WHANGAREI NEW ZEALAND Homepage for Whangarei New Zealand and the Northland Region of New Zealand.

Northland Walking Tracks Ake Ake Reserve Track This loop track begins at Opito Bay and enters the Ake Ake Historic Reserve. The track leads to a small beach in the Te Puna Inlet and to a pa site on Tareha Point. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1.4 km Completion Time:  30 min Arai te Uru Heritage Walk This short loop track takes you out to the Signal Station Point on the southern head of the Hokianga Harbour. It offers spectecular views up the harbour. Category:  Short walk Distance:  360 m Completion Time:  15 min return Brynderwyn Hills Walk The Brynderwyn Hills stretch from Mangawhai Heads on the east coast nearly halfway to the eastern arms of Kaipara Harbour. You can access the Brynderwyn Hills Walkway from the western or eastern end. Category:  Tramping track Busby Head Track Located in the Bream Head Scenic Reserve, Busby Track is an easy 3-km loop track that takes you around from Busby Head to Smugglers Bay. Category:  Walking track Distance:  3 km Completion Time:  1 hr Cape Brett Track The Cape Brett Track traverses rugged terrain for 20 km through native and regenerating bush. The challenging tramp follows along ridges that afford dramatic coastal views Category:  Tramping track Distance:  20 km Completion Time:  8 hr Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway This scenic track follows the rugged coastline of Cape Reinga and descends to Te Werahi and Twilight beaches. Self-sufficient camping is available. Category:  Walking track Distance:  53 km to Te Paki Stream Completion Time:  3-4 days to Te Paki Stream Cape Reinga Road to Pandora via Kauri Bush This 6-km walking track leads you past a remnant kauri forest to Pandora, a beautiful sandy bay. Category:  Walking track Distance:  6 km Completion Time:  2 hr Cape Reinga to Te Werahi Beach From Cape Reinga this 1.25-km track follows the West Coast leading you down past steep cliffs to the long, sweeping Te Werahi Beach. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1.25 km to Te Werahi Beach Completion Time:  30 min Cape Reinga Walk Take a short stroll from the Cape Reinga car park down to the lighthouse. From here you can enjoy the outstanding panoramic views and pay respect to a site that is steeped in Maori tradition. Category:  Easy access walk Distance:  100 m Completion Time:  10 min Dukes Nose (Kairara Rocks) Track To reach the top of Dukes Nose (Kairara Rocks), you must climb 500 m up a very steep track. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Whangaroa Harbour. Category:  Great walk/Easy tramping track Distance:  500 m Completion Time:  45 min one way Fladgate Track This short track near Russell offers visitors a pleasant walk through regenerating bush down to Waihihi Bay. Category:  Walking track Distance:  500 m Completion Time:  15 minutes Flagstaff Hill Track An important Bay of Islands landmark, you can reach Maiki/Flagstaff Hill by walking up a well-maintained track. The 2.5-km track climbs through regenerating coastal forest. Category:  Walking track Distance:  2.5 km Completion Time:  30 min Four Sisters Walk A stand of four impressive kauri trees, known as the Four Sisters, can be visited by taking a 10-minute walk in the Waipoua Forest. Category:  Short walk Distance:  350 m Completion Time:  10 min one way Harrison Scenic Reserve Walk The Harrison Scenic Reserve Walk near Opua is a 1.4-km track through some of the finest remaining coastal forest in the Bay of Islands. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1.4 km Completion Time:  30 min Hauturu Highpoint Track The 3.3-km scent from the Waiotemaramara Waterfall Loop Walk to Hauturu Highpoint is steep but the views obtained at the top are worth the climb. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  3.3 km one way Completion Time:  5 hr return Herekino Forest Track The 15-km Herekino Forest Track passes through forest that is home to many rare and threatened species including the North Island brown kiwi, long-tailed bat and kauri snail. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  15 km Completion Time:  9 hr Hokianga Kai Iwi Coastal Track Take this 50-km scenic tramping track along Northland's beautiful, wild Kauri Coast. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  50 km Completion Time:  15 hr Hongi Hika Walk Take a 1-km track through gum trees and regenerating native forest to the Kororipo Pa. The pa served as Hongi Hika’s coastal fortified settlement and played an important role in New Zealand’s musket war campaigns. