Northland Fungi

Forests and forays 2026

Mushrooming 2026

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, 1pm Monday 1 June 2026

Making the most of the public holiday by adding mushrooms! Meet at the carpark on Maruata Rd before heading into the forest – route will be decided by group fitness level and capability, but 3 hours walking tops.

Bring yourself, sensible clothes/shoes, snacks/water, and your mushroom gear if you’re that way inclined – eg hand lens, mirror for looking under caps, field guide.
We’ll leave fairly promptly but we’ll be moving slowly so we can find as many things as possible.

Where we’ve gone in 2026 (so far):

Millington Bush (Kiwi North) and Pukenui Forest, Amalin Drive trailhead.

Where we went in 2025:

We shroomed out hearts out at Glenbervie Forest, Whau Valley Dam, A.H. Reed Memorial Park, Mair Park, Coronation Scenic Reserve, Pukenui Forest and up the Maungatapere Mountain Trail. There were some fun finds and some puzzlers, can’t wait to see what we come across in 2026!

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!