Warkworth

Warkworth is a town in the Auckland Region located at the uppermost navigable point of the Mahurangi River. It serves as a commercial hub and transport junction connecting the northern region with State Highway 1.

European settlement began in 1843 when John Anderson Brown established a timber mill, which led to official town foundation in 1853. This early milling operation became the foundation for the commercial hub that developed around river navigation and trade.

The Kowhai Festival brings the community together each year to celebrate the flowering season with markets, performances, and regional displays. Visitors can experience the local identity through these events and how residents use public spaces to mark seasonal changes.

The area is easily reached via the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway completed in 2021, making access from the north much simpler. From here, visitors can explore the northern Auckland Region or walk along the river and local streets.

The Warkworth Radio Astronomical Observatory was established in 1971 and served as one of New Zealand's primary telecommunications centers for international connections. The facility remains a quiet reminder of this place's role in the country's communication history.