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1 km Completion Time:  30 min Horokaka Track Horokaka Track is a challenging track that includes strenuous climbing. The track leads up to an old logging road and then follows the ridge to the Horokaka Transmitter. Category:  Tramping track Completion Time:  3 hr 30 min one way Kaitaia Walkway - route Take a 1.5-hour return walk on the Kaitaia Walkway to get to a lovely kauri grove. For the hearty tramper, continue on the walkway as it climbs up to a saddle which affords panoramic views. Category:  Route Distance:  4 km Completion Time:  1.5 hr Kaitaia Walkway - short walk Take a 1.5-hour return walk on the Kaitaia Walkway to get to a lovely kauri grove. For the hearty tramper, continue on the walkway as it climbs up to a saddle which affords panoramic views. Category:  Short walk Distance:  4 km Completion Time:  1.5 hr Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) to Pandora This 4-hour walk along beautiful Spirits Bay takes you to Pandora where you can stop to observe shore birds or camp for the night. Category:  Walking track Distance:  8.5 km Completion Time:  4 hr Karikari Bay Track This very short track takes you to a long, white sandy beach. Category:  Short walk Distance:  300 m Completion Time:  5 min Kauri Bushmans Walk This short kauri forest walk provides an easy opportunity to enjoy the unique kauri forest environment. Category:  Short walk Distance:  300 m Completion Time:  15 min loop Kauri Dam Walk This easy walk takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. On the Kauri Dam Walk you’ll meander through regenerating forest and by the remains of an old timber dam before coming to a viewing area. Category:  Walking track Completion Time:  1 hr 45 min return Kauri Grove Track Follow the Kauri Grove Track through a podocarp/broadleaf forest before coming to a small grove of mature kauri. The walk may require skill and an average level of fitness. Category:  Walking track Completion Time:  3 hr return Kauri Rickers Walk Walk up a short track that climbs through a stand of young kauri ‘rickers’ and offers scenic views of the Waipoua River. Category:  Walking track Distance:  200 m Completion Time:  10 min Kauri Stump Walk In the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary you’ll be able to take the Kauri Stump Walk to see the remains of one of the largest kauri trees ever felled. Category:  Walking track Distance:  70 m Completion Time:  3 min Kerikeri River Track This easy 3.5-km walk follows the north bank of the Kerikeri River and crosses through regenerating forest. After passing remnants of a power house, you’ll come to the Wharepoke and Rainbow falls. Category:  Walking track Distance:  3.5 km Completion Time:  1 hr 30 min Kororipo Pa Historic Walk An 800-m track leads to the Kororipo Pa which served as a coastal fishing village, a fortified base for war parties and a trading post. Category:  Short walk Distance:  800 m Completion Time:  30 min Lake Ngatu Track Just a 15-minute drive north of Kaitaia, Lake Ngatu is a freshwater dune lake and recreation reserve. The lake is popular with water sport enthusiasts and other day visitors. Category:  Walking track Distance:  4 km Completion Time:  1 hr Lookout Track The 2.5-km track connects the Kauri Coast Visitor Centre to the lookout. The track traverses through a regenerating manuka and podocarp/hardwood forest. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  2.5 km Completion Time:  1 hr Mangawhai Walk This 5-km Mangawhai Track traverses across beaches, cliff tops, farmlands and bush areas. You may be able to enjoy views of Bream Head all the way down to the Hauraki Gulf. Category:  Walking track Distance:  5 km Completion Time:  2 - 3 hr return Manginangina Kauri Walk The short Manginangina Kauri Walk follows a boardwalk that winds through a mature stand of kauri and swamp forest. It’s a track that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Category:  Easy access walk Distance:  350 m Completion Time:  15 min Marsden Cross Track Take the Marsden Cross Track to view the cross that commemorates the first mission settlement and first Christian service conducted in New Zealand. Category:  Walking track Distance:  2.3 km Completion Time:  40 min Motuarohia (Roberton) Island TrackOnce out on the water from Paihia or Russell, the first island you see is Motuarohia (Roberton). It features two beautiful lagoons and is the most photographed location in the Bay of Islands. Category:  Walking track Distance:  350 m Completion Time:  15 min Motukawanui Island Track The Motukawanui Island Track traverses Motukawanui Island, which is the largest island in the Cavalli Island group. The island features archaeological sites and is home to many native birds, including the endangered NZ dotterel. Category:  Walking track Distance:  3.5 km Completion Time:  1 hr 50 min Moturua Island Track This 4-km loop track skirts Moturua Island. The island’s regenerating forest is home to rare native wildlife, including the North Island robin and New Zealand dotterel. Category:  Walking track Distance:  4.6 km loop Completion Time:  2.5 hr Motutara Recreation Reserve walk The Motutara Recreation Reserve lies halfway between Russell and Whangarei. At the reserve you’ll find several small beaches and some good fishing and diving spots. Category:  Short walk Distance:  2.5 km Mount Manaia Track Located at Taurikura Bay, the 3.4-km track leads you through regenerating native bush to the summit of Mount Manaia. Category:  Walking track Distance:  3.5 km Completion Time:  1 hr 30 hr to summit or 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr return to carpark Mount Tutamoe Track Take a 2-hour climb through Kaihu Forest to the top of Mount Tutamoe and you will be rewarded by stunning, panoramic views. