Donnellys Crossing: Kauri Forest and Railway History

Donnellys Crossing brings together Kauri forest in the nearby Trounson Kauri Park Scenic Reserve and visible traces of the area’s railway past. This makes it easy to put nature and history at the heart of your trip planning: a short walk through the forest, a look at local railway reminders and, if you’re thinking further afield in the Kaipara District, additional regional nature destinations.

Kauri Forest and a Short Walk

Near Donnellys Crossing, the 586-hectare Trounson Kauri Park Scenic Reserve lies in the upper Kaihu River Valley. Of this area, 445 hectares are forest, surrounded by land leased for grazing. The Trounson Kauri Park Loop Track is an easy, 1.6-kilometre circuit that takes about 40 minutes through an impressive stand of Kauri trees. This makes the walk a clearly defined way to spend time in the forest, while the area figures also show the reserve’s larger scale. A short section is wheelchair accessible; this does not automatically apply to the entire loop. Dogs are not allowed, and other pets are subject to the rules for conservation land.

In the Kaipara District, Trounson Kauri Park has been managed as a Mainland Island since 1995. The aim is to restore native biodiversity and give visitors a sense of what original Kauri forests are like. Threatened species in the park include the North Island brown kiwi, Kūkupa, pekapeka bats and Kauri snails. The park is therefore shaped not only by its Kauri forest, but also by the protection of native species and habitats.

Railway History Right in Town

The Kaihu Branch reached Donnelly’s Crossing in April 1923. An iron railway bridge on concrete piers spans a stream here that flows into the adjoining Waima River. The bridge, stream and river provide a tangible link to the former railway connection. There is also a metal train sculpture standing on both sides of a power pole, 20 metres from the store in Donnelly’s Crossing. The bridge and sculpture recall the railway history in different ways: one as a structure over water, the other as a local landmark near the store.

Regional Cycling Routes and Other Nature Destinations

Further afield, the Kaihu Valley Trail is part of the Heartland Rides network and the Kauri Coast Cycleway. These cycling routes run mostly along roads through the landscapes and small towns of Te Tai Tokerau/Northland. In the Kaipara District, the first section of the Kaihu Valley Trail was officially opened on 10 June 2023. This adds a regional perspective on cycling routes and landscapes to the local railway reminders; these details describe the broader context, not a specific day-trip route.

As another stand-alone destination in the Kaipara District, the Kai Iwi Lakes offer a different natural setting. They are located in a 538-hectare recreation reserve with white-sand freshwater dune lakes known for their clear water. The lakes are suitable for safe swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and waterskiing. Check the water conditions and safety requirements before taking part. In comparison, Donnellys Crossing is centred on Kauri forest and traces of the railway in town; the lakes provide a distinct focus on water and activities within the broader Kaipara District destination.

Choose the Focus of Your Stay

When looking for a holiday rental in Donnellys Crossing, you could first consider whether you want to focus on the nearby forest track and local railway relics. If you’re weighing up different nature experiences in the Kaipara District, you can consider the Kauri forests and Kai Iwi Lakes as separate travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Dargaville, Kaihu, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai, Paparoa, Maungaturoto, Baylys Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Kaipara District.