe or by road (about 15 minutes from Puhoi village).
Is there public transport to Puhoi?
No regular public transport runs to Puhoi — a car is required.
Puhoi is one of the most distinctive Day Trips from Auckland. Also north of Auckland: Matakana Village and Wineries and Whangaparāoa Peninsula.