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  4 km Completion Time:  2 hr one way Ngaiotonga - Kauri Grove Walk Majestic kauri trees and stunning native bush can be seen on the short and easy Ngaiotonga Kauri Grove Walk. The track is just 16 km from Russell. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1 km Completion Time:  20 min Ngaiotonga – Twin Bole Track The Ngaiotonga-Twin Bole Track meanders through stunning native bush before leading to an enormous kauri tree with twin trunks. The short track is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Category:  Walking track Distance:  200 - 300 m Completion Time:  5 min Northern Tangihua Route The Northern Tangihua Route links up with other tracks in the Tangihua Forest. Category:  Route Completion Time:  2 - 3 hr Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary Walk The giant kauri in the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary were protected from logging in 1951. This short loop track leads you through a stand of mature kauri. Category:  Walking track Distance:  550 m Completion Time:  30 min Onekura & Mangahorehore tracks Tramping tracks for experienced trampers with good route-finding abilities. Both these routes descend to the Waipapa River. Category:  Tramping track Opua Forest Paihia Lookout Track Follow this walking track through regenerating forest to a lookout that offers stunning views over Waitangi, the Bay of Islands and Russell. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1.5 km Completion Time:  1 hr return Oromahoe Road Traverse This track near Paihia follows a ridgeline through regenerating podocarp/hardwood forest. Category:  Walking track Distance:  6 km Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min one way Otaika Valley Walk The Otaika Valley Walkway offers you a variety of landscapes including farmland and native forest. Category:  Walking track Distance:  6 km one way Completion Time:  2 hr one way Otito Track The Otito Track meanders through forest before leading you to several small sandy beaches. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1.2 km loop Completion Time:  30 min Pa Road Walk The short Pa Road Walk links Pa Road to the Kerikeri Basin. Category:  Short walk Distance:  500 m Completion Time:  15 min Pandora to Tapotupotu Bay This 9-km walk between Pandora and Tapotupotu Bay mainly follows old farm tracks until you reach idyllic Tapotupotu Bay. Category:  Walking track Distance:  9 km Completion Time:  3 hr 15 min Pataua Island Track Pataua Island Track is a short access track that skirts the Pataua Estuary and leads you to a lovely beach. Category:  Short walk Peach Cove Track The 2-hour return walk along the Peach Cove Track requires skill and a reasonable level of fitness. The track has several steep climbs before it drops down to Peach Cove’s sandy beach. Category:  Walking track Distance:  3.6 km to Peach Cove Completion Time:  2 hr Peninsula Loop Walk The Loop Walk around the headland provides a little of everything that Mimiwhangata has to offer. Category:  Walking track Distance:  4.5 km Completion Time:  1 hr 30 min - 2 hr Pirau Ridge Track The Pirau Ridge Track in Puketi Forest is an easy 11-km walking track. The old logging road provides walking and mountain biking opportunities. Category:  Walking track Distance:  11 km Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min Piroa Falls Track Follow a 200-m track across the Ahuroa River and on to the picturesque Piroa Falls. The river has many suitable swimming holes along the track, making it a fun family walk. Category:  Short walk Distance:  200 m Completion Time:  10 min Pukatea Ridge Route Trampers interested in taking the Pukatea Ridge Route in the Puketi Forest should have a high degree of skill and experience, as well as route-finding abilities. The route connects with the Waipapa River Track. Category:  Route Distance:  3.8 km Completion Time:  2 hr Pukekohe Stream Track The Pukekohe Stream Track offers visitors the opportunity to view a regenerating kauri forest. A side track leads to an unusual stand of kauri and hard beech. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  3.3 km Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min Pukenui Walk The Pukenui Walk is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels. It crosses through farmlands and native forests before climbing up a steep ridge and bringing you back to the forest entrance. Category:  Walking track Puketi Nature Trail You can access the Puketi Nature Trail from the Puketi Recreation area. The loop track winds through a beautiful kauri forest. