Forests and forays 2025

Mushrooming 2025

If you’re keen to wander through woodsy areas looking at the ground (and the occasional tree) then you’ve come to the right place. Check the FAQ down below on what to expect! All events are free and open to everyone.

Glenbervie Forest, Saturday 9 August, 1pm

Note this one is a Saturday! Meet at the old Adventure Forest carpark. We’ll head into the forest from here, choosing our trail based on group fitness and ability. Note that we need to be mindful of mountain bikers while using the tracks.

Where we’ve been so far in 2025:

So far we’ve been to Whau Valley Dam, A.H. Reed Memorial Park, Mair Park, Coronation Scenic Reserve, Pukenui Forest and up the Maungatapere Mountain Trail. There’s been some fun finds and some puzzlers, can’t wait to see what we come across next.

Where we went for the 2024 season:

We checked out A.H. Reed Memorial Park, Glenbervie Forest, Mackerel Forest Track, Pukenui Forest (both Amalin Dr and Barge Park trailheads), Taheke Waterfall and Reotahi Coastal Walkway – finding some stunners including amazing cordyceps, crazy stinkhorns, bird’s nest fungi, puffballs, cup fungus and hedgehog jellies.

FAQs

What are we doing in the woods?

We’re looking for mushrooms and having a go at working out what genus and species they are. It’s a fun, relaxed ramble to see what we can see.

But can I eat them?

Maybe? We’re not foraging, we’re foraying – we might find edible mushrooms from time to time but that’s not the aim of the game.

What do I need to bring?

Yourself, sensible clothes/shoes for the forest (think mud and rain and cold), snacks/water, and your mushroom gear if you’re that way inclined – a hand lens, mirror for looking under caps, mushroom knife.

How long will each adventure take?

2-3 hours max, unless the weather turns vicious and makes us go home earlier. Most walks will be all-ages friendly, I’ll try and specify when/where the track we’re exploring is steep or difficult.

Do I have to RSVP

Flick a note to northlandfungi@gmail.com if you like, but feel free to just turn up. We will be leaving from the meeting points pretty promptly but with so many things to look at we won’t be moving fast!