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1.6 km Completion Time:  1 hr return Puriri Track One of the bush walks at Mimiwhangata, the track leads you to the top of the ridge with impressive views of the peninsula and out towards the Poor Knights Islands. Category:  Walking track Distance:  4.5 km Completion Time:  1 hr 30 min - 2 hr return Rainbow Falls Walk A short walk along the Kerikeri River leads visitors to the stunning Rainbow Falls. Category:  Easy access walk Distance:  400 m Completion Time:  10 min Ruakaka Pipeline Road Track Ruakaka Pipeline Road Track is considered suitable for people of most fitness levels. The 3-km track provides back dune access to Bream Bay. Category:  Walking track Distance:  3 km Completion Time:  1 hr Ruapekapeka Pa Track A 30-minute walk leads you to Ruapekapeka Pa, which is where the final battle of ‘War of the North’ was waged. The pa is considered one of the most significant historic sites in New Zealand. Category:  Easy access walk Distance:  1.5 km loop Completion Time:  30 min return Russell Forest walks (Ngaiotonga to Russell Forest) This 21-km track along the Ngaiotonga Saddle leads you through beautiful Russell Forest and provides an amazing view of the Bay of Islands and the Whangaruru Harbour. Category:  Walking track St Paul's Rock Follow this track to St Paul’s Rock above the town of Whangaroa to see spectacular views of the harbour. Category:  Walking track Distance:  500 m Completion Time:  30 min Taheke Waterfall Track This lovely 3-km loop track leads through a grove of regenerating kauri and offers views of the Taheke Waterfall. Category:  Walking track Distance:  3 km loop Completion Time:  2 hr return Tane Mahuta Track Visit Tane Mahuta, New Zealand's largest known living kauri tree. Category:  Easy access walk Distance:  200 m Completion Time:  5 min one way Tangihua Forest Nature Walk This nature walk winds through native forest and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. Category:  Walking track Completion Time:  1 hr 45 min Tangihua Main Ridge Track The Tangihua Main Ridge Track links the Horokaka Track and the Te Haua Uru Track forming a loop that takes about 9 hours to complete. It’s a route that should only be tackled by experienced trampers. Category:  Route Completion Time:  2 - 3 hr Tapeka Point This easy track is just 1 km north of Maiki/Flagstaff Hill, near Russell. Tapeka Point is the perfect base for exploring this part of the Bay of Islands by land or water. Category:  Walking track Distance:  500 m Completion Time:  15 min Tapotupotu Bay to Cape Reinga This 4.5-km track takes you past the lovely beach of Sandy Bay to the Cape Reinga lighthouse. Category:  Walking track Distance:  4.5 km Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min one way Taronui Bay Recreation Reserve track The track through a mix of pasture and lightly wooded landscape leads you to stunning Taronui Bay with its white sand beach sheltered by a reef. Category:  Walking track Distance:  7.4 km return Completion Time:  45 - 60 min one way Te Haua Uru Track The Te Haua Uru Track is located in the Tangihua Forest and links with the Horokaka Track and Tangihua Main Ridge Track to form a loop that will take experienced trampers 9 hours to complete. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  4 km Completion Time:  3 hr 45 min to junction Te Matua Ngahere Walk Take a 20-minute walk in Waipoua Forest to view the world’s second largest living kauri (Te Matua Ngahere). Category:  Short walk Distance:  730 m Completion Time:  20 min one way Te Werahi Beach to Twilight Beach Experience gorgeous peach-coloured dunes, unusual dune grasses, and views of Cape Maria van Diemen and Motuopao Island on this 3-hour track to Twilight Beach. Category:  Walking track Distance:  7.25 km Completion Time:  3 hr Te Werahi Gate/Twilight - Te Werahi Loop The round-trip walk is 16 km in length and takes 4.5–5 hours to complete. The walkway crosses farmlands and dunes. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  16 km loop Completion Time:  4 hr 30 min - 5 hr return Te Whara Track The 7.5-km Te Whara Track follows an ancient Maori trail from Urquharts Bay to Ocean Beach. Individuals walking this Bream Head Scenic Reserve track should be experienced and fit. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  7.5 km Completion Time:  5 hr Toatoa Track This short loop track in Waipoua Forest is 2 km south of the forest lookout. Fine examples of toatoa (blue celery pine) and other podocarps can be seen from the track. Category:  Short walk Distance:  200 m Completion Time:  10 min Tohumoana Lookout Track This bush walk at Mimiwhangata offers superb views of Mimiwhangata, the coast and the Poor Knights Islands: Category:  Walking track Distance:  4 km Completion Time:  1 hr 30 min - 2 hr return Tokatoka Scenic Reserve Walk Take a 20-min climb to the top of Tokatoka and enjoy the stunning, near 360-degree views. Category:  Walking track Distance:  354 m Completion Time:  20 min one way to summit Toretore Island Located near Russell, you can access Toretore Island by crossing a shingle bank at mid-to-low tide. The track winds through a totara forest as it traverses the island. Category:  Walking track Distance:  700 m Completion Time:  5 min Trounson Kauri Park Walk Take an easy 40-minute loop walk through a spectacular stand of kauri and experience the unique character of this ancient forest. Category:  Easy access walk Distance:  1.6 km Completion Time:  40 min loop track Tutukaka Head Tutukaka Head has a number of good beaches and is a great place for swimming, boating, fishing, surfing and diving. The site’s main walking track leads to the Tutukaka Lighthouse. Category:  Walking track Distance:  2 km Completion Time:  1 hr Twilight Beach to Te Paki Stream This 4-hour track leads you past Scott Point to the famous 90 Mile Beach and the Te Paki sand dunes. Category:  Walking track Distance:  12 km Completion Time:  4 hr Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk The archaeological walk on Urupukapuka Island is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels. It's a great place to learn about the area’s Maori history. Category:  Walking track Distance:  7.3 km Completion Time:  5 hr Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk Take the Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk and discover the Pirau Waterfall. The track makes its way through a range of forest species including puriri, taraire, nikau and virgin kauri trees. Category:  Walking track Distance:  2.6 km Completion Time:  2 hr return Waiotemarama Waterfall Loop Walk This attractive 3-hour loop walk to the Waiotemarama Waterfall features gorges, waterfalls and bush scenes. Category:  Walking track Distance:  2.5 km Completion Time:  3 hr return Waipapa River Track The Waipapa River Track is a scenic two-day tramp that follows the Waipapa River through the heart of Puketi Forest. The tramp is only recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers. Category:  Tramping track Completion Time:  2 days Waipu Caves Walk A 2-km walk leads you to Waipu Caves. Once in the limestone caves you’ll find stalagtites, stalagmites and glow worms near the entrance. Category:  Walking track Distance:  2 km Completion Time:  1 hr each way Wairakau Stream Track This track is for experienced trampers. It first climbs over a saddle to an old farm road and then descends through regenerating forest to Wairakau Stream. It ends at Lane Cove Hut. Category:  Great walk/Easy tramping track Distance:  5.6 km Completion Time:  2 hr Walnut Track Walnut Track in the Puketi Forest is a steep ridge track through beautiful kauri forest. The track is recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  2 km Completion Time:  45 min Warawara (Mitimiti to Pawarenga) Track This 22-km tramping track offers the back country adventurer a great tramping experience in one of Northland's wilderness area. Category:  Tramping track Distance:  22 km Completion Time:  2 days Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve walk Just north of Hikurangi lies the Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve. A track through the 7.5-hectare reserve takes you around spectacular limestone formations. Category:  Walking track Distance:  1 km Completion Time:  20 min Watkin Powell Track, Otamure Bay At Otamure Bay Campsite you’ll find the Watkin Powell Track. The short track leads to a sandy, secluded beach at Tauwhara Bay. Category:  Walking track Distance:  400 m Whakapono and Tumanako tracks The Whakapono and Tumanako tracks form a loop. Plan for the walk to take about 6.5 hours if you wish to complete the full loop. Category:  Walking track Whananaki Coastal Walk This 5-km coastal walk runs along the east coast between Sandy Bay and Whananaki South and features excellent views of the coast and the Poor Knights Islands. Category:  Walking track Distance:  5 km Completion Time:  3 hr one way Whangamumu Track Take the Whangamumu Track for an easy forest and beach walk to Whangamumu Harbour and Te Toroa Bay. The harbour was where one of New Zealand’s last shore-based whaling stations existed. Category:  Walking track Distance:  4.2 km Completion Time:  1 hr Whangaruru North Head walking tracks The Whangaruru North Head Walking Tracks can be accessed from the popular campsite at Puriri Bay. The tracks follow through native forest and ridgelines before dropping down into secluded bays. Category:  Walking track Yakas Kauri Walk A 40-minute walk on well-surfaced track leads you to Cathedral Grove. In the grove stands the Yakas Kauri, the seventh largest kauri in Waipoua Forest. Category:  Short walk Distance:  1.7 km Completion Time:  40 min